Russia Bans Summer Tyres From December (2026 Rules)

From December to February Russia does not merely recommend winter tyres, it prohibits summer ones, so a car collected in January must already be on M+S or 3PMSF rubber; studs are permitted. A foreign licence on its own is not enough either: an International Driving Permit is required alongside it, and your own licence stops being valid there after six months. Speeds run 60 km/h in towns, 90 on rural roads and 110 on motorways, with a 10 km/h tolerance before any fine bites, and the blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.

Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

Russia drives on the right. If you are arriving from Japan (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.

Emergency Numbers in Russia

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 102 | Ambulance: 103 | Fire: 101

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Russia, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Russia

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Russia are 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 60 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural, and 90 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Finland (120 km/h), Poland (140 km/h), China (120 km/h).

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Russia escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: No fine (10 km/h tolerance); 10-20 over: RUB 500 (approx. EUR 5). Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: RUB 500-1,500 (approx. EUR 5-15). Over 20 km/h: RUB 1,000-2,500 (approx. EUR 10-25) + possible licence suspension or more.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: RUB 1,500 (approx. EUR 15)
• Running a red light: RUB 1,000 (approx. EUR 10); repeat: RUB 5,000 or licence suspension
• Seatbelt violation: RUB 1,000 (approx. EUR 10)

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is RUB 1,500 (approx. EUR 15). Use hands-free devices only.

Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Russia is 0.03% BAC. This is higher than Poland (0.02% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyre requirement in Russia: Required.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 4.0 mm for adequate grip.

Studded tyres are allowed in Russia during winter months. Check specific dates and conditions.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Russia guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Russia must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (high-visibility)
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Spare bulbs

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in Russia. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 6 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

IDP required alongside your national licence. Foreign licence valid for 6 months.

Parking and Fuel

City-centre parking in Russia is typically paid — use parking meters, ticket machines, or mobile payment apps. Look for P+R (park and ride) facilities on the outskirts connected to public transport.

Current fuel prices in Russia: petrol approximately $0.62/litre, diesel $0.65/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Russia has continental climate with cold winters. Winter driving (November to March) requires caution — ice, snow, and reduced visibility are common. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Allow extra following distance on slippery roads.

Summer driving is generally straightforward with long daylight hours. Watch for tourist traffic near popular destinations.

Useful Driving Phrases in Russian

Knowing a few phrases in Russian helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:

Download the Russian language pack in your translation app for offline use.

Practical Driving Tips for Russia

• Download offline maps of Russia before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.