From November 20 to 26, an ongoing preventive Technical Inspection campaign will be conducted by traffic police across the Moscow region, as reported by the State Traffic Inspectorate of the Moscow Region. The aim is to reinforce road safety, verify vehicle compliance, and ensure owners schedule their inspections in a timely manner.
Officials have noted a rise in fraud schemes where scammers sell diagnostic cards to vehicle owners without the vehicle actually undergoing a real technical inspection (MOT). When such schemes are detected, the police will revoke the fake identification card and take further action to safeguard drivers and the public from unsafe vehicles.
The State Traffic Inspectorate urges motorists to visit only verified technical inspection stations and complete the procedure as required. Current regulations state that new passenger cars, light trucks up to 3.5 tons, and motorcycles are exempt from MOT for the first four years of operation. Vehicles aged four to ten years must undergo inspection every two years, and those over ten years old require annual inspections. This schedule helps ensure that vehicles on the road meet safety and environmental standards.
How can drivers tell if someone is trying to scam them or if a car might be of interest to thieves? There are several red flags to watch for: a shop or individual offering a cheap, fast MOT without proper verification, pressure to accept a counterfeit document, or requests to bypass official inspection channels. Owners should verify the legitimacy of the inspection point, ask for official paperwork, and refrain from paying for services outside licensed facilities. If any questionable activity is noticed, it should be reported to the authorities promptly to prevent potential fraud and to protect personal property and safety on the road. (Source: State Traffic Inspectorate of the Moscow Region)