Driving in Russia

Please note, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals against all travel to Russia. 

If you’re planning to drive to Russia, it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK. 

To make your journey east as safe and stress-free as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road.  

If you're driving in Russia your checklist requirements are:

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• An International Driving Permit (this translates your driving licence into the local language)
• Russian visa/transit
• A UK sticker – all temporarily imported vehicles must bear the distinguishing sign of their country of registration
• Your motor insurance certificate/green card with RUS code . Ensure your car is covered by third-party insurance recognised in Russia. This is the legal minimum cover for visitors, but fully comprehensive is recommended, so check with your provider before you travel
• V5 registration document or hire car paperwork

Aside from the documents above, there are some legally-required items you must bring with you to drive in Russia.

• Unless your headlights can be adjusted, it's a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way).
• A warning triangle is also compulsory to carry in vehicles in case of a breakdown.
• Winter tyres (compulsory if you're driving between 1 December and 1 March)

It's also recommended to have:

• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A fire extinguisher 
• A first-aid kit
• A reflective jacket
• A Green Card (this is no longer a requirement, but it could be useful to back-up your insurance documents and show you've got the minimum legal level of cover. To find out more, contact your insurance company)

You can pick up all the car kit you need from RAC Shop.

• Use dipped headlights during the day outside built-up areas
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle or scooter
• On entry into Russia, motorists are required to pay a road and ecological tax which is calculated according to the category of vehicle
• In Russia, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right, trams, buses and emergency vehicles have priority. Turning left is forbidden in large towns other than at crossings with lights
• Horns should not be used in towns, except in cases of immediate danger 
• If you’re involved in any sort of collision, you should wait until the police arrive
• There is a growing number of motorway toll roads in Russia. A major new toll motorway stretching 1,250 miles across the country from west to east was given the go-ahead in July 2019
• If you're caught committing a driving offence while travelling through Russia, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to 5,000 RUB (around £40). Fines must be paid through a bank as Russian police are no longer allowed to ask for cash
• Seat belts should be worn in all seats where a belt is available
• Children under the age of 12 must use an appropriate restraint if they’re travelling in the front seat of a car
• Since 2013, the legal drink-drive limit has stood at 0.035%, so you shouldn’t drink at all before getting behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of drugs is also against the law
• It is against the law to drive a dirty car where the registration plate isn’t legible

In residential areas, the speed limit is 20km/h, while in other urban areas, it’s 60km/h. Outside built-up areas, the limit is 90km/h, increasing to 110km/h on expressways.

Anti-radar equipment that interferes with specific radio frequencies to jam police signals is prohibited.

• Unleaded petrol and diesel are readily available throughout western Russia. There are some automatic petrol pumps in Moscow and St Petersburg that take credit cards, but generally cash is used
• The standard of roads outside major cities in Russia is poor, particularly in the most rural areas. Hazards to watch out for include livestock and speeding drivers
• Political rallies can occur in Moscow, St Petersburg and other cities. They are usually peaceful but can escalate into violence. Check Government advice for travelling in Russia for the latest information
• Car parks and parking meters are available in Russian towns and cities. Fines are issued for parking offences, and if you park illegally your vehicle could be clamped or towed away

In an emergency

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.

Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.

Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Russia.

Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:

Rental information

• The minimum age to hire a car is 19, although this can vary depending upon the vehicle and provider
• You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport)
• Some car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for a minimum term - check with your hire company first
• Some companies require you to use a credit card for deposit
• You may not be able to drive outside of Russia unless planned in advance - check with your hire company first
• Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's almost always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Hire car driving tips

• Russians drive on the right and overtake on the left - the opposite to the UK
• The Russian speed limit in residential areas is 20km/h, while in other urban areas, it’s 60km/h. Outside built-up areas, the limit is 90km/h, increasing to 110km/h on expressways.
• Dial 112 in an emergency
• It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.03%. That's lower than the UK

UK Government travel advice

See up-to-date travel advice