LDPR Bill Proposes Abolishing the Transport Tax and Streamlining Vehicle Registration
Representatives from the LDPR faction, under the leadership of party chairman Leonid Slutsky, introduced a bill aimed at the complete elimination of the transport tax in Russia. This development is reported by TASS, which references the text of the proposed law. The core argument put forward by the authors is that the transport tax sits atop a diverse system of taxes and duties and is subjected to multiple layers of taxation, including fuel excise taxes. The explanatory note accompanying the document notes that consumption taxes are embedded in the price of fuel used by a vehicle during travel, meaning that longer trips translate into a higher tax burden for drivers. The reasoning emphasizes that the tax increases with vehicle use and travel distance (TASS report). (TASS)
According to Leonid Slutsky, drivers already shoulder significant costs through fuel excise taxes and ongoing vehicle maintenance, including upkeep and gasoline expenses. The draft law has been forwarded to the Russian government for consideration and comment, marking an early step in the legislative process. The State Duma previously approved the bill in its first reading, signaling a formal move toward potential changes in the tax framework for road transport. (State Duma)
Among the bill’s provisions, it is stated that if a car is stolen and the theft is officially reported, the vehicle owner may apply to have the registration deregistered. This, proponents argue, could prevent the obligation to pay transport tax for a vehicle that is not in use due to theft. The measure is presented as a simplification of the vehicle registration process and aims to reduce bureaucratic friction for owners dealing with stolen vehicles. (Document text)
Another element of the bill seeks to allow deregistration to occur immediately after the sale of a vehicle, rather than after the current ten-day waiting period. This change would align the deregistration timeline more closely with real-world ownership transfers, potentially reducing administrative delays for new owners and lowering transitional tax obligations. (Document text)
Earlier reports indicated that the State Duma did not adopt plans to compensate victims for damage under compulsory motor liability insurance related to icicles falling on cars. This aspect of the discussion reflects the broader debates surrounding vehicle-related risks and the scope of insurance coverage in the context of environmental and weather-related incidents. (News report)
As the discussion moves forward, observers note that the proposed package of reforms would interact with existing revenue mechanisms, vehicle maintenance costs, and the overall administration of motor policy. Supporters argue that replacing or removing the transport tax could reduce the financial burden on drivers who already contribute through fuel taxes and upkeep. Critics, however, warn of potential revenue gaps and the need to preserve funding for road maintenance and infrastructure. The draft law therefore serves as a focal point for broader policy questions about taxation, ownership, and the practicalities of vehicle regulation in the modern Russian economy. (Commentary from policy observers)