The push originates from deputies serving in the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg. Their argument centers on the current car insurance regime, noting that the traffic obligation fine of 800 rubles for not carrying OSAGO is far too small to motivate drivers to secure coverage. In their view, a stronger incentive is needed to ensure drivers meet mandatory insurance requirements and to protect road users and third parties alike.
They propose a sharper penalty for motorists who are stopped by traffic police without a compulsory motor third party liability policy (CMTPL). The plan calls for a 5,000 ruble fine in cases where a driver is found without CMTPL at the roadside. If the issue is simply that the policy is not in the driver’s possession at that moment, the proposed fine would be 3,000 rubles, a substantial increase from the current 500 rubles. The deputies argue that adjusting penalties upward would better align with the public safety goals and the broader costs of uninsured driving.
The initiative also notes that the penalties for this offense have not been updated since 2013, a period during which the landscape of vehicle ownership, insurance markets, and risk exposure has changed significantly. They suggest that age and inflation have eroded the effective deterrent value of the original fines, making enforcement less predictable and potentially less impactful on driving behavior.
Call for essential equipment and resource support
Beyond insurance penalties, the proposal emphasizes the practical needs of road safety and humanitarian logistics. The campaign, backed by the organization Behind the Wheel and the Popular Front, is raising funds to equip essential mobile units and response vehicles with reliable tires in widely used sizes. The effort aims to bolster the readiness of law enforcement and emergency services, including the People’s Police, emergency ministries, and humanitarian aid logistics teams in conflict-affected areas. Tires are described as a foundational asset that supports rapid response, safe patrolling, and the ability to reach communities in need without delay.
The appeal highlights that well-maintained vehicles, including ambulances and service vehicles, rely on appropriate tires to navigate varied road conditions, especially during emergencies or humanitarian operations. The fundraising drive invites public support to help purchase tires for these critical fleets, ensuring that responders can perform their duties without unnecessary disruptions caused by worn or unsuitable tires. Funds are collected via a dedicated page, with attention drawn to the urgency of maintaining operational mobility for responders and aid workers on the ground.
Source: Government Gazette