Which foreign drivers will have to obtain Russian licences?

23 October 2013

In less than a month, Federal Law No. 92-FZ dated 07.05.2013 will enter into force, introducing amendments to the Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety”.

Due to the media providing selective and sometimes incomplete information about the amendments, people have many questions about the upcoming changes. Misinterpretation of the situation is giving rise to rumours, as we have discovered from the many queries sent to us. For example, the publication in foreign media of information that has not been fully verified has led to foreigners thinking that after 5 November they will not be able to drive in Russia unless they hold a Russian driving licence.

We asked representatives of the General Department of Road Traffic Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to explain the changes that will affect foreign drivers. They confirmed that once the law enters into force only foreign drivers “carrying out in Russia commercial or work activities that are directly related to driving” will have to obtain a Russian driving licence (Art.25, p.12-17).

In no way will the amendments affect haulage drivers transiting Russia, let alone tourists. Journeys by these categories of drivers will be made in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, on the basis of national and international driving licences.

Foreign drivers who are already working in Russia, or who intend to find work in Russia directly related to driving, must sit a driving theory test at the General Department of Road Traffic Safety. To take the test, they should hold a driving licence from the country of which they are a citizen. If they do not hold such a licence, they can obtain a Russian driving licence in the usual way, that is, by taking lessons at a driving school, passing a medical examination, and sitting theory and practical tests.

We ask that all bloggers and journalists study the legislation in detail so as to avoid providing incorrect information. Such information could result in rumours that damage Russia's image abroad.

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