The key facts
- The government commission approved the Interior Ministry's bill to raise fines for driving without a license
- The base fine will rise from 5,000–15,000 to 15,000–30,000 rubles; repeat offense — 30,000–50,000 rubles
- The 25% discount for paying such fines will not apply
Government commission backs tougher penalties
The government commission on legislative activity has approved the Interior Ministry's initiative to tighten penalties for drivers who operate a car without a driver's license. TASS reports this, citing a source in the cabinet. “The bill has been approved by the Russian government commission on legislative activity,” the agency quotes its source as saying.
Who will be affected by the changes
The new rules will affect motorists who have never obtained a driver's license or who continue to drive after it has expired. Currently, such a violation carries a fine of 5,000 to 15,000 rubles. The bill proposes raising it to 15,000–30,000 rubles.
Separate penalty for repeat offense
For those who get behind the wheel again without a license, a separate penalty is planned — a fine of 30,000 to 50,000 rubles. Such fines cannot be paid with the 25% discount currently available for a number of traffic violations.
