Courts in Russia have become more likely to punish drivers for dangerous driving

In a number of Russian regions, courts have become more likely to criminalize motorists caught driving dangerously and aggressively. The applicable Article 267.1 of the Criminal Code had not been used before, but since the beginning of the year, a new law enforcement practice began to take shape, the Kommersant newspaper reported on July 29.

Drivers are punished, including based on the results of monitoring social networks, where reckless drivers independently upload footage of their road escapades. Violators are given different types of punishments, from heavy fines to restriction of liberty or imprisonment in a penal colony.

The trend towards an increase in the number of such punishments is confirmed by the Scientific Center for Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, which published a scientific article in a relevant journal in July. It says that the practice of qualifying drivers according to art. 267.1 who, out of hooligan motives, arrange drifting, sudden changes of lanes and other dangerous maneuvers on the roadway has already become widespread.

"Its application is a justified and promising direction for the formation of responsibility for dangerous driving," the publication of the Scientific Center says.

267.1 of the Criminal Code, the court can impose a fine in the amount of 150 to 300 thousand rubles, or restriction or imprisonment for up to two years. Starting from January 20, 2026, it will be possible to appoint forced labor for up to two years, earlier in July this law was signed by the president.

It is noted that earlier the State Duma has repeatedly tried to impose an administrative fine for dangerous driving, but the latest bill on this topic is currently inactive. They called for the term "dangerous driving" to be finalized, as it is too complex for law enforcement.

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