Since September 1, the rules detailing when passenger cars can’t operate have changed a lot. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has long been drafting a government decree to amend the Rules of the Road. In June 2023, the document was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The need to broaden the list came from the increasingly complex vehicle designs of the last decade. The new version of the document includes requirements for the health of modern systems such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS), inertial seat belts, and other advanced automotive technologies. For buses, operation is prohibited if there is floor damage in the cabin or visible corrosion.
Off-season tires — a good rule
Under the updated breakdown list, driving on studded tires is forbidden during the three summer months. This rule applies to all vehicle categories. The ban on using summer tires in December, January, and February also covers passenger cars and light trucks up to 3.5 tonnes (categories M1 and N1).
Violations carry Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Administrative liability can mean a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. The same penalty applies to other listed malfunctions. Drivers will be penalized even if winter tires aren’t mounted on all wheels. However, the rules do not apply to a spare tire with a different tread pattern that is installed by necessity. The list notes this exception clearly.
Starting September 1, tread pattern tires are also forbidden on the front axle of any vehicle.
Fluid leaks detected by sight
The Ministry of Internal Affairs defined how inspectors should identify various malfunctions. Inspectors can determine power steering fluid leaks by visual inspection. From the start of September, traffic police may rely on this organoleptic method. To spot ABS issues, a warning light on the instrument panel suffices for detection.
Keep the driver’s view clear
The revised fault list bans foreign objects on the windshield and limits what can obscure the driver’s view. Exceptions include rearview mirrors, radio antennas, heating elements, and windshield wiper components; brackets for smartphones and DVRs, along with various stickers, are not allowed to obstruct the view.
More practice in driving schools
From September 1, new training programs for prospective drivers take effect. Practical city training hours will increase. While learning to drive (category B), field practice hours drop from 24 to 18, while city practice rises from 32 to 38 hours. Retraining programs were introduced to help drivers obtain additional categories on accelerated courses.
Trucks queue at the border
Since the start of autumn, a law requires electronic queues and waiting areas for trucks crossing the Russian border. Amendments to the federal law On Highways and Road Activities were adopted earlier this year. The change affects heavy vehicles used in international transport, both Russian and foreign. To pass through an FCS checkpoint, a Gosuslugi portal application must specify travel date and time.
From March 1, 2024, queue reservations can be made via a single portal with electronic transport documents. Alongside the electronic queue system, parking spaces near checkpoints are being created for cars waiting their turn.
AvtoVAZ returns to environmental standards
In September, AvtoVAZ restarts Lada Granta production with Euro-5 engines. A halt in foreign component supply reduced earlier output to Euro-2 in 2022. The Granta with a 90 hp Euro-5 engine is expected to start around 785,000 rubles, with higher-end versions near 926,000 rubles.
M-12 Moscow–Kazan highway expansion
The new section of the M-12 Moscow–Kazan highway will connect to the Moscow High Speed Diameter, with an opening ceremony planned for September 6. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin noted the opening will extend from Moscow to an exit toward Arzamas, nearly reaching Nizhny Novgorod, and the remaining segment to Kazan is scheduled for December 20.
OSAGO adjustments
From September 19, updated price guidelines for spare parts will be used when calculating OSAGO reimbursements. The guidelines are reviewed every three months. An official noted that higher OSAGO payments contribute to tariff pressures, but no immediate expansion of the tariff corridor is planned.