Russia Clarifies Legal Stance on Immortal Regiment Portraits on Cars

A recent report confirms that car portraits honoring war heroes, commonly displayed as part of the Immortal Regiment, will not expose drivers to fines or administrative penalties, according to officials from Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. The agency stated that publishing photographs and related information about the family members of participants who are featured on vehicles does not constitute a crime and does not carry any administrative liability. This clarification was provided by the ministry’s spokesperson, Irina Volk, who emphasized that there is no change in traffic rules that would penalize drivers for such displays as long as portraits are not affixed to the windshield. Volk recommended keeping portraits inside the glass window or otherwise protected to reduce the risk of damage in motion. In practice, the guidance suggests that the proper placement of portraits is crucial for both visibility and safety while driving. The clarification comes in the context of ongoing public events and parades linked to the Immortal Regiment, a tradition that has seen street processes and family commemorations across various Russian regions. The ministry’s remarks underscore that the portraits are seen as a cultural and memorial practice rather than a traffic violation when handled responsibly and kept out of direct line of sight from the driver’s view. It is worth noting that in 2023 there was an unplanned interruption to the traditional Immortal Regiment procession in Russia, with organizers citing security concerns and the decision by several regions, including Crimea, to shift away from in-person demonstrations. This pause reflects the broader considerations that authorities weigh when balancing public remembrance with public safety. The ministry’s statements indicate an ongoing effort to provide clear guidelines to motorists and the public, clarifying how memorial expressions on vehicles should be managed during travel and at events. As this topic continues to unfold, observers will watch for any further official guidance that clarifies how imagery associated with wartime remembrance is treated in everyday driving scenarios and at organized commemorations. (TASS) (Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia)