A proposal to ban mobile traffic cameras in the Russian Federation has been filed with the State Duma. The initiative is attributed to Yaroslav Nilov, a member of the LDPR and the chair of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans Affairs, according to information shared on his Telegram channel.
The argument presented centers on the way drivers are sometimes fined based solely on photographic evidence captured by mobile cameras. Critics argue that such evidence can vary in quality and reliability, and that vehicle owners often face challenges proving their case when confronted with a citation based on a photograph that could be taken at different times or under unclear circumstances. Legal representatives have echoed concerns that the current system makes it difficult for drivers to contest penalties effectively, underscoring the need for stronger safeguards and due process in enforcement.
Nilov contends that only fixed camera complexes should be retained and that penalties issued through mobile devices ought to be subject to a formal appeal process. He indicated that a bill aimed at banning mobile and semi-mobile cameras is in development and could reshape how traffic violations are documented and processed. This position aligns with broader debates about transparency, accuracy, and accountability in automated enforcement across road networks.
Earlier in the process, the government introduced a separate document to the State Duma that would impose a license suspension for a period of one and a half years when license plates are deliberately concealed. The explanatory note accompanying that measure describes devices designed to hide registration numbers and outlines penalties including confiscation of such devices and license suspension. The authors of the proposal point to a rise in violations related to the concealment of state registration plates from 2018 to 2023, noting a significant increase in reported incidents during that period as a justification for stricter enforcement.
In related developments, there have been discussions at various levels within the federation about additional penalties affecting specific groups of road users, including scooter operators. These conversations reflect ongoing concerns about traffic safety, enforcement legitimacy, and the balance between deterrence and fairness in administrative penalties. As policymakers consider these measures, stakeholders from law enforcement, civil society, and the motorist community are watching closely to assess potential impacts on daily driving, compliance rates, and overall road safety outcomes.