Indian Licence in Russia 2026: Russian Translation First

Driving in Russia on an Indian licence is lawful for a visitor when the licence comes with a certified translation into Russian. Russia recognises foreign licences under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and India never joined it, so Federal Law 196-FZ asks for the translation instead. Russia then drives on the right where India drives on the left, posts 60 km/h in towns and 110 km/h on the fastest motorways, and bans summer tyres from 1 December to the end of February.

Your case: Whether you fly in and hire a car or reach a Russian land border under your own wheels, the document check is the same and the season decides the rest. A car brought in overland must be declared to customs, and a Green Card is not accepted as proof of insurance, so arrange Russian cover before the border.

The licence verdict for Indian visitors

Article 25 of Federal Law 196-FZ recognises foreign licences that meet Russia’s road-traffic treaties, which in practice means the 1968 Vienna Convention. A licence from a country outside it, India included, is valid when presented with a certified Russian translation. Have it prepared by a notary-certified translator before you rely on it, and carry your 1949-format IDP from the RTO as a second document. The law sets no fixed time limit for a visitor; the one-year clock in article 25 starts only if you take a Russian residence permit or citizenship.

Winter tyres are the law

Under the Customs Union vehicle regulation TR CU 018/2011, cars may not use summer tyres from 1 December to the end of February, and studded tyres are banned from June to August; regions may lengthen both periods. If you are hiring, confirm the car is correctly shod before you accept it.

The side switch, the distances and the police checks

India drives on the left; Russia drives on the right, so your first day carries the usual reversal risk. Limits are 60 km/h in town, 90 km/h outside built-up areas and up to 110 km/h on motorways. Traffic police stop drivers often for document checks, so keep the licence, translation and passport together. Distances are vast and fuel can be rationed in places, so plan refuelling and rest stops; the emergency number is 112.

Confirm your permit status with the Driving Permit Checker and read the full rules on the Russia driving guide.

Sources

• Federal Law 196-FZ “On Road Safety”, art. 25 (foreign licences, translation, one-year rule): consultant.ru
• UN Treaty Collection, 1968 Convention on Road Traffic (Russia a party, India not): treaties.un.org
• Customs Union technical regulation TR CU 018/2011, Annex 8 s.5.5 (winter tyres): eec.eaeunion.org
• GOV.UK, Russia travel advice, road travel (customs declaration, Green Card, fuel): gov.uk