Russia plans nationwide overhaul of parking fees and fines

Russia's Ministry of Transport has been instructed to draft new rules for parking fees across the country. The move aims to tighten payment discipline and reduce fines for drivers using paid parking. A key change under consideration is a system for continuous payment during parking sessions.

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has set a deadline of 1 June for a full report on the proposed amendments.

At present, parking payment rules vary by region. In Moscow, drivers must pay within five minutes of parking, with an extra five minutes allowed to leave the space. St. Petersburg follows a similar system but offers a longer grace period of ten minutes.

Earlier this year, Moscow residents struggled with parking payments when mobile internet restrictions disrupted online transactions. The issue highlighted gaps in the current system, prompting calls for reform. The government has now backed a proposal to introduce continuous payment for parking sessions. Under the plan, drivers would be charged automatically for the entire time their vehicle remains in a paid zone. The Ministry of Transport is also reviewing broader amendments to traffic laws, including standardised principles for parking organisation and enforcement. Officials hope the changes will simplify compliance and cut down on disputes over fines. The ministry's proposals will form part of a wider update to Russia's road traffic regulations.

The new system would mark a shift from regional rules to a unified approach. If approved, continuous payment could reduce confusion for drivers while ensuring steady revenue for local authorities. The finalised proposals are expected to be submitted to the government by early June.