Starting today, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses in Russia have taken effect, broadening the reach of automated enforcement against littering from vehicles. Video recording systems can now capture and fine drivers who discard waste from cars, motorcycles, or trailers, delivering a clear signal that careless disposal will be punished. This shift was reported by RIA News and marks a tangible tightening of rules around illegal littering on public roads and in shared spaces.
The changes, introduced in July 2022 and designed to deter the reckless dumping of trash from moving vehicles, establish specific penalties for those who throw garbage outside designated disposal areas. Individuals will face fines in the range of 10,000 to 15,000 rubles for each violation. Officials are subject to higher penalties, from 20,000 to 30,000 rubles, while legal entities may incur 30,000 to 50,000 rubles. Evidence of such offenses—whether photograph or video—can be presented by authorities to support the claim and determine the appropriate sanction. The use of cameras ensures accountability even when the offender is not immediately confronted by a patrol officer.
Where violations recur within a 12-month period, the penalties increase. For individuals, fines rise to 20,000 to 30,000 rubles for subsequent offenses, with the potential for a further 40,000 to 60,000 rubles. In contrast, for official bodies, the consequences can include higher fines and, in some cases, the confiscation of the vehicle that served as the instrument of the crime. For legal entities, repeat violations can result in fines ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 rubles, coupled with the possibility of vehicle confiscation. These measures underscore the seriousness with which authorities view repeated pollution from roadways and reinforce the expectation that business entities uphold environmental and public-space responsibilities.
Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that determining liability for garbage thrown from vehicles did not fall within its jurisdiction, leaving room for other bodies to assess and act on such offenses. With the new framework, the enforcement landscape has shifted toward clearer accountability, backed by automated evidence collection and a defined set of penalties that apply across individuals, officials, and organizations alike. This evolution reflects a broader national push to curb roadside litter, protect public spaces, and promote civic responsibility among drivers, passengers, and corporate entities alike. [Source attribution: RIA News]”