On September 1, a government decree in Russia took effect, updating the rules for commissioning transport. The amendment sets out a list of conditions that count as faults, including the addition of trims or coverings that impede the driver’s forward view from the seat. These changes aim to standardize what is considered a safety defect and align domestic practices with broader regional standards.
Notable exceptions cover heating elements for rear-view mirrors, windshield wiper components, external antennas or those integrated into windows, as well as windscreen defrosters and dehumidifiers. These are deemed acceptable because they do not create new blind spots or interfere with visibility when used correctly.
Conspicuously, the revision does not list mounts for phones and navigation devices, video recorders, or contactless toll payment transponders as approved accessories. This means certain popular gadgets remain in a gray area unless their installation complies with practical visibility and safety guidelines.
Violations fall under Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and are punishable by a 500 ruble fine. The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that the regulation does not ban devices on the windshield that do not obstruct the driver’s view. A similar stance was echoed by the Chamber of Commerce, indicating a harmonized approach to common-sense windshield modifications.
The rationale behind updating the malfunction list was to modernize it and bring it in line with the Customs Union rules governing the safety of wheeled vehicles. This alignment helps ensure that safety standards are consistent across borders and categories of vehicles.
For the average driver, the changes are largely operational rather than punitive. The ministry emphasized that there are no broad shifts in administrative responsibility or in the basic vehicle requirements for road use. The core aim is clearer guidance on what constitutes a defect that could affect safety and what accessories are permissible under the new framework.
Additional penalties introduced for drivers
Under the new framework, a vehicle will not be allowed to operate if its anti-lock braking system, as installed by the factory, fails to function correctly. The indicator light will signal such a problem, prompting immediate attention. The interior notification of ABS issues reflects a continued emphasis on maintaining braking reliability as a core safety priority. The ministry noted that earlier technical safety regulations already required drivers to address ABS faults to maintain safe operation.
Another notable change concerns tire seasonality. Using winter tires in summer will incur penalties. Conversely, winter tires remain mandatory for certain vehicle categories during the cold season. Specifically, winter tires are required for passenger cars with up to eight seats and light-duty trucks up to 3.5 tons, ensuring appropriate traction in adverse weather.
The decree also tightens restrictions on headlight usage. Vehicle lighting must comply with the manufacturer’s specifications in the official documentation. This means headlights should reflect the class and design limits set by the vehicle maker to retain proper illumination and avoid glare that can distract or blind other road users.
Additionally, several provisions were removed from the rules. In particular, the absence of a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, or an emergency stop sign is no longer treated as grounds for administrative liability. This shift signals a move toward more practical checks and a focus on core safety features rather than mandatory equipment lists that may not apply to every vehicle type.
Overall, the updated rules underscore a move toward clarity and safety alignment. They emphasize that ordinary drivers should expect predictable standards, with allowances for common, non-obstructive accessories. The regulatory intent remains to reduce blind spots, ensure reliable braking, and promote safe driving practices across diverse conditions.