As the world’s largest country, Russia has vast landscapes to explore. Driving there is an experience in itself, and you’ll encounter all types of road, from slick highways to rocky mountain passes.
Please note, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises British nationals against all travel to Russia.
Requirements
| Carnet de Passage | no requirements |
| Insurance | UK issued Green Card |
| International driving permit | yes 1968 |
| Travel Visa | required |
Riding in Russia
Documents for driving in Russia
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
You need understandable documents.
As a tip, it is to laminate all of your key documents or otherwise waterproof them. It is also highly recommended to scan all your original documents and email them to an easily accessible email address.
It is also worth printing off the Constat Amiable D’accident Automobile, which is used across numerous and other countries (the downloadable one on our website has English as well as French).
Riding in Russia packing checklist
Aside from the documents above, there are some legally-required items you must bring with you to ride 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 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)
Rules of the road in Russia
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
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
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
Russian speed limits
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.
Read Grahams blog from riding in Russia.
Please note, this page was correct when written in February 2025.