With the arrival of winter, Russian drivers face a number of unusual but strictly controlled traffic violations that can result in fines or even license revocation. Here are seven of the most common situations in which motorists are most likely to face financial losses and administrative penalties. From dirty license plates and headlights to risky tubing activities, even familiar winter activities can turn into trouble.
First place on the list is unreadable license plates and dirty headlights. In bad weather, snow and dirt can stick to the car, making the license plates unreadable. According to Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, a state registration plate is considered unreadable if at least one digit or letter cannot be read from 20 meters. Ignorance of the law is no excuse: the violation is punishable by a warning or a fine of 500 rubles, but intentional concealment of the sign is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months.
In anticipation of the holidays, you should also pay attention to decorations on the car. Garlands and illumination are allowed, but only if they do not obstruct the view through the windows, do not block the mirrors or headlights, and do not imitate the signals of special services. Violation of these rules may result in a fine of 500 rubles, and in case of dangerous imitation of signals, deprivation of rights for up to two years.
A snowy road hides another risk — markings. Even if it is not visible, crossing it is considered a violation. Driving on a solid line is punishable by a warning or a fine of 750 rubles, and a left turn or U-turn in violation of the marking requirements is punishable by a fine of 1,500 to 2,250 rubles. This is especially true in snowy conditions, when it is difficult for the driver to navigate.
No less common is the problem of parking on a snowy lawn. In winter, the weight of the car damages the roots of plants, and reagents and oil pollute the soil. The amount of the fine is determined by the region: in Moscow, an ordinary driver can be fined 5,000 rubles, and a legal entity — 300,000 rubles. In other regions, the amounts vary, but the violation is recorded in any case.
Dangerous entertainment is also popular in winter, for example, riding on tubes tied to a car. Such actions are qualified under Art. 12.6 and Part 2 of Art. 12.23 of the Administrative Code. The driver faces a fine of 1–1.5 thousand rubles, and if he decides to give a child a ride — up to 3 thousand rubles. Adult passengers can be fined up to 1.5 thousand rubles.
Different tires on the axle of the car are also a violation, especially in winter. From December 1, the operation of a car without winter tires is prohibited, and different types of tires increase the risk of skidding and accidents. The penalty for violation is 500 rubles, which makes tire control one of the mandatory winter rules for drivers.
Finally, prolonged engine warm-up in residential areas is also punishable by law. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the fine for parking for more than five minutes with the engine running is 3,000 rubles, in other regions — 1,500 rubles. Usually, drivers are brought to justice after complaints from residents, which makes the issue relevant for urban winter operation of cars.
Attentiveness, compliance with the rules and understanding of winter nuances will help drivers avoid fines and troubles on the road. Even familiar actions in the winter period can result in administrative liability, so it is important to know in advance what to pay attention to in order to make the trip safe and without unnecessary costs.