Recent practice shows that traffic police inspectors actively participate in a variety of enforcement operations, including inspections aimed at identifying violations related to vehicle coloring, re-equipment, and other associated activities. A natural question arises: do these inspectors have the authority to assess the technical condition of vehicles without the presence of an employee from the technical supervision department?
In Russia, the regulatory framework governing road safety is anchored in the regulations of the State Inspectorate for Road Safety under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This framework is codified in a decree issued by the President of the Russian Federation on June 15, 1996, No. 711. The decree defines a broad spectrum of duties for the State Traffic Inspectorate, including the implementation of state control and supervision of compliance with regulatory acts that establish requirements for vehicle design, equipment, and the technical condition of motor vehicles, trailers, and their additional equipment while in use. In practical terms, this means authorities are empowered to verify that vehicles circulating on public roads meet the established safety standards and that any modifications or equipment additions do not compromise road safety.
According to departmental regulatory acts issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, the performance of these tasks is carried out, among other units, by personnel from the road patrol service. The regulatory framework does not require the presence of employees from the technical supervision units in every inspection. Instead, the inspection can be conducted by road patrol officers who are charged with ensuring compliance with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements. This arrangement reflects a division of responsibilities where road patrols enforce general safety rules on the street, and technical supervision divisions provide specialized oversight when required.
From a practical standpoint, this means road patrol inspectors may initiate checks related to the technical condition of vehicles without a dedicated technical supervision officer on the scene. During such checks, inspectors assess factors such as the integrity of essential systems, compliance with permissible modifications, and overall vehicle safety. If any deficiency is detected, officers have the authority to demand corrective actions, including the possibility of temporary removal from service or mandatory repairs, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. Vehicle owners should be prepared to present relevant documentation, including registration papers, evidence of compliance with technical standards, and any permits related to modifications or aftermarket equipment. In some cases, a more detailed technical evaluation may be requested from a specialized department or a certified expert to determine the safety implications of identified issues. [Citation: State Inspectorate for Road Safety, Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation]