What will change in the lives of Russians from March 1
In the spring of 2026, Russians will see noticeable changes in their daily lives. On March 1, a number of new laws and regulations will come into force that will affect finances, services, and everyday habits. Pensioners will be able to count on increased payments, and parents will be able to recalculate alimony payments when assigning benefits. The new requirements will also affect taxis, hotels, alternative tobacco products and energy drinks. Read more about how all these changes will affect the lives of citizens in the Izvestia article.
Increase in insurance pensions and allowances from March 1, 2026
The traditional indefinite allowance will be awarded to all pensioners who turned 80 in February 2026. Starting in March, they will receive a fixed payment to double their insurance pension. Taking into account the January indexation by 7.6%, the amount will amount to 19,168.38 rubles per month.
In addition, the recalculation of the fixed payment is provided for pensioners who were assigned disability group I in February 2026. The increase is made from the day the disability is established. The amount of the fixed payment is also doubled. The increase will amount to 9584.69 rubles, and the total payout amount will reach 19,169.38 rubles per month.
Prohibition on debiting funds for online subscriptions without the user's consent
New rules aimed at protecting the rights of consumers of digital services will come into force on March 1, 2026. Now online services are not allowed to debit funds from bank cards without the explicit consent of the client. This is provided for by Federal Law No. 376 dated 10/15/2025.
The changes apply to all Internet platforms offering paid digital subscriptions: streaming services and online cinemas, cloud data storage, gaming platforms, educational courses, mobile applications and other services with regular payment.
Starting from the specified date, automatic write-offs are considered illegal in the following cases:
- The card or other payment method has been deleted by the user. If the customer unlinked the bank card or refused to use an electronic means of payment, the service has no right to use previously saved banking details without re-confirmation.
- The subscription has been cancelled. After canceling the service, debiting funds without the user's new consent will be considered a violation.
- The card has become invalid or has been replaced. In the absence of confirmation of new banking details, automatic debit is prohibited.
- There is no proper notification of subscription renewal. Although the law does not specify a specific form of notification, services are required to act transparently and notify customers in advance of upcoming payments.
New rules for obtaining a microloan
Starting from March 1, 2026, new requirements for issuing microloans in online format will come into force in Russia. The changes are aimed at improving the safety of borrowers and combating fraud.
Microfinance companies (IFC) that provide loans remotely are now required to identify customers using biometric data. In the absence of the necessary biometrics at the time of application, the company will not be able to issue borrowed funds. At the same time, during the face-to-face registration of a microloan, the transfer of biometrics is not required.
For micro—credit companies (MCCS), a similar requirement will become effective later, starting in the spring of 2027. The main purpose of the innovation is to prevent cases of micro—loans being issued without the knowledge of citizens and to reduce the number of fraudulent transactions in the field of online loans.
Identification will be carried out through the Unified Biometric System (UBS), a state—owned digital platform that stores biometric data of citizens. The system uses two types of parameters: face image and voice. The EBS was established in 2018, and in 2021 it received the status of a state information system. In addition to confirming identity during financial transactions, the platform is used for contactless payment for purchases, transportation, receiving services at the MFC and other services.
Changes to the rules of air transportation and booking of accommodation facilities
On March 1, 2026, changes regulating the sphere of air transportation and hotel services will come into force. The amendments are aimed at increasing transparency and protecting the rights of passengers and tourists.
Changes in the rules of air transportation
From that date, an electronic boarding pass is officially equivalent to a paper one. Previously, its use depended on the technical capabilities of the airport or the carrier, but now the passenger is guaranteed the right of passage via the electronic version. The responsibility for providing this opportunity lies with the airline.
There is also a clear procedure in case the boarding gate number is not determined in advance. The carrier is obliged to inform passengers about any changes in a timely manner.
Additionally, the responsibilities of airlines in case of flight delays are specified. In particular:
- Drinking water should be offered to passengers one hour after the two-hour delay.;
- Hotel accommodation is provided two hours after an eight-hour delay during the day or after a six-hour delay at night.;
- Passengers can get food stamps at the airport cafe.
The law also establishes clear grounds for the forced return of a ticket with a full refund. Such cases include:
- flight delay of more than 30 minutes;
- departure before the time indicated on the ticket;
- illness of a close relative (not just a family member);
- airline errors when booking a ticket.
New rules for booking and staying in hotels
Since March 1, 2026, updated rules for booking hotels, hostels, campsites and recreation centers will also come into effect.
