In a recent interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, the head of the traffic police discussed a future when drivers may not need to carry paper copies of documents to their cars. Mikhail Chernikov explained that at present only one document can be officially submitted to an inspector in electronic form, and that is the vehicle registration certificate.
Yet a simple photo saved in a phone gallery will not suffice. To use the new capability, the Gosuslugi.Auto app must be installed on the device, and the vehicle ownership documents must be loaded into the app.
When these prerequisites are met, a QR code generated automatically within the app can be shown during document checks. According to the department head, any traffic inspector can scan this code, and all field officers have the required equipment for scanning.
The feature remains experimental because several limitations still exist. For example, it is unclear what happens in areas with no internet connectivity. In such cases, inspectors currently retain the right to request a paper version of the document.
Nevertheless, Chernikov indicated that efforts are underway to improve internet coverage along major routes. He also noted that a similar verification system for a driver’s license could become possible as early as next year.
— Driving — can be read in Viber [citation attributed to official communications].