The drive from Moscow to Minsk along the M-1 Belorusskoe highway covers just over 700 kilometers and typically takes around nine hours when accounting for refueling, meals, and brief stops. There is no border control between the two nations; border checks focus on whether travelers hold Russian passports.
Meanwhile, Belarusian traffic rules come with several notable distinctions that drivers—from Canada and the United States in particular—should understand to avoid trouble on the road.
Driving without OSAGO is a serious offense
Where Russia imposes a relatively small fine for uninsured driving under OSAGO, Belarus enforces stricter penalties for foreign-registered vehicles. The Belarusian Code of Administrative Offenses imposes a fine of 10 to 20 basic units on drivers of uninsured foreign cars. In ruble terms, that translates to roughly 8,000 to 16,000 rubles. For travelers, this underscores the importance of obtaining a Green Card, the international OSAGO proof of insurance.
In Belarus, insurance can be arranged on the spot at gas stations or at border-adjacent sales points. The Russian Association of Motor Insurers announced plans in 2023 to extend Russian OSAGO coverage into Belarus, but that program had not been implemented at the time of reporting.
Don’t park near crosswalks
A key difference between Russian and Belarusian rules concerns stopping near pedestrian crossings. In Russia, stopping within five meters of a crosswalk is prohibited. In Belarus, the no-stop zone in front of and behind a crosswalk is significantly larger, extending to at least fifteen meters from the crossing in both directions.
Respect cyclists and mobility devices
Belarusian rules require drivers to yield to cyclists and users of personal mobility devices. While winter traffic may seem light, the presence of bicycles and scooters remains a factor on Belarusian roads. Changes in local traffic regulations that took effect on October 27, 2022 require cyclists and scooters to move with pedestrians at crossings and to respect signals that apply to both drivers and riders when allowed by the traffic signal.
Speed limits and enforcement
The Belarusian changes also set new highway speed limits. For passenger cars up to 3.5 tons, the limit rose to 120 km/h from 110 km/h, while regional roads outside towns stay at 90 km/h. For travelers from Russia, there is no impunity for exceeding the limit by 20 km/h; penalties begin at 10 km/h over the limit, with fines around 800 rubles. Road cameras are widespread, and data on speed violations is quickly shared with traffic authorities, including posts near borders. The lesson is clear: obey posted limits.
Toll roads and tolls by vehicle and origin
On Belarusian intercity routes, toll signs appear after crossing the border. The obligation to pay does not apply to all vehicle categories. Light vehicles up to 3.5 tons traveling on toll roads from a member of the EAEU (Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) do not pay. Tolls apply to trucks or vehicles registered in non-EAEU countries.
Hands off the phone while driving
Belarusian rules clarify that using a handheld device or typing on a phone while moving is prohibited and can lead to penalties. The penalty for this offense is up to two base units, equivalent to about 1600 rubles in the local system.
Alcohol and driving penalties
Belarus imposes stricter penalties for drunk driving compared with Russia. A driver found with up to 0.8 parts per million of alcohol faces a fine of 100 base units and a three-year license suspension. If the driver refuses a test when required, fines and the license suspension periods increase, potentially up to five years. Mutual recognition of driving standards means penalties and enforcement can echo across borders, and historical rules such as previously lower alcohol limits have been adjusted over time.
Vehicle impoundment and debt collection for fines
Belarus maintains its own fines schedule and enforces them with vigilance, sometimes resulting in the temporary withholding of a vehicle until fines are settled. Cameras are deployed along major routes and near police stations, especially close to border checkpoints. Local officials may require immediate payment or arrange alternatives for settling fines. Large or unpaid fines can result in more serious actions, including temporary seizure of the vehicle until debts are cleared. This approach is part of a broader system designed to manage transit traffic and ensure compliance with traffic laws.
Experts note that road safety and enforcement in Belarus have grown more stringent in recent years. With more cameras and faster processing of violations, travelers should plan for stricter compliance and smoother border transitions. The prudent approach is to drive cautiously, follow posted signs, and carry the proper insurance documentation as a safeguard against unexpected penalties when traveling between these neighboring countries, and to respect local rules and practices encountered along the route.