Road Transportation Law in Russia

Russia has one of the biggest transportation networks in the world measuring almost 7,700 kilometers. In November 2008, the Russian government enforced the Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation that extends until 2030.

General road regulations in Russia

The minimum age to get a driver’s license in Russia is 18 and the driver must always carry with him/her the identification documents, such as passport with a valid visa or a migration card for foreigners, valid driver’s license, a valid car insurance policy, car registration certificate and a certificate of annual technical inspection. Driving is on the right side of the road in Russia and all passengers in a car are required to wear a seat belt.

While driving on Russian roads, drivers are not allowed to talk on the phone without a hands-free device and put children under the age of 12 on the front seat. It is illegal to cross the continuous line on Russian roads and the headlights must be on during the day also. The speed limits in Russia are:

- in cities or other forms of settlement, the speed limit is 60 km/h;

- outside cities or other forms of settlement, the speed limit is 90 km/h;

- on highways, the speed limit is 100 km/h.

Driving license for foreigners in Russia

Foreign drivers are allowed to present an international driving permit in Russia whenever asked for. Upon expiration, however, the license must be exchanged for a 60-day period Russian driver’s license for foreigners with a working permit. Diplomats and their families can receive drivers’ licenses in Russia without any examinations.

In order to obtain a driver’s license in Russia, the applicant must pass an exam at the State Road Traffic Safety Inspectorate. The Russian license will have the same validity as the work permit. If the residence or work permit is extended, the driver’s license will be extended for the same period of time.

The documents required for a driver’s permit in Russia are:

- an application form;

- original passport with a valid visa;

- medical certificate;

- proof of fee payment;

- original valid international driver’s license and a notarized copy and translation;

- a passport photograph.

Laws on road transportation in Russia

The main road regulations in Russia are enforced by:

- the road traffic regulations that were empowered in 1994 when Russia set rules on road transportation according to international convention on road signs;

- standard specification (GOST) no. 23457-86 that refer to the traffic engineering equipment and sets the rules for how road signs, markings, lights and traffic-control tools are used;

- GOST 12503-74 that refers to the road marking and establishes the forms, colors, dimensions of the road signs;

- GOST 10807-78 refers to the technical requirements for road signs and establishes how road signs must look like and how they are to be designed and tested;

- GOST R50597-3 refers to the way Russian roads must be constructed in order to provide safety. It sets the regulations for asphalt roads and bridges, how they should be constructed and maintained in order not to endanger traffic participants;

- regulations on state technical inspection of motor vehicles and trailers was enabled in 1994 and provisions the creation of a technical inspection system for all categories of vehicle owners, from Russian companies to citizens.

If you want details about the road transportation laws or you want to start a business, you can contact our law firm in Russia.