The case was presented through the lens of an incident involving a driver from Nizhny Novgorod who successfully challenged a penalty for leaving the scene of an accident. The Court of Cassation overturned the fine and the matter was sent back for a new trial. The key reason for this ruling was the absence of a single signature in the administrative violation protocol. One column indicating the rights of the person under investigation remained blank.
Legal commentary on the decision came from Maria Spiridonova, a member of the Russian Bar Association, in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta. She explained that the traffic police must clearly inform the offender of their rights, including the ability to review all case materials, present evidence, and obtain legal assistance from a lawyer, among other protections. The mere presence of a signature on the protocol serves as proof that the officer followed the required procedure.
The expert also described the standards that traffic police officers must follow when communicating with drivers. Even when an offense is involved, officers in uniform should refrain from moralizing. All explanations should be anchored in current legislation and delivered in a factual, non-judgmental manner. Drivers deserve clear, lawful guidance rather than admonishment.
- Driving can be read in Viber.