As in a previous episode from Moscow, this incident again drew attention for an odd reason. The case centered on a GAZelle van whose driver was fined because a seat belt was not worn by a stuffed animal in the cabin. The cat sat on the right side of the windshield, and the dashboard camera recorded it as if the animal were a passenger. This unusual sight quickly sparked questions about the accuracy of camera-based penalties.
According to the inspector who logged the ticket using footage from the camera, it appeared that there was, in fact, no real passenger inside the vehicle. Yet the driver received a 1000 ruble fine before the authorities reviewed the matter and recognized the mistake. In a subsequent update, the department acknowledged the error and clarified the sequence of events.
The officials explained that the initial decision had been incorrect. A conversation with the affected motorist took place, and the proper appeal procedure was outlined. It was stated that the driver would pursue an appeal in the near future, with the expectation that the fine would be revoked. This account was reported by E1.RU, citing the regional traffic police.
Officials also reminded drivers that fines issued by traffic cameras can be challenged online within ten calendar days. It is possible to contest or request a refund after payment by contacting the department through the official site, though timelines and requirements may vary by jurisdiction.
From a broader perspective, it seems the driver in Yekaterinburg was penalized not for an unsecured passenger but for an obstructed view caused by the animal’s placement. This aligns with earlier reports from Moscow, where a Labrador in the left seat of a right-hand-drive car briefly appeared on a camera view, leading to a mistaken count of a human driver in the vehicle. In both cases, the driver benefited from post hoc corrections, but the initial penalties reflected confusion between real occupants and objects seen on camera frames.
- Initial confusion persisted, yet the real driver faced a fine nonetheless.
- The phrase “behind the wheel” gained traction in Odnoklassniki discussions, highlighting public interest in image-based policing mistakes.