Russian Traffic Authority Explores Digital Driver Documents
The head of the traffic police, Mikhail Chernikov, spoke about a bid to move driver credentials into electronic form, describing the effort as an attempt to reach a compromise on how licenses and vehicle registration documents could be submitted for verification. He shared these remarks in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, a publication widely followed for updates on public procedures and law enforcement practices. The conversation touched on how digital options could fit within the current regulatory framework, signaling a shift toward more flexible, paperless processes for motorists.
According to Chernikov, once the new decision takes effect, drivers will have the option to present their driver’s licenses and vehicle registration documents for verification not only on paper but also through electronic formats. This change aims to streamline checks at road stops and administrative points, reducing the need to carry physical copies and potentially speeding up interactions with officials. The stated goal is to expand the ways citizens can document their right to operate vehicles, making compliance simpler and more accessible in everyday life.
Alongside this, deputy head of the Main Directorate of Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Oleg Ponaryin, indicated on June 16 that the traffic police were prepared to introduce a digital code version of the driver’s license and STS. The digital code would function as a machine-readable representation of the essential credentials, allowing officers to verify identity and licensing status quickly using electronic devices. This readied approach reflects a broader push within the ministry to modernize how documents are stored and verified during routine checks and official inspections.
Earlier reports noted that the move had already gained traction within the public service ecosystem. In November of the previous year, it was disclosed that the Gosuslugi Avto application would accommodate electronic presentation of a driver’s license. In that system, the license image, together with the driver’s photograph, could be automatically uploaded from the State Traffic Inspectorate database, creating a seamless link between the individual’s records and the verification process. This integration aims to minimize manual data entry and reduce the risk of miscommunication at checkpoints, while offering users a convenient, centralized place to manage their vehicle-related documents.
Meanwhile, legislative discussions continued, with the State Duma having previously proposed suspending or cancelling several fines for drivers under certain circumstances. The evolving policy landscape hints at a broader plan to harmonize enforcement with digital convenience, encouraging greater compliance through easier access to official records. The potential adoption of digital licenses and electronic STS would require careful security considerations, data protection safeguards, and clear guidelines for both motorists and policing officers to ensure reliability, privacy, and consistency in enforcement actions. Proponents argue that such a system could reduce administrative friction and improve the speed and accuracy of document checks, while critics emphasize the need for robust safeguards against misuse and technical glitches that could affect legitimate drivers.
[Source: Rossiyskaya Gazeta]