Guide for driving in Europe - Russia some of this information supplied from companies we work with - jmlvillas.com, insurance4carhire.com, Holiday Autos, Essential Travel and Economy Car Hire and other acknowledged sources. It is presented on this site without responsibilty of jml Property Services / insurance4carrental.com and should not be relied on for accuracy.

Driving in Russia

Key rules, regulations and things to know

Driving: Drive on the right and overtake on the left.

International Driving Licence + Drivers must be 18 years old and drivers will need an International Driver's Permit Licence, credit card and with most car hire companies you will have to be over 25 years old.

Longer term stay: You may drive a car in Russia on your UK Driving licence, although the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth office recommends that you also obtain a notarised Russian translation of your UK Driving licence. If you hold a Russian driving licence, this will only be renewed in line with the term of your residency, for example, if you have a three months visa, your Russian driving licence will be renewed for three months

Passports: You must carry your original passport at all times in the Russian Federation. You will most likely need a visa for your stay in Russia and these are rather expensive to obtain.

Speed limits : 60 km/h in built up areas 90 km/h outside of built up areas 110 km/h on motorways. Drivers who have not had a licence for two years may only travel at a maximum of 70 km/h

Seat Belts: It isa legal requirement for the driver and front and rear passengers to wear seatbelts in the front seat and back seats.

Mobile Phones: It is against the law in Russia to use a mobile phone while you are driving. Don't risk using one as you can receive a heavy fine in most countries and more important cause a serious accident.

Dipped headlights: Must be used during the day

Accidents: If you're involved in an accident or your car breaks down, you must contact the police ( Militia), as well as any break down organisation

Fines: If you commit a driving offence, this will mean that you will be given an on the spot fine by the Police.

Drink and Driving: 0.00 You are not permitted by law to drink and drive in Russia - Basically this means there must be no alcohol in your blood system whilst driving. More information Here

Hitch Hikers: It is illegal to pick up hitchhikers

Winter Driving: Because of the lattitude of the country a great deal of the country will be affected by severe winters (ice snow, fereezing fog etc) so it advisable to drive with great care. Although some reports state that Russian drivers are not careful, on a three day visit to St Petersburg in December 2010, where there were dangerous driving conditions with a lot of snow and ice on the roads, the standard of driving was excellent.(Editor)

Warning / Emergency Equipment: A warning triangle, like in may other countries should be kept insisde the vehicle and not in the boot - A first aid kit - A fire extinguisher

Disabled Parking: The Blue Badge is recognised in all European countries - More information Here

Emergency Services Telephone numbers: Fire 01 - Police 02 - Medical services 03.

Cars must be clean as it is illegal to drive a dirty car

Capital: Moscow

Telephone Country Code: +7

Part Source: RAC and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (jml Property Services hold a Core Licence C02W00008738 for Crown Copyright material)

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Autoclub.ru - Click on image on left to enter the site

Russian Autombile Society - Click on image on left to enter the site

St Petersburg in early December - St Petersburg, Russia in early December is very cold, however with plenty of snow, warm clothing it is well worth a short stay break. You are made to feel very welcome and soon get used to the low temperatures and short days of day light. More Here

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