Starting April 1, 2025, significant changes to Russia's driving regulations will come into effect, impacting all drivers across the nation. These alterations aim to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with traffic laws. Among the most notable changes are adjustments to fines, the process for replacing driver's licenses, and new requirements for foreign drivers.
One of the key amendments is the requirement for drivers to obtain a medical certificate when replacing their driver's license. In addition, a state fee will now be mandatory for this process. Automatic extensions of driver's licenses, which were previously in place due to the pandemic, will no longer be available. This means that drivers whose licenses expired in 2024 or 2025 must take action to renew them, as the automatic three-year extension granted during the pandemic has ended.
Moreover, foreign citizens residing in Russia or those who have acquired Russian citizenship must replace their national driver's licenses with Russian ones by April 1, 2025. Previously, this process allowed for an exchange without examinations, but now foreign drivers will be required to pass a theoretical exam for categories A and B, and both theory and practice for categories C and D.
The new fine structure is another significant change. For exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 kilometers per hour, the fine has increased from 5,000 rubles to 7,500 rubles. Additionally, the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol has risen dramatically from 30,000 rubles to 45,000 rubles. The fine for driving into the oncoming lane has also been adjusted, now costing 7,500 rubles instead of the previous 5,000 rubles.
For those who repeatedly fail to maintain their OSAGO (mandatory car insurance) policy, the fine will increase from 800 rubles to a range of 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. The discount for prompt payment of fines has also been revised; previously, offenders could reduce their fines by 50% if paid within 20 days. Now, the discount is only 25% if the fine is paid within 30 days.
In an effort to ensure compliance and maintain road safety, the government has set fines for foreign drivers who fail to replace their licenses. Those caught driving with unconverted foreign licenses will face penalties ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. This requirement stems from the inability to verify the authenticity of foreign licenses, except for those from Belarus, which remain valid under an existing agreement.
Additionally, a three-month moratorium on fines for overloading has been introduced for drivers of garbage trucks, acknowledging the potential damage that such overloading can cause to roads. Starting April 17, new rules for calculating OSAGO tariffs will also be implemented, introducing a power coefficient for motorcycles and a coefficient to account for the driver's age and experience. This aims to tailor insurance premiums to individual drivers more effectively.
As a result of these changes, authorities are emphasizing the importance of road safety and compliance with traffic laws. The adjustments reflect a broader effort to modernize traffic regulations and ensure that all drivers, both domestic and foreign, adhere to the new standards. With these updates, the government hopes to reduce traffic violations and enhance overall road safety.
In summary, the new regulations set to take effect on April 1, 2025, will require drivers to navigate a more stringent framework regarding licensing and penalties. From medical certificates to increased fines, these changes mark a significant shift in how driving is regulated in Russia. As the deadline approaches, drivers are urged to familiarize themselves with the new rules to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.
