Plans to simplify Russia’s traffic rules text have emerged, aiming to make the rules easier to read while preserving the core structure. Alexander Kholodov, who serves as deputy chairman of the Commission on interactions with TASS and holds roles in the Public Chamber and the Security and Public Order Council, outlined this effort. The objective is to create a version that drivers can grasp quickly, without sacrificing accuracy or safety.
Yesterday, President Vladimir Putin directed the government and public administration to prepare proposals for upgrading the traffic rules by April 1 of the coming year. According to Kholodov, expert recommendations and input from social activists have often been bundled into routine discussions. The changes under consideration are not designed to violate international standards or introduce a new set of road signs; they are meant to refine wording while maintaining established guidelines.
The essential elements of the rules would remain intact, but the document would be rewritten in plain, accessible language. The aim is to remove ambiguities and fix errors, producing a text that drivers can understand and implement in real traffic situations with minimal hesitation.
As an example, Kholodov cited a provision that currently permits a vehicle to be parked on a bridge with at least three lanes. The practical interpretation of such a rule has caused confusion and debate among motorists. The proposed rewrite would clearly define what is allowed and what is prohibited, reducing misinterpretations on the road.
He emphasized that the driving public would benefit from a document that reads like common sense rather than legal jargon. The simplified rulebook would explain the intent behind each regulation, making it obvious how to comply without wading through cross-referenced clauses. In his view, simplification should not compromise safety or consistency but should improve overall comprehension and adherence.
Kholodov also touched on how riders of smaller vehicles, such as mopeds, navigate traffic rules. He noted that the current structure often requires readers to jump between separate sections, making learning the rules inefficient and frustrating. A reorganized, coherent layout would allow readers to learn a single chapter at a time, building a logical path from one topic to the next. The result would be a clearer understanding of responsibilities and safer conduct on the streets.
In addition to readability, there is a clear intention to restructure the document so it can serve as a practical reference. The goal is not to impose rigid restrictions that punish drivers but to establish straightforward, predictable guidelines that align with everyday driving. This approach should help motorists anticipate required actions in common scenarios and reduce the likelihood of inadvertent violations.
While the government considers these reforms, officials stress that changes will balance clarity with the need to uphold road safety standards. The plan focuses on streamlining language, aligning terminology with common usage, and removing outdated or redundant phrases. The process will involve input from road safety experts, law interpreters, and the driving community to ensure the final version functions as a practical tool for compliance and safe driving.
There is broad expectation that the proposed changes will roll out in stages, with public consultations and phased implementation. The aim is to deliver a user-friendly document that reduces ambiguity while maintaining the rigor required by traffic law. If successful, the simplified rules could serve as a model for other countries seeking clearer traffic regulations without sacrificing enforcement or safety. The conversation continues as authorities review drafts and gather feedback from citizens and professionals alike.