Lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party, led by party leader Leonid Slutsky, plan to submit to the State Duma on November 13 a bill that would invalidate international and foreign driver’s licenses in Russia whenever a traffic violation occurs. This approach is being presented as a measure to curb unsafe driving by drivers who hold foreign documents. The proposal and its timing have circulated in recent discussions about road safety and enforcement in the country.
Under the draft, when an administrative offense in the field of road traffic is confirmed and the decision becomes final, foreign and international licenses would be treated as invalid for driving in Russia. The rule is framed as a straightforward consequence of a court or administrative decision, designed to ensure that drivers with foreign credentials face immediate operational limitations within the Russian road system until the matter is resolved through the proper channels.
The bill’s authors argue that the move is necessary due to a rise in road incidents involving drivers who hold licenses issued abroad. The goal cited is to increase accountability and reduce risk on Russian roads by ensuring that violations carried out by nonresident or foreign-licensed drivers are met with clear, enforceable penalties that can affect their driving privileges within the country.
In connected developments, reports surfaced about Georgy Dzhikia, a former Spartak Moscow captain who currently plays for Khimki near Moscow. It is claimed that he has violated more than two thousand traffic rules since 2021. While such assertions circulate in local discussions about road discipline, they have been cited in contexts describing how high-profile cases can influence public debate on licensing and enforcement. The exact circumstances and official findings regarding any individual case remain matters for judicial or administrative review rather than conclusions drawn from rumor alone.
Authorities have also urged drivers to report violations promptly if they observe or become aware of offenses. The emphasis is placed on timely reporting to maintain the integrity of traffic enforcement and to support a consistent application of rules that apply to all drivers, regardless of their licensing origin. The message reflects a broader effort to strengthen compliance and transparency in how traffic infractions are addressed within the Russian system.
The proposed measure highlights several practical implications for visitors, students, workers, and expatriates who operate vehicles inside Russia. Foremost is the potential impact on people who rely on foreign licenses during temporary stays or who regularly commute across borders. If implemented, the policy would require careful navigation through licensing recognition rules, local enforcement practices, and the appeals process. For Canada and the United States, where many travelers and residents hold foreign licenses when visiting Russia, the change could complicate short-term driving arrangements and create a need for clearer guidance on how foreign documents are treated in traffic matters. Analysts note that such a policy could interact with existing reciprocity agreements and international agreements related to driver qualifications, adding a layer of complexity to how licenses are treated on Russian roads and during interactions with law enforcement.
Politically, the bill underscores a push by the LDPR to emphasize safety and control on transport networks, while drawing attention to the role of foreign-licensed drivers in the country’s road safety landscape. Supporters argue that a clear consequence helps deter violations and signals accountability, especially in cases where nonresident or transient drivers are involved. Critics, meanwhile, point to potential legal ambiguities, practical enforcement challenges, and the broader impact on international visitors who contribute to business, tourism, and cultural exchange. Debates are likely to explore how final decisions are defined, what constitutes a valid basis for revoking a foreign license, and how the process safeguards due process for drivers contesting penalties.