Please enjoy your hire car in Russia
Are you going on holiday to Russia? To see as
much as possible and to get the most out of Russia, the best
way of transport is certainly by car. But of course you will
have to abide by Russia's law of driving. Below you will find
some useful information about driving in Russia.
Documents you need when driving in Russia:
To drive a foreign registered car legally in Russia you must
have the following documents with you, which are your current
full driving licence, valid insurance certificate a minimum
Third Party cover, A Green Card is required if you bring your
own car, theses Green cards may be purchase for a month's
cover at the border. Failure to produce these documents on
request to the authorities will result in on-the-spot cash
fine.
Special rules you must follow:
When driving in Russia all vehicles must carry a warning triangle,
it is also recommended to carry a fire extinguisher, spare
bulb kit and a first aid kit in all vehicles. The police are
able to issue and collect 'on the spot fines' for not obeying
these rules. For all passengers it is compulsory to wear both
front and rear seatbelts.
Minimum age:
The minimum age of a driver in Russia is 18 years. Children
under 12 years of age and must not be seated in the front
of a vehicle.
Parking:
Parking in Russia is similar to Britain with car parks and
parking meters. Parking in Russia is allowed only on the right
side of the street, remember to only park your vehicle in
the same direction as traffic flow. Also do not park alongside
national highways. Be aware as Illegally parked cars will
be wheel clamped.
A few basic rules:
In Russia, they drive on the right hand side and overtake
on the left, pay full attention especially at roundabouts
as traffic joining roundabouts has priority. You must carry
your driving licence, passport and vehicle documents at all
times. The flashing of headlights is used as a warning. Your
dipped headlights should be used in built-up areas at night.
All accidents are to be reported to the Police. Vehicle damage
must be notified to the police before entering the country
also if damage occurs while you are in Russia, as you will
not be able to leave without appropriate paperwork. Driving
under the influence of alcohol is forbidden.
Speed limits:
In cities: 50kph (30mph)
In built-up areas: 60kph (37mph)
On main roads: up to 90kph (57mph)
On motorways: 120kph (75mph).
Coach:
There are local coach services, which operate to most towns
and villages.
Taxi:
All the taxis can be hailed in the street or called from hotels.
The prices are relatively low and the taxi drivers appreciate
and expect a 10 per cent tip. Most drivers in Russia are honest,
but it is a good idea that prices should be agreed beforehand,
especially at the airport
Urban:
There are good public transports facilities, which provide
in the main centres. In Bucharest there is a good bus, tram
system and a metro. Tickets must be pre-purchased from agents,
there are also stamping machines on board of the buses and
trains. Also available are daily, weekly and fortnightly passes.
Driving in Russia will be a pleasurable experience
as long as you remember you are in their country and abide
by their laws. Please remember it is not a good enough excuse
to plead ignorance, as you are a foreigner, you are the driver
and it's your responsibility to know the law.