The State Duma warned about fines for signage in a foreign language

Starting from March 1, owners of shops, cafes and restaurants will be required to place signs and signs in Russian, otherwise they may face a fine of up to 40 thousand rubles. This was announced on February 19 by Vladimir Koshelev, first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Construction and Housing and Communal Services.

According to him, the new requirements are aimed at strengthening the status of the state language in the public space.

"Russian is becoming the main language in the public space. The new rules oblige the owners of shops, cafes and restaurants to bring signs and signs in line with the requirements of the law on the protection of the Russian language," Koshelev told RIA Novosti.

He clarified that the use of foreign words is not prohibited, but the Russian text should be basic and equivalent in design.

"If there is an inscription in a foreign language on the facade, for example, "Café", it must be written next to it in Russian "Cafe". In this case, both words must be executed in the same style, color and size. The Russian text cannot be smaller, paler or less noticeable than the foreign one," the deputy explained.

The parliamentarian added that the requirements for developers will be stricter: the names of residential complexes in advertising should use Cyrillic letters. At the same time, registered trademarks can be preserved without translation. In case of violation of the requirements, the fine for individual entrepreneurs will range from 3 thousand to 40 thousand rubles, and for legal entities — up to 40 thousand rubles.

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Olga Kazakova, head of the State Duma Committee on Culture, also announced on November 21, 2025, that the law on the protection of the Russian language would enter into force on March 1, 2026. The document obliges to place information on signage and signs in Russian in order to ensure that information is accessible to consumers. The new regulations also apply to service labels, including entrance, exit signs and discount information. The law is aimed at increasing the role of the Russian language in public space.

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