RussiaRussia
Traffic rules
Russia
1. Russia
Russia extends across eastern Europe and northern Asia, and its enormous size makes long-distance driving a defining feature of the country. Traffic drives on the right. Roads range from dense urban networks around major cities to federal highways crossing sparsely populated regions where fuel, services and settlements may be separated by considerable distances. Russian is the principal language used on road signs, and destination names and other written information are generally displayed in the Cyrillic alphabet, which is worth preparing for if you cannot read the script.
Seasonal conditions are especially important. Passenger cars must use winter tyres in December, January and February, and severe snow, ice and extreme cold can affect roads for much longer in many regions. Russia has both free and tolled high-speed roads, including sections of the M-4, M-11 and M-12, but there is no nationwide vignette for passenger cars. Another notable difference from much of Europe is the general 60 km/h urban speed limit; on motorways the normal maximum is 110 km/h, although suitably designated sections may permit up to 130 km/h.
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Which side of the road do you drive on in Russia?
Drive on the right-hand side of the road and normally overtake on the left.
What is the emergency number in Russia?
Call 112 for emergency assistance. The number connects callers with emergency services such as the police, ambulance and fire and rescue services.
What is the alcohol limit for driving in Russia?
Driving while intoxicated is prohibited. For enforcement purposes, alcohol intoxication is established above 0.16 mg of alcohol per litre of exhaled air or at 0.3 g/l or more in blood. These thresholds account for measurement criteria and should not be treated as a safe amount of alcohol to consume before driving.
What is the speed limit in built-up areas in Russia?
The general maximum speed in built-up areas is 60 km/h, unless signs establish another limit. Higher limits may be authorised on suitable signed roads.
What is the speed limit outside built-up areas in Russia?
For ordinary passenger cars, the general maximum outside built-up areas is 90 km/h, unless another limit is legally established or signed.
What is the motorway speed limit in Russia?
For ordinary passenger cars, the general motorway maximum is 110 km/h. On suitable motorway sections, the road authority may establish a higher signed limit of up to 130 km/h.
What is the speed limit in residential areas in Russia?
The maximum speed in residential zones, bicycle zones and courtyard areas is 20 km/h.
Which vehicles are prohibited from Russian motorways?
Motorways are prohibited to pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, tractors, self-propelled machinery and certain other slow road users. Vehicles whose technical characteristics or condition limit them to less than 40 km/h are also prohibited.
Do you need a motorway vignette in Russia?
No. Russia does not use a nationwide motorway vignette for passenger cars. Instead, tolls apply on particular motorways and road sections, with payment depending on the route and tolling system.
Are there toll motorways in Russia?
Yes. Russia has a substantial network of tolled road sections, including parts of routes such as the M-4 Don, M-11 Neva and M-12 Vostok. Drivers should check the current route and tariff before travelling.
Must you use daytime running lights in Russia?
Yes. During daylight, moving motor vehicles must use dipped headlights or daytime running lights.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Russia?
Yes. Passenger cars in category M1 and light goods vehicles in category N1 must use winter tyres during December, January and February. Winter tyres must be fitted to all wheels.
Can studded winter tyres be used all year in Russia?
No. Tyres fitted with anti-skid studs must not be used during June, July or August. Non-studded winter-tyre rules are different, but drivers should always use tyres suitable for actual weather and road conditions.
Are seat belts compulsory in Russia?
Yes. Drivers and passengers must use seat belts where the vehicle is equipped with them.
When must children use a child restraint in Russia?
Children under 7 must use an appropriate child-restraint system. Children aged 7 to 11 inclusive may use either an appropriate child restraint or the vehicle's seat belt in a rear seat, but they must use an appropriate child-restraint system when travelling in the front seat.
Can a seat-belt adapter be used instead of a child seat in Russia?
Not as a substitute for an approved child-restraint system. Since 1 September 2025, the rules explicitly clarify that straps, flexible elements with buckles, belt adapters, clips, belt pads and similar items are not considered child-restraint systems.
Can a young child be left alone in a parked car in Russia?
A child under 7 years old must not be left in a parked vehicle without an adult present.
Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in Russia?
Yes. A motorcycle rider must wear a fastened motorcycle helmet and must not carry a passenger who is not wearing a fastened helmet.
Can you use a mobile phone while driving in Russia?
A driver must not use a telephone while the vehicle is moving unless it can be used with a hands-free system that does not require holding the phone.
Does priority from the right apply in Russia?
Yes. At an intersection of roads of equal priority, a driver of a non-rail vehicle must normally give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
Who has priority at a roundabout in Russia?
Priority depends on the approach signs. When entering a signed roundabout from a road that is not the main road, you must give way to vehicles already circulating. If the approach is designated as the main road, follow the applicable priority signs rather than assuming circulating traffic always has priority.
Do pedestrians have priority at crossings in Russia?
At an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, drivers must give way to pedestrians who are crossing or have stepped onto the carriageway to cross.
What does an amber traffic light mean in Russia?
A steady amber light normally prohibits movement and warns that the signal is changing. A driver who cannot stop at the required place without emergency braking may continue in the circumstances allowed by the traffic rules.
What must you do after an emergency stop or accident in Russia?
Use the hazard-warning lights where required and place a warning triangle far enough away to warn approaching traffic. It must be at least 15 m away in a built-up area and 30 m outside a built-up area.
When must a reflective vest be worn in Russia?
After a forced stop or road accident outside a built-up area at night or in conditions of limited visibility, a driver who is on the carriageway or shoulder must wear a compliant reflective jacket, vest or vest-cape.
Are there special rules for novice drivers in Russia?
Yes. Drivers who have held the relevant driving entitlement for less than two years must normally display the yellow 'Novice driver' identification sign on applicable vehicles. They are also prohibited from towing another motor vehicle, and separate two-year experience requirements apply to carrying passengers on motorcycles and mopeds.
