The fine for using a phone while driving may be doubled

An article prohibiting the use of a phone while driving appeared in the Code of Administrative Offenses in 2020 at the initiative of the deputies of the Supreme Council. The ban was in effect at the level of the provisions of the Traffic Regulations until that time, starting in 2017. However, this rule was ignored by drivers, which was confirmed by the statistics of 2020: about 25% of accidents in the republic occurred due to messaging and talking on the phone while driving. The situation on the roads has not improved in 5 years. Many drivers continue to use their phones while driving, and other electronic and digital devices, including smart watches, have been added to the phone. The President Vadim Krasnoselsky proposed doubling the fine for being distracted by mobile communications and interaction in order to prevent drivers from being distracted by electronic and digital equipment. The law-in-draft of Vadim Krasnoselsky was submitted to the Supreme Council in the legislative necessity mode. The initiative of the head of state was considered in the course of the meeting of the Committee on Legislation, Protection of Citizens' Rights and Freedoms. In addition to increasing fines from 5 to 10 minimum wages (184 rubles), the law-in-draft proposes using video cameras of the Safe City system and other video recording devices to prevent violations. Until now, only a traffic militia inspector can record the fact of using a phone according to the amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses adopted in 2020. The official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs informed the Committee deputies about how the norm is implemented in practice. The deputies of the Legislation Committee asked the official representative questions of interest, for example, whether the cameras of the Safe City system will be able to clearly convey whether the driver is holding a phone or another object, whether he is really talking on the phone or just putting his hand to his head. The deputies asked about the possibility of drivers using the phone to use the navigator.

The President's law-in-draft on tightening administrative liability for the use of mobile devices while driving was supported during the vote by the majority of votes by the deputies of the relevant committee for adoption in the first reading.

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Chairman of the Committee Galina Antyufeeva emphasized the need to adopt amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, since talking on the phone and corresponding via phone while driving are fraught with tragic consequences. Galina Antyufeeva also noted that the wording will be specified by the second reading so that drivers understand what devices will be prohibited from being used while driving.

It was noted at the meeting of the Committee that similar regulations are in force in Russia, Belarus and Moldova.

The President’s law-in-draft on amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, submitted in the regime of legislative necessity, will be considered by the Supreme Council at a plenary session on June 11.