New Road Safety measures are set to take effect in Russia starting April 1, under the federal law known as Road Safety. The reforms touch several facets of driver licensing, driving education regulations, and the handling of insurance credentials for drivers from Russia and Belarus. The changes aim to streamline licensing processes, clarify responsibilities, and modernize the overall framework for road safety across the federation. [Source: Federal Law on Road Safety, Chapter on Licensing and Insurance].
Personal vehicle import rules are undergoing adjustments. Individuals may bring cars into the Russian Federation by paying all applicable taxes at customs, or may use shipments routed through EAEU member states, albeit with an additional recycling fee. These updates align import procedures with broader regional trade and environmental policies while maintaining clear fiscal responsibilities for importers. [Source: Federal Customs Regulations on Vehicle Importation].
Another notable impact concerns drivers who lose their licenses due to alcohol impairment. A one-year ban is now imposed on individuals who have faced administrative penalties for drunk driving or who refuse to undergo a medical examination related to intoxication. The policy reinforces the commitment to sobriety on the roads and aims to reduce repeat offenses. [Source: Road Safety Provisions on DUI Sanctions].
Exam administration at the traffic police has been adjusted as well. Instructors or examiners will be seated in the rear seats during testing, rather than in the front seat as before. The change is designed to shift the examiner’s role away from being perceived as a driver themselves, thereby ensuring the assessment focuses on the applicant’s driving skills. [Source: Traffic Police Training Protocols].
The scoring system for driving exams has been revised. The permissible penalty points will be increased to seven, up from five. This adjustment provides a broader framework for evaluating performance while still upholding rigorous safety standards. [Source: Driver Licensing Examination Guidelines].
From April 1 onward, Russian vehicle owners will have access to an international MTPL policy known as the Blue Card for travel to Belarus. The Blue Card will replace the Green Card system, aligning cross-border insurance with newer regional standards and facilitating smoother travel for insured drivers. [Source: International Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance Framework].
For those pursuing specialized licenses, the right to operate a trailer truck is expanding. Applicants who were previously restricted by military service or registry office procedures may begin taking the CE license examination from age 17, subject to the usual eligibility criteria and training prerequisites. [Source: CE Licensing Pathways for Heavy Vehicle Operation].
Finally, there are clarifications about the validity of foreign driver’s licenses. The reforms outline how foreign licenses are recognized within the Russian system, ensuring consistency with international practice while balancing national licensing standards. [Source: Foreign Licenses Recognition Guidelines].