A recent set of regulations bans items that obstruct a driver’s view by hanging on the windshield. The rules, however, do not apply to vehicle cameras or dash cameras that are installed to monitor driving activity. This distinction was explained during a discussion about the regulation changes with auto expert Dmitry Slavnov, who spoke with Public News Service. (Source: Public News Service)
Slavnov argued that removing car recorders would lead to more disputes and ambiguity on the road. He suggested that modern recording devices help determine fault in unclear situations and reduce conflicts between drivers. He emphasized that registrars or recorders should remain in place as a reference point in road incidents and safety reviews.
According to the expert, the new rules target items like tablets, phones, and decorative or soft hangings that can obscure a driver’s line of sight. Such objects, he noted, have the potential to create dangerous driving conditions and complicate routine vehicle inspections. The focus is on maintaining visibility while allowing legitimate safety and convenience devices to remain in use.
The government decree outlining the new rules was issued to become effective on September 1. Starting on that date, motorists in Russia will be prohibited from driving with windshield attachments or coatings that reduce visibility from the driver’s seat. The aim is to ensure a clear, unobstructed view for safe operation of vehicles and to streamline enforcement for drivers who might otherwise reduce their visibility unintentionally.
As for supply chains and vehicle availability, reports indicated that there could be transitional impacts on the market following the August deadline. Some models or configurations may face adjustments as manufacturers and dealers align with the new standard. In the intervening period, drivers are encouraged to review their vehicles and remove any items that could interfere with the driver’s view prior to the deadline to avoid penalties or safety concerns.
Overall, the policy reinforces a straightforward principle: clear visibility on the windshield is essential for safe driving, while cameras that document road use remain valuable tools for accountability and safety improvement. The leadership behind the measures has underscored that the changes are aimed at reducing distractions and improving the reliability of visual assessments during traffic incidents.