The State Duma Committee on State Construction and Legislation has urged the Parliamentary Assembly to adopt in the first reading a bill that would levy a fine of up to 5,000 rubles on drivers who repeatedly operate a vehicle without a valid compulsory motor third party liability insurance policy. This initiative is framed as a step toward strengthening the safety net surrounding road traffic incidents and ensuring that victims receive timely support. The committee underscored that the proposed measures are intended to protect the rights of citizens involved in traffic accidents and to create a deterrent against the most persistent violations. In its assessment, the committee emphasized that the issue is not merely about compliance on paper but about reducing the financial and legal ambiguity that can arise when a driver habitually bypasses mandatory insurance. The proposal thus aims to establish clearer consequences for repeated noncompliance while preserving due process for those who may face extenuating circumstances. The broader goal, in the committee’s view, is to align penalties with the public interest in safer roads and fair compensation mechanisms for accident victims, all within a predictable legislative framework that municipalities and enforcement bodies can apply consistently.
The measure originated with the parliament of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic. The bill would set fines for repeated driving without compulsory motor liability insurance at a range between 3,000 and 5,000 rubles, depending on the specifics of a violation and its recurrence. While describing the penalty structure, proponents signal that the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation may require amendments to accommodate the new scheme and to ensure a coherent and enforceable approach across regions. The initiative signals a broader attempt to harmonize enforcement with the demands of contemporary road safety policy, while also providing a framework for proportional punishment that reflects the seriousness of repeated noncompliance without overburdening motorists who may be legitimate cases for leniency or correction.
Earlier discussions have floated the possibility that the Ministry of Internal Affairs might remove the MTPL policy from the list of documents required for vehicle registration. This prospective change would simplify the administrative process for registering a car but could also raise concerns about verifying ongoing insurance coverage and ensuring that drivers remain compliant after registration. The debate hinges on striking a balance between operational efficiency in registration procedures and maintaining a reliable standard of insurance protection for all road users. Officials argue that simplification could reduce overhead and speed up registration, while critics caution that it might unintentionally weaken the insured status of vehicles and complicate post-registration enforcement. The outcome of these discussions could shape how agencies verify insurance status in real time and whether additional verification steps would be introduced in other parts of the system.
Draft amendments to the administrative regulations concerning vehicle registration have already been published for public discussion. Previously, the rule that would remove compulsory motor liability insurance from the list of required documents was included in the law governing state vehicle registration. The current discussions indicate a push toward streamlined processes that still safeguard consumers and ensure accountability for insurance coverage. The proposed changes are slated to take effect on a fixed timeline, with March 1, 2025 cited as a key milestone in earlier communications. As stakeholders weigh the benefits of faster registration against potential gaps in verification, policymakers seek a clear and transparent path that can be implemented with minimal friction for drivers while upholding the integrity of the insurance system and the reliability of official records.
In another development, the State Duma gave its initial approval to a separate measure that would enable the registration of traffic accidents through the state online services platform. This move is part of a broader modernization effort aimed at centralizing reporting, accelerating information flows, and improving the accuracy of accident data. Advocates argue that digital coordination can reduce bureaucratic delays, ensure quicker access to records for victims and insurers, and support more effective enforcement of insurance requirements. Critics, however, call for careful safeguards to protect privacy and to prevent any unintended obstacles for individuals seeking timely relief after a collision. Taken together, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to reforming how traffic incidents are documented, insured, and processed within the administrative framework, with direct implications for the MTPL regime and for the efficiency of road safety administration.