The Federal Antimonopoly Service has updated the draft methodology used to calculate roadworthiness testing fees for vehicles. A two‑year transition period is introduced, during which maintenance costs will be indexed to the prevailing inflation rate. Documents gathered by operators to justify price calculations for drivers are not considered if they are provided by fewer than half of the active operators. More time has been granted to collect these documents, since they form the basis for adjustments to the maximum rates for different vehicle categories.
Under the new rules, there is no longer a deadline to submit documents on 1 May. Instead, the deadline moves to 1 July. Regional authorities may still request missing documents by 1 August, though the previous practice of extending this deadline indefinitely has ended.
Many operators have faced problems with the documentation because the requested reporting is not uniformly accessible to all businesses and the process is unusually complex. An added requirement now exists: explanations must accompany price calculations of maintenance costs, providing a transparent basis for the figures used in tariff adjustments.
During 2023 and 2024, statements collected from operators are not used to index rates. Local authorities are permitted to increase tariffs only in line with the general inflation rate, not beyond it. Operators argue that the inflation-based indexing is not sufficient to keep their businesses profitable and sustainable.
Industry voices have stressed this point. The regional chamber of commerce was quoted as saying that inflation-based compensation will not trigger a meaningful tariff rise and will fail to preserve the economic viability of operator activities. This concern reflects a broader worry within the sector about maintaining service quality while prices remain tightly controlled.
Another perspective comes from a trade union leader who cautions against clinging to a maintenance law from 2012 that is still in force. The proposal calls for broader reform: instead of merely capping upper tariff levels, it would set floor rates to prevent price dumping and the bundling of free maintenance with vehicle inspections in service centers. The recommended change would also involve revising the law governing technical inspections to remove outdated standards and create clearer, more enforceable rules for pricing and service practices.
In practice, the updated framework aims to bring greater predictability to costs for owners and operators, while introducing safeguards against price manipulation. The balance hinges on ensuring a fair return for service providers without sacrificing accessibility for drivers and fleet operators. Observers note that the move toward inflation-based indexing reflects a broader policy shift toward linking roadworthiness costs to macroeconomic trends, rather than relying on static tariff caps alone. This approach seeks to align fees with the actual cost environment faced by service centers across regions.
Regional officials are encouraged to monitor the impact of the new timing and documentation requirements closely. The aim is to minimize administrative burdens while maintaining rigorous data collection to support informed tariff decisions. As the system evolves, stakeholders are urged to engage in constructive dialogue to address practical concerns, including the clarity of calculation methods and the transparency of the explained costs. Ultimately, the policy intends to foster a more predictable market for vehicle inspections, ensuring both consumer protection and a viable operating climate for service providers. Notes from public discussions emphasize the need for careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences such as delayed inspections or reduced service coverage.
In summary, the service is rolling out a revised calculation framework for roadworthiness testing costs, with a phased transition, clearer documentation expectations, and a focus on inflation alignment. Industry representatives continue to call for further refinement to ensure that tariffs reflect true operating costs while preserving affordable access to essential vehicle maintenance. updates and industry commentary