A new bill is slated for immediate submission to the State Duma, introducing a fresh article in the Code of Administrative Violations (CAO) focused on aggressive driving. The measure is authored by Yaroslav Nilov, who heads the State Duma Labor Commission. The proposal aims to clearly define and penalize instances of aggressive driving as violations tied to a driver’s intent and awareness of the illegality and harmful effects of their actions.
According to the bill’s explanatory note, aggressive driving is described as a combination of several unlawful acts carried out in a relatively short period of time. The authors argue that such conduct reflects intent or a conscious disregard for the safety of others, underscoring the harmful consequences and the driver’s attitude toward them. This framing places a premium on the driver’s mindset rather than isolated mistakes, signaling a tougher approach to road safety policy.
In explaining the rationale, the bill references real-world footage often shared on social media. The explanatory materials point to videos that show drivers of high-end foreign cars engaging in dangerous maneuvers, displaying apparent indifference to road users, and evading accountability through minimal penalties. This context helps illustrate why a specific, enforceable standard for aggressive driving is being proposed, with the aim of reducing reckless behavior on public roads.
Under the new proposal, the penalty for aggressive driving is proposed at 5,000 rubles for a first offense. A subsequent violation could raise fines to 10,000 rubles. Beyond monetary penalties, the bill contemplates potential deprivation of driving rights for up to one year for repeat offenses, reflecting a broader strategy to deter repeat risky behavior and protect vulnerable road users.
The legislation appears to be part of a broader effort to address patterns of dangerous driving that have been highlighted in public discourse and media coverage. If enacted, it would set a clearer legal threshold for aggressive driving and align penalties with the perceived risk posed by such conduct, potentially influencing driver behavior and enforcement practices across the country. (Source: Izvestia, with accompanying explanatory notes from the bill’s authors.)