From January 1, 2026, Russian motorists faced a number of changes that directly affect the cost of ownership and vehicle operation. The New Year began with an increase in car prices, stricter car loan rules, and updated traffic regulations. Let's analyze what exactly has changed and what to be prepared for.
Since the beginning of the year, cars have become more expensive. Preferential rates for the recycling fee for electric vehicles and hybrids with a power of over 80 hp have been canceled. Private individuals importing cars with engines over 160 hp have also lost their benefits. At the same time,the increase in VAT to 22% from January 1, 2026 has further increased the cost. Dealers are still selling off the remains of old cars, but in the coming months, prices for new cars will inevitably rise.
New amendments to GOST R 52289-2019 came into force on January 1. New road signs and plates have appeared in the traffic rules: "Recommended speed on uneven surfaces", "Area with stopping restrictions", combined "Parking space" and "Wet surface". Plates "Sign validity by month" and "Deaf pedestrians" have appeared. Parking spaces can now be 2.25 meters wide, and the left turn arrow on traffic lights is only activated when the light is red for oncoming traffic. Also, temporarily inactive signs are now crossed out with a red ribbon.
In 2026, the extension of expired driver's licenses, introduced in 2022 for three years, was finally stopped. Drivers need to replace their documents by providing a passport, medical certificate, application, and receipt. It is not required to take exams, but the registration procedure returns to the usual one.
Car loan conditions have become stricter. Now banks only consider officially confirmed income or data through the electronic platform "Digital Profile". Macroprudential limits have been maintained, limiting the share of loans for individuals with a high debt burden. The high key rate of 16% makes loans less accessible, especially for customers with unstable income.
Technical inspection became more expensive from January 1: on average by 9.7%. In Chukotka - up to 5400 rubles, in St. Petersburg - up to 2000, in Moscow - 1200 rubles. Technical inspection for personal cars older than four years remains mandatory when registering and making changes to the design. The procedure has not changed for buses, trucks, and taxis.
In some regions,the transport tax has increased, but car owners will have to pay at the new rates only in 2027. In the Moscow region, the rate for cars over 100 hp increased from 10 to 14 rubles per horsepower, in the Lipetsk region - up to 20 rubles, in the Ulyanovsk region the tax for motorcycles with a power of 20-35 hp was increased. Before the new rules, benefits are introduced for participants of the SVO, employees of the National Guard, veterans, and those awarded the Orders of Glory and Hero.
OSAGO has also become more expensive. The Central Bank has expanded the tariff corridor by 15% for cars and by 40% for motorcycles. In practice, car insurance, according to the RSA, has increased by 5-8%. The tariff corridor does not affect regional coefficients and bonus-malus.
New rules also affected electric vehicles: free travel on toll roads has been canceled, although the government is considering the possibility of maintaining the benefit. The transition period for the new regions of the Russian Federation has ended, cars had to be re-registered. In Moscow, prices for evacuation and storage in impound lots have increased: from 8.5 thousand to 12.45 thousand rubles for evacuation, storage - from 1360 to 3040 rubles per day.
As a result, 2026 for drivers began with rising prices, new rules, updated markings and road signs, stricter lending and taxation. It is important for motorists to study all the changes in advance to avoidfines and unexpected expenses.