Lawmakers Debate Penalties and Clarity in Russia’s “Dangerous Driving” Proposal
The State Duma did not approve the bill that would introduce fines of up to 10,000 rubles or temporary deprivation of driving rights for what is described as dangerous driving. This outcome was reported by Kommersant, noting that lawmakers did not reach consensus on the proposed approach. The discussion highlighted concerns about how the term dangerous driving is defined and applied in practice, raising questions about the bill’s enforceability and fairness on Russia’s roads.
During the review, the State Construction Committee, after seeking legal counsel, argued that the concept of dangerous driving is too ambiguous for straightforward implementation. The committee’s assessment suggested that a clearer, more precise framework would be necessary to avoid inconsistent judgments and potential litigation, prompting calls for substantial revisions before any further consideration by the chamber. This stance reflects a broader effort to align traffic enforcement with practical legal standards and measurable criteria that can be uniformly applied by road authorities and courts alike.
In July 2023, LDPR deputies submitted a bill to the State Duma proposing to amend the Code of Administrative Offenses of Russia with a dedicated chapter on deliberately dangerous driving. The initial text contemplated a 5,000-ruble administrative fine for intentional dangerous driving, with fines rising to 5,000 to 10,000 rubles for repeated offenses and the possibility of license deprivation for up to one year. The draft aimed to create a formal penalty structure that would deter risky behavior and improve roadway safety through clearer sanctions. This proposal was advanced as part of a broader push to address driver conduct that endangers others, especially in scenarios characterized by deliberate disregard for traffic rules and safety norms.
The draft document asserted that dangerous driving, coupled with a careless attitude toward fellow motorists, accounts for a large share of traffic incidents – a claim intended to underscore the necessity for stronger deterrents. Proponents argued that using photographic or video evidence would be a prerequisite for pursuing charges, stressing the importance of verifiable documentation in establishing liability and accountability for reckless acts on the road. The emphasis on evidence collection reflects ongoing debates about the balance between enforcement power and due process in traffic violations.
Earlier reports indicated that the Russian public could also face penalties for issues such as dirty headlights and improperly displayed car numbers, illustrating a broader trend toward expanding automated and discretionary enforcement measures. This context helps explain why lawmakers have shown continued interest in refining road safety rules and ensuring that penalties align with both public safety goals and the practical realities of enforcement on today’s highways.