The new technical inspection law states that once a car has passed an inspection, traffic police cannot routinely check its technical condition on the road, except in cases where a visual sign of a malfunction threatens road safety. What does this mean in practice? Which faults are permissible to drive with, and for which ones can a driver face a fine or other penalties?
AN, Rostov region
The head of the Main Directorate for Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Police Lieutenant General Mikhail Chernikov, answers questions from readers. |
In accordance with Article 15 of the Federal Law of August 3, 2018 No. 170-FZ, On the Technical Inspection of Vehicles and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation, if a state technical check has been carried out and a validity roadworthiness test with a diagnosis card has been issued, the on-the-spot verification of the vehicle’s condition by state control for road safety is not performed, except in cases where visual signs of a technical failure that could threaten road safety are detected. This means that once a vehicle has a current inspection certificate, officers will generally rely on that certification rather than conducting a broader visual or diagnostic check at every roadside stop, unless something seen in plain sight raises concerns about safety.
At the same time, the Traffic Police Regulation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, approved by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation on June 15, 1998 No. 711, assigns to the State Traffic Inspectorate the duty of exercising state control and supervision over compliance with regulatory acts in the field of road safety. These acts set requirements for the design and technical condition of motor vehicles in use, their trailers, and any additional equipment, including changes to vehicle design that are registered with the State Traffic Inspectorate. These powers can be exercised, for example, during traffic enforcement checks or inspections conducted by officers on the road to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Examples of issues that can be detected visually include:
- violations compromising the structural integrity of the vehicle;
- non-operational headlights or taillights, especially at night or in poor visibility;
- nonfunctional windshield wipers on the driver’s side during rain or snow;
- inappropriate vehicle design or incorrect external lighting colors;
- unusual vehicle design or improper wheel and tire dimensions;
- additional devices or coatings that hinder the driver’s view from the seated position.
Importantly, the officer’s decision to check the vehicle’s technical condition hinges on whether there is a real risk to road safety, that is, the potential for a traffic incident. If a situation appears to pose a threat based on observed factors, an inspection can be initiated.
- Details about when a license plate may be considered unreadable and how an inspector proves the violation are explained in other official guidance.
- Timing and procedures for roadside checks follow established regulations and standard operating practices.