The auto expert called the replacement of right-hand drive cars in the Russian Federation a logical step

The proposal to replace right-hand drive vehicles in stages looks like a logical step in line with government policy to improve road safety and harmonize the transport environment. However, this process can take about 10 years. Alexey Ivanov, the owner of the Alliance Trucks commercial vehicle dealership network, told Izvestia on September 22.

"In Russia, where the entire road infrastructure — from markings and traffic lights to road signs and interchanges — is focused on left—hand drive vehicles, abandoning the right-hand drive segment can reduce emergency risks and make traffic more predictable," he said.

However, it is certainly not necessary to talk about a complete replacement of the fleet in the coming years: in the Far Eastern region and a number of Siberian regions, right-hand drive vehicles make up a significant proportion of the fleet, and a one-time ban would cause socio-economic difficulties, the expert emphasized. Therefore, the gradual scenario looks the most realistic.

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With the right organization — for example, through a system of restrictions on the registration of new right—hand drive cars and support for the purchase of modern Russian and Chinese-made cars - the process can take 5-10 years, while residents will have time for a systematic replacement of vehicles, the expert said.

"The difficulties are primarily related to financial accessibility: many families in the regions are accustomed to right-hand drive cars as a relatively inexpensive and reliable option. Here, the task of providing offers at an affordable price and expanding preferential lending and recycling programs comes to the fore, so that the transition is not perceived as a burden, but rather as an upgrade of the fleet to the benefit of the owners," explained Ivanov.

As for safety, right-hand drive vehicles themselves are not technically dangerous: many of them have good characteristics and high-quality assembly. However, when driving on the right side of the road, it is more difficult for the driver to overtake, observe oncoming traffic and safely work with infrastructure elements. In this sense, a right-hand drive car is indeed less convenient and more risky for Russian roads.

Thus, the initiative of the Federation Council looks justified from the point of view of long-term objectives. It will reduce accidents, stimulate fleet renewal and at the same time support the domestic market, including modern Russian and Chinese models, which are becoming more competitive today, the specialist concluded.

Earlier that day, it was reported that Andrei Kutepov, head of the Economic Committee of the Federation Council, had taken the initiative to gradually change right-hand drive cars in Russia "to safer vehicles." To replace right—hand drive cars, the Federation Council considers it advisable to take measures to encourage citizens, for example, to introduce the necessary state subsidy programs.

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