The key innovation is the right of the tourist to refund the full amount of the prepayment upon cancellation of the reservation before the day of arrival. In addition, the contract for the provision of hotel services must now contain information about the terms of the reservation, the timing of its cancellation and the refund procedure.
The list of documents for settlement has been expanded. In addition to the passport, guests will be able to use a driver's license, as well as pass identification through the Max messenger and the Gosuslugi portal. Booking through online aggregators will be allowed only for accommodation facilities included in the unified state register.
In this case, the hotel has the right to refuse to provide a room unilaterally, but only on condition of full compensation for losses to the tourist. These provisions do not apply to guest houses.
New rules for driver training
Since March 1, 2026, the updated rules for driver training will come into force, which will be valid until 2032. The changes apply to both citizens who are getting a driver's license for the first time, and those who plan to work in the field of professional transportation.
One of the key innovations was the increase in the mandatory amount of practical training for category B. The number of driving lessons will increase from 38 to 42. This will make the training program more intense and increase the level of practical skills of future motorists.
In addition, training opportunities for drivers of categories C and D, as well as taxi drivers (category B), are expanding. Now, training can be carried out not only in traditional driving schools, but also in organizations that implement educational programs in the relevant field. We are talking, in particular, about taxi companies and specialized transport enterprises, which will have the right to independently organize personnel training.
A single payment period for housing and communal services
Starting from March 1, 2026, a single deadline for paying for residential premises and utilities is being established. Now it is necessary to pay for housing and communal services on a monthly basis no later than the 15th day of the month following the expired billing period. Previously, the deadline may have varied depending on the region or the conditions of the management company.
The procedure for sending payment documents is also being changed. Receipts (both in paper and electronic form) will be sent to citizens not on the first, but on the fifth day of each month. This will allow organizations that provide utility resources and management services for apartment buildings to make calculations more correctly and reduce the likelihood of errors in accruals.
According to representatives of the relevant committee of the State Duma, the postponement of the payment period is especially important for citizens who receive wages in the middle of the month. The new procedure will allow you to make payments after income is received and thereby reduce the number of delays.
At the same time, the set dates become mandatory for all market participants. Management companies and utility service providers do not have the right to independently change the deadlines for issuing receipts or accepting payments. In case of late deposit of funds after the 15th, penalties will be charged in accordance with the procedure established by law.
Mandatory Russian-language signage
On March 1, 2026, a law comes into force aimed at protecting and prioritizing the use of the Russian language in public space. The document establishes mandatory requirements for the placement of signage, signs and other information labels intended for public inspection by citizens.
From that date, all publicly available information, including signage, navigation signs, information plates, and advertising labels, must be in Russian.
The use of foreign words and expressions is allowed only in cases expressly provided for by law. In this case, the prerequisite is the presence of equivalent duplication in Russian. The adopted standards are aimed at ensuring the uniformity of the language environment and increasing the accessibility of information for citizens.
Responsibilities of owners in the fight against hogweed and invasive plants
On March 1, 2026, a law comes into force that establishes new responsibilities for land owners in the Russian Federation. The document is aimed at combating the spread of hogweed and other dangerous invasive (alien) plants.
From this date, the owners of land plots are required to independently take measures to identify and destroy such plants in their territory. We are talking about species that can spread rapidly, displace local flora and pose a threat to human health and the state of ecosystems.
The main purpose of the innovation is to strengthen control over the spread of dangerous weeds and reduce negative consequences for the environment and the population. Administrative liability is provided for non-compliance with the established requirements.
New restrictions for foreign cars in taxis
New rules restricting the use of foreign cars in taxi services in Russia will come into force on March 1, 2026. The changes are aimed at supporting the domestic automotive industry and increasing the localization of the taxi fleet.
Now, only those cars that are included in the special list of "localized" cars are allowed in the state taxi registry. This term refers to vehicles with a sufficient share of Russian production or assembly. The list of such machines will be published by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation (Minpromtorg).
At the same time, cars already operating in taxis and registered before March 1, 2026, will be able to continue operating according to the rules in force earlier.
Changes in the rules for accounting for alimony when assigning a single child allowance
From March 1, 2026, changes regarding the calculation of alimony when determining the right to a single payment for children will come into force. The changes are fixed in the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 11/28/2025 No. 1928.
