A new statute issued by the Russian government tightens the criteria for individuals who may work as taxi drivers and in other public transportation roles. The measure, published on the official portal of legal information, directs that certain applicants with criminal records are barred from taking on roles behind the wheel for passenger services. The intent is to add protective safeguards for passengers by ensuring that those who have engaged in serious criminal activity are not placed in situations where their conduct could affect the safety of the public or the reliability of transportation networks. The document outlines a clear boundary: employment in taxi services, city buses, trolleybuses, trams, and metro operations is restricted for individuals with prior convictions deemed severe or mid-level and related offenses. This reflects a broader public safety objective and aligns with how many jurisdictions assess the risk profile of workers operating high‑risk, passenger‑carrying roles. The emphasis is on reducing exposure to potential violence, theft, or other crimes that could compromise day‑to‑day transportation safety and service integrity.
The law specifies that the ban covers convictions for a spectrum of offenses. These include murders, robberies, intentional harm, and crimes against sexual integrity, as well as offenses involving crimes against the constitutional order and state security. The scope is wide enough to encompass acts that indicate a high risk of harmful behavior, with the underlying aim of ensuring that drivers who interact directly with the public are subject to stringent scrutiny. By limiting employment opportunities for those with such records, authorities seek to minimize the likelihood of incidents that could endanger passengers, drivers, and the general commuting environment. The policy thereby reinforces a safety‑first approach in everyday public transport operations, while signaling a clear standard for qualification that employers must verify during hiring processes.
In addition to the prohibition itself, the document states that employers will terminate driver contracts if applicants fail to provide a valid criminal record certificate. This requirement creates a formal compliance pathway for screening new hires and existing staff, ensuring that background checks are a routine part of recruitment and ongoing employment in passenger transport roles. The rule applies not only to citizens of Russia but also to nationals from member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, reflecting regional cooperation on road safety standards and personnel screening. The directive reinforces the principle that transparent disclosure and verification of criminal history are essential steps in maintaining a trustworthy, safety‑conscious transportation system. It also places a responsibility on employers to enforce these checks consistently, minimizing loopholes that could otherwise undermine passenger protection and public confidence in urban and regional transit networks.
Official statements on the measure indicate that the government approved the bill with the goal of improving road safety across the country. The enacted policy signals a commitment to strengthening oversight of who is entrusted with operating public transport vehicles. It is part of a broader trend toward stricter vetting and higher standards for drivers that many observers view as a pragmatic response to evolving safety concerns. For residents and visitors relying on taxis and public conveyance, this legislative change is intended to create a more predictable and safer ride experience. While the immediate impact will depend on enforcement practices and the efficiency of background checks, the long‑term expectation is a transportation sector that prioritizes the safety of passengers through rigorous eligibility criteria for drivers, better documentation, and clearer accountability for employers who hire and manage personnel responsible for public mobility.