Plans have emerged to simplify Russia’s traffic rules text. This was announced by Alexander Kholodov, who serves as deputy chairman of the Commission on interactions with TASS and holds positions in the Public Chamber and the Security and Public Order Council. The goal is to make the rules easier to read and understand for everyday drivers while keeping the core structure intact.
Yesterday, President Vladimir Putin directed the government and public administration to prepare proposals for upgrading the traffic rules by April 1 of the coming year. According to Kholodov, expert recommendations and input from social activists have often been bundled together in routine discussions, yet the changes being considered do not amount to sweeping shifts such as violating international standards or introducing a new set of road signs.
He noted that the essential elements of the rules would remain in place, but the document would be rewritten in plain, accessible language. The aim is to remove ambiguities and correct errors, creating a text that drivers can grasp quickly and apply correctly in real traffic situations.
As an illustration, Kholodov cited a provision that currently permits a vehicle to be parked on a bridge that has at least three lanes for traffic. The practical interpretation of such a rule has sparked confusion and debate among motorists, he explained. The proposed rewrite would clarify what is allowed and what is prohibited, reducing misinterpretations on the road.
He emphasized that the driving public would benefit from a document that reads like common sense rather than legal jargon. The simplified rulebook would aim to present the intent behind each regulation, making it obvious how to comply without wading through cross-referenced clauses. In his view, the simplification should not come at the expense of safety or consistency but should instead improve overall comprehension and adherence.
Kholodov also referenced the study of how riders of smaller vehicles, such as mopeds, navigate traffic rules. He pointed out that the current structure often forces readers to jump between separate sections, which makes learning the rules inefficient and frustrating. A reorganized, coherent layout would allow readers to learn a single chapter at a time, building a logical path from one topic to the next. The result would be a better grasp of responsibilities and safer conduct on the streets.
In addition to readability, there is a clear intent to restructure the document so that it can be used as a practical reference. The goal is not to impose rigid restrictions that punish drivers but to establish straightforward, predictable guidelines that reflect everyday driving patterns. This approach should help motorists anticipate required actions in common scenarios and reduce the likelihood of inadvertent violations.
While the government considers these reforms, officials stress that any changes will be guided by a balance between clarity and the need to uphold road safety standards. The current plan focuses on streamlining language, aligning terminology with common usage, and removing outdated or redundant phrases. The process will involve input from road safety experts, law interpreters, and the driving community to ensure the final version serves as a practical tool for compliance and safe driving.
There is a broader expectation that the proposed changes will be rolled out in stages, with public consultations and phased implementation. The aim is to deliver a user-friendly document that reduces ambiguity while maintaining the rigor required by traffic law. If successful, the simplified rules could set a model for other countries seeking to make their traffic regulations more accessible without sacrificing enforcement or safety. The conversation continues as authorities review drafts and gather feedback from citizens and professionals alike. (Source: TASS report on statements by Alexander Kholodov).”}