Novosibirsk region driver fined after chair ride stunt and license lapse

In the Novosibirsk region, a 19-year-old driver of a Zhiguli found himself facing administrative penalties after an unusual stunt. He tied a chair to the back of his car and ferried a friend along the highway, a scene that quickly drew attention across local channels and social media. Officials from the regional Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the incident, noting that it violated passenger transport rules by allowing a person to ride outside the vehicle cabin. The young driver also did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time, compounding the offense and signaling a broader risk to road safety. As reported by NGS.NOVOSTI, the case has added another layer of scrutiny to a driver who had already accumulated prior traffic fines that remained unsettled in the past, leading to a new financial consequence. Now the offender is required to pay a substantial fine, totaling 77.8 thousand rubles, reflecting the seriousness with which the authorities treat violations of passenger safety standards and license requirements. The sequence of events captured on video shows the car moving at a speed of no less than 50 kilometers per hour along the Ordynskoye Highway while the seated passenger—on a sofa fastened behind the vehicle—focused on messages on a smartphone. The risky stunt culminated in an unfortunate fall, resulting in a broken elbow for the person on the sofa and placing a spotlight on the potential damage that can occur when road rules are disregarded. The incident underscores the importance of keeping passengers inside the cabin and adhering to licensing regulations, reinforcing that even seemingly harmless jokes on public roads can lead to real injuries and legal repercussions. The broader takeaway is clear: road safety depends on predictable behavior, proper seating, and responsible conduct by all drivers and passengers alike. Local authorities and traffic safety advocates view this episode as a reminder that novelty should never trump safety on high-speed corridors, where a momentary lapse can produce lasting consequences. In the wake of the event, authorities reiterated the need for compliance with established transport rules, warning that violations involving passengers outside the vehicle will be met with administrative measures and penalties. Observers note that accountability extends beyond individual fines, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider similar stunts, which could endanger lives and complicate law enforcement efforts. Reports of prior violations and nonpayment of fines in the same case history contributed to the overall severity of the response, illustrating how repeated noncompliance can escalate administrative actions. The online circulation of the footage amplified public concern about road safety and the responsibility owed by drivers to their passengers, especially when a mobile device distraction accompanies risky behavior. In messaging and commentary linked to the incident, safety officials emphasized that a chair tied to a vehicle is not a permissible form of passenger conveyance and that the proper channel for any social or humorous display on the road is through controlled, non-operational environments that do not endanger anyone. These developments in the Novosibirsk region align with broader national and regional efforts to curb unsafe transportation practices and promote lawful, prudent driving. The case at hand serves as a concrete reminder that legal penalties are a real consequence for those who ignore passenger safety regulations, regardless of age, intent, or prior driving history. The enduring lesson for motorists and the public alike is that road safety hinges on clear boundaries—where passengers remain inside the cabin, drivers hold valid licenses, and all actions on the road reflect a shared commitment to protecting life and well-being. The episode also demonstrates how swiftly a single video can spark public dialogue about safety norms and legal responsibilities, resonating with residents who value responsible driving and the rule of law. Authorities continue to monitor road safety developments in the region, encouraging community vigilance and adherence to established transport standards, which ultimately help prevent situations that put people at risk and strain emergency services. As the narrative unfolds, the focus remains squarely on responsible behavior behind the wheel, the necessity of proper licensing, and the ongoing importance of keeping all passengers safely seated inside the vehicle during travel. The outcome of the case stands as a cautionary tale about the intersection of novelty, speed, and safety on Russia’s roadways, a reminder that fun can never override duty when lives are at stake. The broader public interest remains high as this incident contributes to ongoing conversations about improving traffic enforcement, driver education, and adherence to passenger transport rules across the country, with local agencies reinforcing a message that safety cannot be compromised for entertainment. The regulatory response and public reaction together illustrate a clear stance: road safety is a collective responsibility that begins with individual choices and ends with lawful consequences for those who deviate from established standards, a principle that resonates across the region and beyond. In summary, the event in the Novosibirsk region highlighted the perils of driving while distracted or engaging in unsafe stunts, underscoring the necessity of keeping all passengers inside the vehicle cabin, maintaining proper license status, and following the rules designed to protect everyone on the road without exception.”