Russian police distinguish driving bans from medical termination of driving rights

Russia's Interior Ministry denied reports that traffic police would gain powers in March 2027 to impose driving bans without a court decision.

In a clarification published on October 16, the ministry said reports about new traffic police powers conflated two different procedures. Disqualification from driving is an administrative penalty imposed by a court for serious or repeated traffic violations.

From March 1, 2027, drivers' medical assessments will be issued electronically. Documents will be entered in a federal register within the protected part of Russia's unified state health information system, with information subsequently transmitted to the Interior Ministry.

If medical contraindications or previously unidentified driving restrictions are found, the driver will have three months to undergo an additional medical assessment. If the findings are confirmed, or the driver avoids the assessment, traffic police will terminate the right to drive vehicles in the relevant categories.

According to the ministry, a license withdrawn on medical grounds can be returned after the identified factors are resolved. When a court imposes driving disqualification as an administrative penalty, returning the license requires passing a driving theory test.