The traffic rules governing how vehicles navigate roundabouts in Russia have recently undergone changes, with the new provisions taking effect on March 1. These adjustments emphasize clearer signage and a more predictable approach to yielding at circular intersections. Drivers are advised to pay close attention to the information posted directly before roundabouts to determine whether they are on the main road or a secondary road as they approach the junction.
The core principle remains straightforward: priority is granted to vehicles traveling along the main road. When several roads of equal priority intersect with a roundabout, drivers must yield to those already circulating in the circle. This clarifies who has the right of way and reduces the likelihood of confusion as traffic flows converge from different directions.
In a recent statement, Viktor Travin, who leads the Association for the Legal Protection of Vehicle Owners, highlighted that the recurring updates to roundabout rules can create uncertainty for motorists. The association argues that consistent enforcement and clear public guidance are essential to help drivers adapt quickly and safely to these changes.
Separately, there have been changes announced for how sobriety is assessed in driving examinations and roadside checks. Beginning on March 1, new procedures require that alcohol-related test results be recorded on video rather than observed by witnesses alone. The intent behind this reform is to ensure objectivity in assessments and to provide verifiable evidence for enforcement actions from the moment a suspected impairment is detected. The shift to video documentation applies from the very first day of implementation and is designed to enhance transparency in the testing process across Russia.
These updates collectively reflect a broader effort to standardize traffic rules and improve road safety. For drivers, this means more attention to posted signs, a clearer understanding of who yields at roundabouts, and a more consistent framework for alcohol-related testing. While rule changes can be frustrating at first, the goal is to reduce collisions and streamline traffic flow by making priorities, procedures, and verification methods easier to interpret on the road. Authorities emphasize ongoing education and steady enforcement to ensure motorists adapt without compromising safety on busy urban corridors and rural intersections alike. In practice, the changes encourage drivers to slow down, observe, and follow the signs, especially when approaching complex junctions where multiple streams of traffic converge.