Traffic police directive encourages warnings over fines for minor violations, with a focus on essential goods transport

First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovoy has sent a regional directive outlining a more lenient approach from traffic police toward minor violations, as well as offenses committed under extreme necessity. In many cases, officers are encouraged to forego issuing fines and instead issue a verbal warning whenever possible. The aim appears to be to reduce unnecessary penalties while maintaining public safety and orderly traffic flow. The guidance places particular emphasis on truck drivers who transport consumer goods, agricultural products, and other items deemed essential for sustaining the economy. In these scenarios, officers are urged to consider the broader impact of penalties on supply chains and daily life, recognizing that rigid enforcement can disrupt critical services and commerce. This is especially relevant in situations where the driver is meeting essential economic needs, and where a warning could achieve compliance without interrupting deliveries. At the same time, inspectors will concentrate resources on repeat offenders and high-risk categories: drivers with a history of intoxication or speeding, those who routinely flout the rules, and individuals who repeatedly fail to pay fines. This focus was reported by Kommersant, which noted the shift toward prioritizing persistent violations and chronic non-payers over sporadic infractions. The move signals an intent to direct enforcement toward offenders most likely to pose ongoing risk on the roads. The directive also outlines a list of malfunctions for which inspectors should not attribute fault. These limitations help delineate enforcement boundaries and prevent penalizing drivers for issues that may not indicate negligence or dangerous behavior. The items listed include: – a non-working headlight or lantern – wipers – excessive wear of winter tires, defined as a remaining tread depth of less than 4 mm – increased smoke or engine noises – a defective exhaust system – lack of a rear-view mirror and a faulty horn When it comes to passenger cars, the directive identifies a separate set of items that should not automatically trigger penalties: – a non-working parking brake – the use of tires with different tread patterns on the same axle – lack of splash guards Crucially, the letter does not state that exemption from fines for transporting goods is conditional on a vehicle being involved in cargo carriage. This nuance has led publications, including the current report, to conclude that ordinary motorists could also benefit from some degree of leniency, depending on the specific circumstances and the nature of the violation. The drafting of the letter followed a meeting held by Gorovoy on March 24 to review police performance under sanctions pressure. The meeting focused on maintaining effective law enforcement while adapting to resource constraints and the broader policy goals of reducing unnecessary penalties, especially in contexts that affect daily life and commerce. While the exact calibrations of enforcement will vary by region and situation, the overall message is clear: enforcement should be proportionate, targeted toward the most persistent risks, and mindful of the broader societal effects of penalties on essential services and everyday mobility. The document thus signals a shift toward a more measured application of fines in specific scenarios, paired with clear guidance on when a warning may suffice and when penalties remain warranted to protect road safety and compliance. In summary, authorities are pursuing a strategy that balances strict road safety standards with practical considerations for essential transport and everyday motorists. The focus on chronic offenders and non-payers aligns with typical enforcement priorities, while exemptions for certain non-critical equipment malfunctions and the nuanced treatment of goods transport aim to minimize unnecessary disruption to the economy and day-to-day life. The ongoing assessment of these policies will likely be informed by observed outcomes in traffic safety, delivery reliability, and overall road behavior as regional implementations unfold. (Source: Kommersant reporting on the directives and Gorovoy’s March 24 briefing)