From September 1st, a lawyer has detailed the medical conditions that make driving prohibited.
In a bid to enhance traffic safety, Russia has introduced new driver's license eligibility restrictions effective from September 1, 2025. The changes focus on mental disorders, neurological pathologies, and vision problems, aiming to systematize existing rules rather than introducing radical restrictions.
Individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses that impair cognition, decision-making, or behaviour relevant to safe driving are disqualified or required to undergo additional medical evaluation before license issuance or retention. Similarly, those with neurological diseases or conditions that affect motor skills, coordination, consciousness, or reaction times may be restricted or denied a license depending on the severity and impact on driving ability.
Stricter vision requirements have been applied. Drivers must meet minimum visual acuity and field of vision standards without which they will be prohibited from obtaining or renewing licenses.
The updated medical criteria for assessing fitness to drive reflect amendments to the Federal Law on Road Safety. Foreigners also face additional exam requirements under these regulations, though the detailed medical criteria apply to all applicants.
General psychological development disorders, including autism, Rett syndrome, and Asperger's syndrome, have been added to the list of medical contraindications for driving in Russia. However, an expert's statement suggests that most drivers will not be affected by the changes.
People with partial colour blindness, and distorted perception of red and green colours will not be allowed to drive in Russia due to the new restrictions. It was earlier reported that Russians with depression could be stripped of their driver's licenses, but this information was not confirmed in the current paragraph.
Alexander Shimanisky, a lawyer at the Moscow-based "Sovetnik-Center" law firm, announced these changes to the news agency "Prime". The expert's statement includes exceptions for medications for epileptics regarding the consumption of corvalol or valocordin. The full list of medical contraindications for driving in Russia now consists of 11 points.
In May, Russian drivers were warned about the risk of losing their licenses if they consume corvalol or valocordin before a trip. The expert did not specify the exact date for the enforcement of these changes. The new diseases considered contraindications to driving in Russia bring the list in line with the International Classification of Diseases.
These changes aim to ensure that only those who are medically fit to drive are allowed on Russia's roads, contributing to a safer driving environment for all.
Science and health-and-wellness intersect as Russia imposes new driver's license eligibility conditions to address mental health, neurological disorders, and eye health. Individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses, neurological diseases, vision problems, or general psychological development disorders will be subject to additional medical evaluations or may be disqualified. Stricter vision requirements forbidding those with partial color blindness or distorted perception of red and green colors from driving have also been implemented. The amendments to the Federal Law on Road Safety aim to create a safer driving environment by ensuring that only those medically fit to drive are allowed on Russia's roads.
