State Duma deputy Ivan Sukharev wrote a letter to Supreme Court President Vyacheslav Lebedev, a copy of which was published by RT. In the letter, Sukharev discusses a draft amnesty targeting Russian citizens who have committed administrative offenses related to traffic. He argues that in the current climate of sanctions, releasing individuals from administrative responsibility for minor violations would be a necessary, justified, and appropriate measure.
Sukharev’s proposal focuses on exempting citizens from administrative liability for traffic violations that do not pose a significant public danger, as defined in Chapter 12 of the Code of Administrative Violations of Russia. He underscores that the relief would apply to offenses that are not considered highly dangerous to public safety.
However, the deputy specifies that concessions should not extend to the more serious infractions listed in articles 12.8 and 12.26. These include driving while intoxicated, transferring control of a vehicle to a person who is intoxicated, and a driver’s failure to undergo required medical examination due to intoxication.
The idea has drawn skeptical reaction from Za Rulem, a Russian automotive publication. While the publication acknowledges that reducing the financial burden on car owners is appealing, it notes that motorists should still pay for violations they have actually committed. The abolition of fines, the publication argues, could encourage drivers to operate vehicles as they please without fear of punishment. It also points out that law-abiding citizens consistently pay fines, while those who default intentionally might simply wait for an amnesty that could render payments unnecessary.
Maxim Kadakov, Za Rulem’s editor-in-chief, elaborated on the concerns in a video discussion linked with the coverage. The discussion emphasizes questions about the deputy’s plan and its potential impact on road safety, legal accountability, and the behavior of other drivers. The overall tone reflects hesitation about loosening penalties for traffic offenses, particularly in the context of sanctions and broader public safety considerations.
The report also includes a stock photo credit noting Depositphotos as the source of the image accompanying the piece.