Automobile expert Igor Morzharetto and the head of the “Ensuring Road Safety” system Konstantin Krokhmal spoke with RT about a new service on Gosuslugi designed to make buying and selling cars safer. The interlocutors point out that today most transactions on the secondary market occur between private individuals. They describe a landscape where many deals rely on informal written agreements, with keys and documents exchanged and the parties parting ways without formal safeguards. This approach, Morzharetto notes, is risky because sellers and buyers often do not know each other, and hidden problems can surface after the fact. The expert stresses that the new service includes verification of both the seller and the buyer, which could reduce the number of risky, unverified transactions and build trust in private car deals. He also expressed cautious optimism that the platform could gain traction and prove beneficial if the verification process is robust.
Konstantin Krokhmal added that the service is not merely about streamlining the process of buying and selling cars. It is expected to stimulate activity in the used car market by giving participants greater confidence and clearer terms for completing deals. A more transparent workflow and verifiable identities could encourage more people to participate in private transactions rather than shying away from the market altogether. This shift would align with broader efforts to modernize vehicle trade and enhance consumer protection in the automotive sector.
On December 4, officials announced the launch of a service within the State Services where buyers and sellers can conduct car transactions with added safety. Parties sign an electronic purchase and sale contract, and the reliability of the transaction is backed by a letter of credit. The money is released to the seller only after the car is registered with the traffic police in the buyer’s name, creating a clear and auditable sequence of steps that reduces the likelihood of fraud or miscommunication. This framework aims to provide both sides with tangible instruments of trust, from electronic documentation to a guarded payment mechanism that is activated by official vehicle registration.
Earlier reporting indicated that Gosuslugi would test the service as a passport replacement in 2024, signaling a broader ambition to use digital verification to streamline everyday government and civil transactions. The current rollout of the car transaction tool appears to build on that momentum, expanding the portal’s role as a centralized, trustworthy platform for essential services. By integrating identity verification, secure payment methods, and formalized contract procedures, the service seeks to create a safer environment for individuals who buy or sell used vehicles. Observers note that success will depend on consistent enforcement, user-friendly interfaces, and clear guidance for participants who are unfamiliar with electronic contracts or formal payment instruments. These elements will be crucial to ensuring broad adoption and real improvements in transaction safety across the market.