Automobile expert Dmitry Popov notes that drivers whose licenses expire in 2025 may be renewed under a provision that adds three years to the original expiry date for licenses within the 2022 to 2025 window. Popov explains this mechanism as practical relief that helps motorists avoid a rush to renew during periods when administrative systems were strained and staff resources were stretched thin.
Government decree No. 353, issued in 2022, introduced a temporary license renewal regime. Annex 14 of that decree, Article 12 Part 5, extended the validity of licenses expiring between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2025 by three years. The policy was framed to ease the workload of agencies during the pandemic while keeping road safety and driver eligibility intact, ensuring a smoother flow of traffic oversight during a period of extraordinary demand on public services.
Popov details the computation method. If a driver’s license expires between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2025, the number three is added to the expiry date to yield the new expiry date. For example, a license that would have expired in 2024 now shows an expiry in 2027. If a license would naturally expire in 2026 or later, the standard renewal rules apply, and the license holder must proceed accordingly. The extension does not automatically apply beyond the specified window, and drivers should verify the exact date shown on their license to avoid any misinterpretation.
The measure, according to Doctor of Law and Honored Lawyer Ivan Solovyov, aims to ease administrative burdens during the pandemic while ensuring that drivers remain properly licensed without unnecessary interruptions. Solovyov notes that government authorities balanced flexibility with the need to preserve public safety and orderly traffic oversight, recognizing the importance of keeping licenses valid for those navigating a disrupted system while avoiding a general loosening of licensing standards.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation reminded the public that certain foreigners residing in Russia may face changes in license validity. As of April 1, rights may become invalid for individuals who have completed one year from the date of obtaining Russian citizenship, residence permit, or temporary residence permit by that date. Drivers who operate with expired licenses face a fine of up to 15 thousand rubles and may be banned from driving until the license is reinstated, emphasizing that foreign residents must stay current with the licensing requirements despite transitional arrangements.
Earlier reports described an episode where a Russian citizen asked traffic police officers for permission to drink water while driving and subsequently found themselves without a valid license. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to licensing rules and the consequences of driving with an expired document, reminding all drivers that licensure remains a non negotiable condition of lawful operation on the road.