Driving rules in Russia
A practical summary of the main rules that may differ when you cross the border. The values below come from the official source linked on this page — the standardized Your Europe country page or the national law or authority.
Source-backedTypical passenger-car speed limits
- Built-up areas
- 60 km/h
- Outside built-up areas
- 90 km/h
- Motorways / expressways
- 110 km/h
110 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on other roads for cars up to 3.5 t; regional authorities may raise limits by signs.
Blood alcohol limits
- Standard drivers
- 0.3 mg/ml
- Novice drivers
- Not stated in the standardized source
- Professional drivers
- Not stated in the standardized source
Defined in the administrative code as 0.3 g per litre of blood or 0.16 mg per litre of exhaled air.
Lights, winter rules and equipment
- Daytime lights
- Mandatory all day
- Winter tyres / equipment
- Mandatory during a defined season December – February on all wheels for passenger cars and light vans; studded tyres prohibited June – August.
- Mandatory equipment
- warning triangle The current traffic-rules annex no longer lists a first-aid kit or fire extinguisher for passenger cars; requirements may still follow from the customs-union technical regulation.
Checks that depend on the route
- Low-emission zones
- No national scheme; check the city you are driving into
- Fines and enforcement
- Outside the EU enforcement rules; national or bilateral law applies
- Emergency number
- 112
Frequently asked questions
What are the speed limits in Russia?
The cited source lists typical passenger-car limits of 60 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, and 110 km/h on motorways and expressways. Road signs, the vehicle and local conditions can set a different limit.
What is the drink-drive limit in Russia?
The cited source lists 0.3 mg/ml for standard drivers. A lower limit can apply to novice and professional drivers; this page shows those values too.
Do I need daytime lights in Russia?
The cited source lists the daytime-light rule as: Mandatory all day. Check the linked official guidance and road signs before driving.
Are winter tyres required in Russia?
The cited source lists the winter-tyre or winter-equipment rule as: Mandatory during a defined season. Seasonal dates, weather conditions and signed roads can change what is required.
This is a planning summary, not legal advice. Road signs and current national rules take priority. Always check the linked official source before departure.