State Duma deputy Vitaly Milonov has formally addressed the head of Russia’s Main Directorate of Road Safety, Mikhail Chernikov, proposing a tougher penalty regime for driving around traffic jams, on roadsides, and in dedicated lanes. The deputy’s message, relayed by RT, centers on redirecting accountability toward those drivers who knowingly violate traffic rules by using restricted lanes and shoulder areas to bypass congestion. The aim is to deter behavior that endangers others and disrupts the smooth flow of traffic, not only during peak moments but as a general enforcement principle across urban networks. The proposal highlights that violations are committed by the very drivers who squeeze into these restricted zones, creating broader safety and efficiency concerns for the road system as a whole.
In his appeal, Milonov calls for a meaningful increase in fines to discourage sidestepping traffic controls and encroaching on private lanes. The proposal suggests a combination of punitive measures, including temporary vehicle bans and substantially higher financial penalties, designed to create a real disincentive for offenders. The deputy argues that stiffer punishment would reduce the temptation to exploit lanes meant to preserve traffic continuity and to protect vulnerable road users, aligning with broader road safety objectives observed in many jurisdictions. This approach mirrors contemporary enforcement philosophies that balance deterrence with proportionality in penalties, aiming to protect all road users while maintaining efficient mobility in dense urban corridors.
Earlier, Milonov also discussed with Chernikov the potential introduction of an insurance mechanism for electric scooters and other self-mobility devices, modeled after the OSAGO framework. The proposal underscores the current gap: when SIM users are involved in accidents, there is often no clear financial responsibility mechanism in place. Advocates argue that a formal insurance framework would ensure that riders, operators, and, if applicable, platform employers share accountability for damages and injuries. By extending insurance coverage to micro-mobility, authorities would not only bolster consumer protection but also align Russian transport policy with evolving mobility trends seen in North American cities and other advanced markets where riders and operators face clearer liability standards. The conversation reflects a broader recognition that new modes of personal transportation require modern risk-management solutions and transparent funding for coverage and claims processing, thereby reducing the financial burden on victims and the public safety system.
Previously in the State Duma there were discussions about selecting concrete numbers for scooter couriers, signaling legislative interest in quantifiable penalties and standardized operator responsibilities. Lawmakers have explored the need for uniform rules across jurisdictions to prevent a patchwork of local ordinances that could complicate cross-border commerce and mobility services. The ongoing dialogue signals a push toward harmonized regulations that establish predictable liability for operators, riders, and platforms while maintaining a strong safety framework for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. The end goal is a coherent national approach that clarifies who pays for injuries and damages, how fines are assessed, and what constitutes adequate deterrence without stifling legitimate, convenient mobility options.