Readers of Za Rulem, Russia’s oldest and most trusted automotive publication, are once again discussing a potential rise in penalties for driving without a license. The amendments to the Criminal Code and the Administrative Offenses Code, crafted by a parliamentary group led by Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Irina Yarovaya, are at the center of this debate.
Proposed changes would lift the fine to a range of 50,000 to 100,000 rubles. If someone is caught driving without a license for a third time, the matter could move into criminal liability. Za Rulem reached out to its official Viber account to gauge reader sentiment on the initiative. A poll ran from May 26 to May 31, drawing responses from 2,729 participants.
The results of the Driving survey on Viber reveal a clear sentiment among readers. A majority, 59 percent or 1,612 respondents, expressed wholehearted support for the proposed measure. In contrast, 19 percent, or around one in five readers, said that life is already difficult enough and opposed the idea.
Additionally, 10 percent favored issuing an immediate penal article for repeated offenses, while 6 percent believed the fine could be increased even further. A small segment, 4 percent or 111 participants, indicated no concern whatsoever about the topic.
- Also read about all the changes for drivers from 1 June.
- Driving” can be read in Viber.
These reactions mirror broader discussions in Russian traffic policy, where authorities emphasize the need to deter unlicensed driving and safeguard road safety. Supporters argue that higher fines and criminal liability for repeat offenders would close loopholes and reduce repeat violations, aligning penalties with the seriousness of driving without a license. Critics warn about the financial impact on drivers who may already be contending with economic pressures, suggesting that enforcement should be balanced with fairness and practical rehabilitation measures.
Historical context shows that penalties for traffic-related violations in Russia have progressively tightened in response to safety concerns and rising incident rates. Proponents of tougher penalties stress that repeated offenses have a higher risk of harm and justify stronger sanctions. Opponents call for a measured approach, arguing that financial penalties should be proportionate and complemented by education and access to license restoration options.
Experts note that public opinion often shifts with real-world consequences. In places where fines are steep and recurring, compliance tends to improve, while concerns about affordability can influence perceptions of fairness. The ongoing debate reflects a broader trend in how governments balance deterrence, rehabilitation, and the practical realities faced by everyday drivers. (Za Rulem)