The National Traffic Inspectorate has issued an updated edition of the rules that determine when driving vehicles is forbidden due to malfunctions and adverse conditions. The new document outlines specific seasonal tire requirements and related penalties, as well as a broader list of critical vehicle faults that render operation unsafe.
Under the updated rules, drivers of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles are not permitted to operate with summer tires during the winter months and must avoid using studded tires in the summer. Violations carry a fine set at 500 rubles. Regions retain the authority to adjust the duration of the seasonal ban based on local weather patterns, allowing, for instance, an extension of the winter period in certain areas like Krasnoyarsk where conditions justify keeping winter tires longer. For heavier trucks and buses, winter tires remain optional; however, drivers must keep snow chains on board from December through February to ensure dependable traction in snowy or icy conditions.
The revised list also clarifies that certain headlight configurations are not allowed. Installing non-standard bulbs or relying on a faulty automatic headlight corrector, if present, is considered a traffic violation and should be avoided by drivers seeking to stay compliant and safe on the road.
Within the section describing what constitutes a “critical” defect, the document enumerates conditions that prohibit vehicle operation. These include issues affecting essential safety systems, such as a failed anti-lock braking system (ABS) or loss of power steering, which compromises control. Other critical faults involve a non-functional parking brake, a malfunctioning reversing light, or a broken brake light that impairs visibility and signaling to other road users. Excessive window tinting, excessive tire wear, or any missing or damaged seat belts are also flagged as critical safety concerns. The rules further specify that a non-working or missing tachograph, damage to suspension components, severe bumper deformation after an impact, and the absence of sun visors that are part of the vehicle’s design all count as prohibitions against operation. These items emphasize the emphasis on structural integrity and clear visibility as baseline safety requirements for driving.
Additional violations are listed for braking system integrity, including bends, cracks, abrasions, tears, cuts, or breaks in brake lines and hoses. Such defects are treated as illegal and dangerous, warranting the vehicle to be kept off the road until repairs are completed and the system is restored to a safe, roadworthy condition.
The draft decree has undergone extensive discussion and revision over multiple years and remains under review. The document is expected to be presented to higher authorities for final approval, after which it will become part of the official traffic safety framework. This process reflects ongoing efforts to align vehicle safety standards with evolving technologies and regional conditions, ensuring that enforcement remains clear and consistent across the federation while accommodating local climate realities.
In the broader context of motorist engagement, readers are invited to participate in ongoing surveys and feedback initiatives to help identify the most relevant improvements in vehicle safety and road etiquette. Community input supports authorities in prioritizing updates that have the greatest impact on safety, efficiency, and compliance for drivers across diverse regions.
Acknowledgments go to observers and media partners who document and analyze these developments, helping to inform the public about changes in regulatory expectations and the practical steps drivers can take to prepare for seasonal shifts in weather. The information aims to empower drivers to anticipate and adapt to new rules, supporting safer roads for everyone.
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