A bill is set to be introduced to the State Duma by deputies from the Liberal Democratic Party on Thursday, proposing a new penalty scheme for intentionally dangerous driving. The initiative calls for a clear, standardized consequence in the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO RF) and aims to curb acts of aggressive driving that put road users at risk. The authors argue that such driving behavior should carry a definite administrative liability, reflecting the growing concern over traffic safety and the need for consistent enforcement across jurisdictions.
Under the proposed law, a driver would face an administrative fine of 5,000 rubles for intentionally dangerous, or aggressive, driving. The measure emphasizes that the offense is not merely a lapse in judgment but a deliberate act that endangers others on the road. The bill also outlines penalties for repeat offenses, potentially escalating the fine to a range of 5,000 to 10,000 rubles or leading to the deprivation of a driver’s license for up to one year. This tiered structure is designed to deter repeated violations and to provide a proportionate response to escalating risk levels on the highways and city streets alike.
The sponsors point to data indicating that a significant share of road incidents stem from absolutely dangerous driving combined with a lack of consideration for fellow motorists. They suggest that a robust enforcement framework will help reduce accidents and improve overall traffic safety. A crucial element of the proposal is the requirement that evidence be available before administrative action is taken, such as photographs or video recordings. This evidentiary standard aims to ensure that accusations are tied to observable, verifiable behavior, thereby improving accountability while safeguarding due process for drivers.
In discussing the draft, the authors describe aggressive driving as a pattern where a driver engages in multiple illegal actions within a short time frame. They clarify that such behavior must be intentional, with the driver aware that the conduct is illegal and intended to harm or intimidate others on the road. The document emphasizes the foreseeability of harm as part of the offense, signaling a shift toward penalizing reckless choices that jeopardize public safety. The emphasis on intent, coupled with verifiable evidence, seeks to create a reliable framework for prosecutors and courts to apply penalties consistently beyond mere traffic violations.
Observers note that addressing aggressive driving through codified penalties could complement existing traffic safety measures, including speed enforcement, seat belt mandates, and impaired driving rules. By clarifying what constitutes intentional danger on the road and detailing the corresponding administrative responses, the draft law aspires to enhance deterrence and encourage safer driving habits among all road users. Supporters argue that clear, enforceable standards will help drivers understand the consequences of dangerous actions, potentially leading to a reduction in high-risk behaviors and more predictable traffic dynamics. While critics may call for careful consideration of implementation costs and the handling of evidence, the central aim remains a safer driving environment for residents and visitors alike, with consistent penalties that reflect the seriousness of the offense.
In Moscow, traffic incidents have occasionally highlighted the impact of aggressive driving on city streets, including head-on collisions involving high-powered vehicles. Such incidents underscore the potential relevance of the proposed penalties in urban settings where vehicular density and complex traffic patterns can amplify risk. The debate continues as legislators weigh the benefits of a strengthened regulatory tool against concerns about enforcement logistics and civil liberties. The overarching goal remains to improve road safety through clear standards, reliable evidence, and penalties that deter dangerous driving without creating unnecessary burdens for everyday commuters.