Russia Plans to Tighten Medical Certificate Requirements for Driver’s Licenses

Russian authorities are considering stricter requirements for obtaining a medical certificate needed to get a driver’s license. Currently, it is much cheaper to buy a certificate than to undergo all the necessary tests, a loophole often exploited by individuals who abuse alcohol and drugs.

In the first nine months of 2024, 10% of all traffic accidents in Russia were caused by, or involved, drunk drivers. These incidents resulted in over 100 deaths and more than 2,500 injuries. Jan Khaitser, Vice President of the National Automobile Union, told a news channel that many of these accidents could have been avoided if it were not so easy to obtain a medical certificate.

According to Khaitser, almost all driving schools have connections with clinics that provide the required paperwork. It is possible to order a certificate online, complete with signatures from a psychiatrist and a narcologist, and have it delivered within 30 minutes for no more than 3,500 rubles—without any actual testing. This shortcut is often used by those who later lose their licenses for driving under the influence. Whether these individuals have overcome their harmful habits remains unknown.

Proposed Measures and Legislative Changes

The National Automobile Union has appealed to the Ministry of Health to create a database of citizens under psychiatric or narcological supervision, preventing them from driving until they are fully treated. However, the union emphasizes that the most important step is to legally require mandatory drug testing for all applicants.

Upcoming Increases in Traffic Fines

It was previously reported that, starting January 1, 2025, Russia plans to increase fines for traffic violations. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt will rise to 1,500 rubles from the current 1,000 rubles. The penalty for driving under the influence will increase to 45,000 rubles.