The introduction of point changes to traffic rules was halted in 2021, but today the landscape shifts again with a mechanism that seems to speed up updates. The big question is how this new approach will shape actual traffic conditions and everyday driving. Will the changes improve the system or simply create new friction for drivers and authorities alike? The central issue is whether the system gains clarity and reliability or becomes a source of ongoing ambiguity.
Are the rules becoming clearer? Who has the authority to decide how often rules can be altered? Could the process become confusing, and is it realistic to expect drivers to remember frequent changes?
Expert assessment
Maxim Kadakov, editor-in-chief of the magazine Behind the Wheel, offers his take.
There are no definitive answers yet because much depends on how the new features are used. It is a double-edged sword. On one side, practical fixes are needed for modern mobility, including a few precise adjustments. If rapid changes cannot be implemented when they matter, that is a real drawback. On the other side, the chaotic era of recent years, when changes could be pushed through without solid justification, did not make sense. In that rush, it was easy for some to push through adjustments in a way that felt arbitrary.
It is clear the circle of stakeholders remains limited, yet there is concern that every public official could turn this into a campaign moment, shouting about new changes for public relations.
With decades of driving experience, Kadakov notes the difficulty of keeping track of every amendment. He questions whether even seasoned professionals can stay current with all the new rules. He acknowledges that most changes do not alter core driving behavior: a circular pattern of change and reversal often becomes the norm. The absence of familiarity with the exact rules in other countries does not always cause confusion because clear signs, road markings, and traffic lights usually provide sufficient guidance for navigation.
The goal should be a set of rules that people can remember without needing an encyclopedia. Driving involves countless points to learn, and many additions threaten to overwhelm new and experienced drivers alike. A succinct, practical understanding of parking is essential: drivers need to know when a sign allows leaving a vehicle where, and when paid parking indicates a fee. That is the core of practical compliance, not an endless list of micro-definitions.
There is value in enabling quick rule updates, but safeguards are necessary to prevent self-promotion and endless tinkering with signs, signals, and new sections. A reasonable limiter could be adopted, such as allowing rule changes only once a year, with a cap on the number of points that can be adjusted. A single, well-considered revision window might be a better approach than frequent, incremental changes.
- There is also discussion about using ERA-GLONASS to identify speed limit offenders more efficiently.
- Traffic enforcement content, including driving guidance, may be extended to additional channels such as streaming platforms.