Previously, if alimony payments were not formalized through a court or notary, when calculating the family's neediness, their amount was conditionally "added" to income based on the federal minimum wage. Starting from March 1, 2026, in the absence of an official document on alimony, their amount will be calculated based on the average monthly salary in the region.
The innovations will affect families where the parents are divorced, and alimony is paid only by verbal agreement. In such cases, the Social Fund will automatically calculate alimony payments using the formula:
- 25% of the average regional salary per child,
- 33% — for two children,
- 50% — for three people or more.
The official data from Rosstat for the previous year is used. For many families, this will lead to an increase in the amount of "registered" alimony, which may affect the amount of the single benefit.
If alimony has already been officially processed through a court or notary, the amount actually received will be taken into account in the family income, even if it is small. Experts recommend legalizing alimony obligations so that real payments are taken into account when assessing neediness, rather than "virtual" amounts calculated based on the average regional salary.
New rules for concluding contracts and servicing gas equipment
New rules governing the conclusion of contracts for the supply of gas and maintenance of gas equipment, as well as the procedure for maintenance and repair, will come into force on March 1, 2026.
Now all gas supply companies are required to provide the opportunity to conclude contracts in electronic form. This can be done through the Gosuslugi portal or the official website of the gas supply company. Previously, electronic contracts were available only from some suppliers. Along with the electronic form, it remains possible to conclude a traditional contract at the organization's office for those who prefer to personally sign documents.
In addition, starting in March 2026, the state begins to regulate the cost of maintenance of gas equipment. Prices will be determined according to the methods of the Federal Antimonopoly Service and approved by regional services for each year, instead of being set independently by service organizations, as was the case earlier.
The maintenance and repair system is also undergoing changes. Not only gas distribution organizations responsible for specific gas networks, but also gas supply companies will be able to carry out maintenance.
There are new reasons for turning off the gas in houses and apartments:
- in case of non-compliance with the instructions for the elimination of violations in the use of gas equipment;
- if the gas workers recognize that further operation of the equipment is impossible;
- when the service life of the flexible gas line has expired.
Minimum prices and labeling of alternative tobacco products
New rules on minimum prices and labeling of alternative tobacco products will come into force on March 1, 2026. According to the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 29, 2025 No. 2192, it is prohibited to sell such products at a price below the established minimum. The exceptions are transactions in the field of foreign trade and sales through duty‑free stores.
At the same time, the operating procedure of the Honest Sign system is being changed. Starting from March 1, 2026, it will refuse to accept universal transfer documents (UPDS) for alternative tobacco products if they indicate a price below the minimum or lack the information necessary to determine the minimum price. Such documents will be processed with an error, and the labeling codes will not be transferred to the balance of the purchasing organization.
Recall that from September 1, 2025, similar rules apply to nicotine-containing products (NPS). ATP and NSP sellers are already required to check labeling codes both online and offline. Starting from March 1, 2026, a new one will be added to the six previously valid verification criteria — a ban on the sale of products at a price below the minimum.
In accordance with the same Resolution No. 2192, retail tobacco stores and NPOs must provide the Honest Sign system with information about the checkpoint (not applicable to individual entrepreneurs) and the FIAS place of business identifier (ID). Sellers registered with Honest Sign before March 1, 2026 and who have not previously submitted these data are required to submit them by April 1, 2026. Detailed instructions are posted on the official website of the Honest Sign system.
New rules for advertising non-alcoholic tonic drinks
From March 1, 2026, new restrictions on advertising of non‑alcoholic tonic drinks, including energy drinks, fixed by Federal Law No. 393-FZ dated 10/27/2025, will come into force. Now such advertising cannot be addressed to children and it is forbidden to report the content of dietary supplements or vitamins in drinks.
In addition, a mandatory warning about the dangers of excessive consumption of these drinks is being introduced. For various distribution channels, minimum requirements are set for the format of such a message: in radio programs, the warning must sound for at least 3 seconds, in TV programs, as well as in film and video services - for at least 5 seconds and occupy at least 7% of the frame area, in other distribution methods — for at least 7% of the advertising space.
Advertisers are responsible for complying with all the rules, while advertising distributors are responsible only for complying with the requirements for warning about the dangers of excessive consumption. At the moment, there are no special rules governing such violations in the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation, so it is assumed that the general provisions will apply. In case of non—compliance, the fines are: for officials — from 4,000 to 20,000 rubles, for companies - from 100,000 to 500,000 rubles.
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