Traffic police in some regions have asserted the power to suspend a driver’s license if they have taken medications that appear on a government list. This policy has stirred debate after a decree old enough to still influence current practice. A lawyer for the drivers’ movement, Sergei Radko, explained that the old list does not apply to the Ministry of Health’s newer catalog, causing a strong public reaction. Some items on the newer list still carry the label absent, which has added to the confusion.
Radko noted that the more than two hundred drugs on the older list in practice only gain bite if amendments are made to the Administrative Offenses Law. A decision of the Constitutional Court in November 2022 clarified that a driver’s license can be taken only when drugs containing narcotics, psychotropic substances, or ethanol are detectable in the blood. The Ministry of Health’s newer list mirrors this by including similar substances, which appear in a separate government list of narcotics and psychotropic substances under decree No. 681. Examples include familiar items such as Corvalol and Valocordin, though these belong to a different list, according to the lawyer.
Radko added that in the past, many judges issued fines or license suspensions based on drug-related guidelines. He argues that these practices relied on outdated instructions and highlights gaps in the law that need to be addressed. Two proposals have circulated in the legislative process but have not been adopted, leaving the field unsettled.
At present, the standard used to determine responsibility is still the presence of narcotics, psychotropic substances, or ethanol in the driver’s system. This means a driver could potentially use medications from the Ministry of Health’s new list without facing penalties, provided no prohibited substances are detected. In addition, police inspectors are not authorized to fault a driver solely because some drugs from the newer list were found in the glove compartment, Radko contends.
On May 13, the Ministry of Health’s list of more than two hundred drugs, released at the request of the State Duma, began circulating on social networks. The document stated that drivers should not operate a vehicle after using these medicines. Notable examples mentioned included commonly used products such as Nurofen, Fervex, Antigrippin, Teraflu, Ketanov, Suprastin, and Spazmalgon.
Murashko, former head of the Ministry of Health, commented on the contents of this list, underscoring the ongoing debate about how such lists should be interpreted by law enforcement and healthcare professionals alike. The discussion continues as lawmakers, medical specialists, and judicial authorities seek a clear, unified approach that protects public safety while avoiding unnecessary penalties for drivers who use everyday medications.
As practice evolves, drivers are advised to stay informed about the current legal standards in their jurisdiction. The key message is that enforcement hinges on the actual presence of illegal or prohibited substances in the body, not merely the existence of a medicine on a list. This distinction matters for people who rely on prescription or over-the-counter drugs and want to avoid inadvertent penalties while maintaining access to necessary medical treatments.
Experts emphasize that a transparent, updated regulatory framework will require careful alignment between health authorities and law enforcement. Until such alignment is achieved, drivers should consult medical professionals and legal counsel if they have concerns about specific medications and their potential impact on driving privileges. This approach helps ensure safety on the road without compromising legitimate medical needs, and it reflects a broader shift toward clearer, more precise rules around medication use and driving.