Russian fines double for child car seat violations
In Russia, fines have increased for transporting children in a car without a car seat or other restraint devices. The law toughening measures for drivers was signed by Vladimir Putin at the end of December 2025.
Changes have been made to Part 3 of Article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. For the absence of a car seat the fine has increased:
for drivers — from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles ($30 to $50 at current rates);
for officials — from 25,000 to 50,000 rubles ($250 to $500 at current rates);
for legal entities — from 100,000 to 200,000 rubles ($1,000 to $2,000 at current rates).
Moreover, for self-employed taxi drivers, the fine for transporting children without car seats will be not 5,000 rubles ($50), as for individuals, but 50,000 rubles ($500), as for officials.
Note that in Russia, drivers of temporarily imported cars with incorrect tinting will also start to be fined. This refers to cars that can be imported from abroad for personal use for a short period without registration with the traffic police. For the violation, car owners will have to pay 500 rubles (approximately $5 at current rates).
Recall that it is necessary to replace driver«s licenses in advance if their validity expired during the New Year holidays. From January 1, 2026, in Russia, the mechanism for automatic extension of these documents has ceased to operate. More about this we wrote here.
