New signs and SIM
In October, the government approved changes to traffic rules that will take effect on March 1, 2023. The amendments cover electric scooters and hoverboards, introduce new road signs and parking regulations, and grant SIM status (individual mobility vehicles) to devices such as electric scooters and gyrocars. Rule updates include a limit on speed and criteria for where these devices may operate.
Driving faster than 25 km/h will be prohibited in certain zones. When moving on sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian paths, the mass of a SIM must not exceed 35 kg. Movement of SIMs will be governed by restriction and prohibition signs, with placement decisions left to local authorities. Pedestrians maintain priority when traffic flows together.
Electric scooters of any weight are permitted on the right side of the carriageway, provided users are over 14 years old and the speed cap is 60 km/h; cyclists may also use these areas. SIMs traveling on the road must be equipped with a braking system and have white and red headlights for visibility.
Fully approved are prohibitions on moving, stopping, and parking on guide islands and security islands to improve overall visibility on the roads. Two new signs will appear: one indicating pricing for electric vehicles and another notifying about a bus ban (excluding route and school buses). On paid parking signs, the letter P will be accompanied by a coin symbol, and a wheelchair icon will be added to the disabled parking sign. Beginning in March, paid parking spaces will be marked with blue lines, while free spaces will use white lines to help drivers navigate more quickly.
OSAGO with cameras
The Russian Association of Motor Insurers (RUA) plans to launch a system that checks OSAGO policy status through video recording cameras. This initiative was discussed by the association’s chairman, Yevgeny Ufimtsev.
He noted that the system could leverage modules already integrated into the Central Bank’s information systems. This would simplify government integration with other state information systems through collaboration with the Central Bank, Ufimtsev explained to the Insurance News Agency at the end of November.
Authorities indicated that they do not intend to penalize drivers for driving without OSAGO data captured by cameras until the information systems and insurance databases fully interoperate. The OSAGO camera project has a history of delays; it was planned to expand camera functionality since 2016, but testing and rollout faced setbacks. In 2019, a version of the system was tested in Moscow.
General “auto citizen”
Russian drivers could gain access to cross-border vehicle interactions by purchasing an OSAGO policy that extends to Belarus. RSA head Evgeny Ufimtsev said the project could begin as early as 2023.
“The terms and approaches are being aligned, the basics have been agreed, and this will be a straightforward expansion. A single green card will cover Belarus as well. This will be particularly useful for regions near Belarus,” he stated.
No state tax deductions
Discounts on state duties through the Gosuslugi portal were canceled as of January 1, 2023. Prior to the removal, drivers could pay reduced fees for vehicle registration and related services. For motorcycle and trailer plates, the fee dropped from 1.5 thousand rubles to 1 thousand when paid through Gosuslugi. After the exemption ended, standard rates applied: 500 rubles for an issued certificate of vehicle registration and 2 thousand rubles to renew a driver’s license, instead of the previous lower amounts.
New state fees were introduced starting January 1. For example, a 1,000-ruble charge was established for changing a vehicle design, and the certificate of conformity after safety adjustments now costs 1.5 thousand rubles instead of 800 rubles.
Inspection price will increase
The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) updated the methodology for calculating the cost of vehicle inspections. The revised prices became effective on January 1 and reflect data provided by inspection operators.
Under the new pricing, the minimum inspection fee for cars is 913 rubles, for buses 1,563 rubles, and for trucks 999 rubles. Regional authorities may set higher maximum prices within their territories, with operators able to bid up to the announced maximum wage for the following year by July 1. Inflation trends are considered in determining regional tariffs.
Taxi with no criminal record
From March 1, taxi and public transport work will be barred for drivers who have not had their records cleared or who have outstanding criminal histories. Drivers with certain criminal records, including murder, intentional harm, kidnapping, theft, and rape, will be disqualified from driving a taxi.
In December 2022, after years of reform, a taxi law was passed restricting work in taxis for up to one year after license expiry and prohibiting drivers with more than three unpaid traffic violations. Passenger taxis must also be equipped with a driver attention and fatigue monitoring device.
Noise fines
The Moscow City Duma proposed a bill granting citizens the right to fine drivers and motorcyclists who violate noise limits. The proposal, which ties fines to vehicle category and engine power, could be approved early next year, after government support for the capital project. Noise levels would be measured in dedicated rooms with automatic sound level meters. Moscow officials indicated that fines could range from 5,000 to 30,000 rubles depending on the region.
The return of the “panic buttons”
Until February 1, 2023, individuals could import vehicles without the ERA-GLONASS system. Current rules also allow some domestically produced cars to operate without ABS, airbags, and with relaxed emissions standards compared to Euro-5. No government extension has been announced for these allowances.
Tire fines
The traffic police plan to fine drivers for using out-of-season tires. The newspaper Kommersant cited changes to the malfunction and operational rules governing vehicle use. During winter months, December through February, summer tires are prohibited for cars and light trucks. In summer, studded tires are banned regardless of vehicle category. Other trucks and buses must carry snow chains if winter tires are not in use.
Regions will determine the validity period of restrictions based on local weather and geography. The new rules were slated to begin on March 1, 2023. Drivers can also be fined for operating a vehicle with an inoperative anti-lock braking system or nonstandard xenon or LED headlights.
Digital Rights
Various initiatives are being reviewed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and related agencies. The ministry plans to introduce electronic documents, including a digital driver’s license, currently being tested through Gosuslugi. The traffic police may gain access to medical information indicating driving contraindications, which could influence license status. Medical examination results for drivers will be integrated into the Unified State Health Information System and shared with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As part of this change, the requirement for medical reports on driving contraindications may be phased out.