The inspection rules for vehicles in Russia are changing, with a rollout starting on September 1. A state-wide shift aims to streamline the process and lessen the administrative burden on businesses while keeping essential safety checks intact. The reform is being communicated as a practical update designed to simplify routine maintenance without compromising road safety or the overall integrity of the inspection regime.
Under the revised framework, the mandatory checklist has been trimmed from 82 items to 55, a reduction that translates into a swifter, more focused inspection. Practically, this means certain items that previously required verification will no longer be systematically examined during routine maintenance. Specific examples cited include the first aid kit, fire extinguisher, the display of an emergency stop sign, engine oil leakage checks, the operation of windshield washer fluid, the condition of brake pipes, and measurements of engine exhaust noise. The broader objective is to eliminate redundancies and concentrate on elements that most directly influence vehicle safety and roadworthiness. At the same time, inspectors will continue to monitor the presence of air leaks and exhaust gas leaks, even as they bypass individual components of the exhaust system—such as the exhaust manifold, muffler, and converter—during the inspection. This nuance signals a shift toward a more risk-based approach, where critical safety indicators are prioritized while less impactful routine checks are streamlined.
The update was formalized through a Government Decree prepared by the Ministry of Transport. Its stated purpose is to ease the inspection process and reduce the regulatory load on businesses, especially those operating fleets or providing essential transport services. Importantly, the cadence of inspections remains unchanged, preserving the established intervals that businesses and private owners are accustomed to. This balance aims to support economic activity and logistics efficiency while continuing to uphold standards that protect drivers, passengers, and the public on Russian roads. The decree reflects a broader trend toward regulatory modernization, leveraging clearer criteria and focused verification to achieve safety outcomes without imposing unnecessary administrative friction. As the new rules take effect, fleet managers and vehicle owners are encouraged to adapt their maintenance planning, inventory, and internal compliance practices to align with the reduced checklist and the clarified inspection scope. The approach underscores a move toward more predictable processes, helping drivers anticipate what will be checked and what will not, while maintaining vigilance over critical safety parameters that impact on-road performance and environmental considerations.