Residents of Rostov-on-Don Discuss Ban on Gasoline Sales with Passport Requirement

Over the past five years, the number of traffic accidents involving underage motorcyclists in the region has quadrupled. To address the issue, the prosecutor«s office has proposed banning the sale of gasoline to persons under 18 years old.

The bill has already received a positive review from regional authorities. If adopted, gas stations will be required to check documents from fuel buyers.

Among residents of Rostov-on-Don, opinions on the innovation are divided. Some see benefit in it, while others doubt its effectiveness and predict workarounds.

One reader spoke critically: «This won»t work! Considering that teenagers consume alcohol and tobacco no less, if not more, with diverse compositions and vapes. The same will happen with gasoline. They«ll find ways to buy it through bribes; bribes don»t check age, and inspections can be bought off for the same bribe, but at a higher price. What«s the point of this initiative and who needs it? Conclusion: clearly, it»s not to make roads safer. But teenagers will clearly remember that everyone can be bought for a bribe, and they couldn«t care less about your rules.»

Another user recalled past experience: «I wonder if a note from a father or grandfather will work? In my childhood, many stood in line for cigarettes with such notes. And they sold to many.»

There was also concern about parents: «And what about irresponsible parents who buy them motorcycles? They»ll buy them fuel too.«

Supporters of the law argue their position. «Actually, it»s a very correct decision. They«ll introduce a fine for sales of fifty thousand rubles (approximately $500 at current rates), and no one, at least no major chain, will sell gasoline to minors. They shouldn»t be on the road. Anyone in their right mind would agree with this,« stated one interlocutor.

Opponents, however, consider the effect insignificant: «Still, it reduces the number of opportunities. Nothing much will change from this, except perhaps 1 out of 100 won»t crash on their motorbike.«

There are also economic arguments: «As I understand it, after this law is adopted, gas stations will have to implement new software for scanning passports and entering data into some another registry, the maintenance of which costs money. This will affect the cost of fuel—the price will increase. Right? In the end, this won»t reduce the number of minors riding mopeds and other electric-powered personal mobility devices, but will create additional inconveniences for motorists.«