From 1 March, new rules will apply to testing drivers for alcohol intoxication, and the changes center on how the verification is carried out. The core update is that the process can be completed without witnesses, provided there is mandatory video recording of the test. This shift aims to strengthen the reliability of evidence collected during roadside checks and to standardize the documentation that supports decisions about driver intoxication.
Under the revised regulations, if a driver is suspected of being intoxicated, traffic police inspectors have two possible pathways for conducting the test. They can proceed with the inspection in the presence of two testifying witnesses or rely on video recordings of the procedure. The decision to initiate testing can be prompted by observable signs such as a noticeable odor of alcohol on the breath, instability of the stance or gait, speech disturbances, a sudden change in skin color of the face, or behavior that seems incongruent with the situation. These indicators help form a rational basis for starting an assessment and documenting the state of the driver at the time of testing.
The testing must be performed using measuring instruments that meet approved standards, and the results must be documented on paper to ensure a durable, verifiable record. The emphasis on using certified devices reinforces the objectivity of the measurement and provides a tangible chain of custody for the results that can be reviewed if necessary.
According to the rules, a driver is considered to be under the influence when the measured exhaled air concentration exceeds 0.16 milligrams per liter. This threshold sets a clear benchmark for law enforcement and helps guide decisions about further actions, including potential penalties or medical follow-up when required.
Earlier guidance indicated that a driver could not independently seek medical evaluation at a clinic and had to proceed to a medical examination only when transported by a traffic police vehicle. This constraint remains a practical consideration in the process, shaping both the logistics of testing and the responsibilities of the officers conducting the check. It reflects the broader framework that governs how impairment assessments are integrated into enforcement activities and how drivers engage with medical review when intoxication is suspected.
In addition to procedural changes, there are notable shifts in the way information is accessed and interpreted by drivers. Previously, drivers were advised against self-testing or making attempts to assess their own condition. The new framework, however, emphasizes standardized procedures that rely on objective measurements rather than informal self-evaluation, helping to ensure consistency across cases and reducing the risk of erroneous conclusions.
For drivers who want to stay informed, updates can now be accessed through official communications channels that may include secure messaging platforms and official notices from the traffic authorities. This approach supports transparency and helps individuals understand what to expect during a roadside check, what constitutes sufficient evidence of impairment, and what steps follow a positive test result.
- Drivers were previously restricted from self-examination for alcohol impairment. This constraint is reinforced by the new process, which prioritizes standardized testing conducted by trained officers using approved instruments.
- In some jurisdictions, official updates and guidance can be communicated through widely used messaging platforms to ensure timely access to accurate information for road users.
Note: Official information and procedural details are issued by the traffic enforcement authorities of the Russian Federation and are subject to formal updates to reflect changes in law and practice.