Rules: Most international rules apply. The official speed limits are 60 kph/37 mph in the city, 110 kph/56 mph in unpopulated areas and 120 kph/72 mph on open highways. At intersections, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. At traffic lights you can not turn right on red. Do not block intersections. The blue and white traffic arrows over the lanes of major thoroughfares indicate turns and no-turns; observe carefully.
To Turn Left:You must often turn right first, make a U-turn and go back across the inter section. Parking lights are required from dusk to dawn, but full headlights are not usually used at night. Lights are flashed to warn other cars and pedestrians. Horns are not permitted except in emergencies. Wear your seat belt; it is the law!
Driving Conditions: City roads contain many unmarked hazards: potholes, missing manhole covers, excavations and more. Trolley tracks are especially treacherous. Night driving in the city in winter with poor street lighting and dirty windshields is only for the experienced. TYPNote: Russian city drivers are amazingly skillful and have become more courteous in recent years. Many, however, drive very fast and take incredible risks, especially when passing on the open highways. If you have a driver, don't let him take these risks. Always drive defensively.
Traffic Police: All traffic officers (GAI) wear either gray or dark blue uniforms and carry black and white batons which they wave at you to signify that you should pull over. If a traffic officer signals to you, best obey. For minor violations such as a missing tail light or an illegal turn, they can collect a small fine immediately. It is easiest to pay on the spot, but they should give you a receipt. With serious violations, they take your license on the spot, forcing you to retrieve it at the GAI. TYP Warning: occasionally unscrupulous GAI whistle over law-abiding foreigners and accuse them of violations for a shakedown.
Drunk Driving is Severely Punished: If such a violation is alleged, get a good lawyer immediately.
Accidents and Insurance: Be sure to have auto insurance coverage in Russia. Look under AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE. In case of an accident, do not move the involved cars until the traffic police arrive and measure everything. Note, however, that it can take several hours for them to arrive, so Russians often work things out between themselves. Sign nothing without consulting a lawyer. For towing, see AUTOMOBILE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE & TOWING; for repairs see AUTOMOBILE SERVICE AND REPAIRS .
Parking Precautions: Theft of radios, wheels and entire cars is frequent. Try to park in watched PARKING LOTS around hotels or on well-traveled streets. Many Russians have installed automobile alarms but few remove their windshield wipers anymore (no longer in "deficit").
Road Maps, see MAPS & MAP SHOPS
Gas, Petrol, Lubricants, Tires, Auto Parts (no longer in "deficit"). A reasonable supply is available even for imported cars. See GAS STATIONS and AUTOMOBILE PARTS and TIRES.
Street Names and Signs: Street names are written in Russian on the walls of buildings at intersections. Because of the recent changes in street names, many signs do not correspond to the new street names. See NEW NAMES. Major highways are marked by blue and white route numbers. For example the highway to Moscow is M10. Try to learn the Cyrillic alphabet if you plan to drive. Our Traveller's Yellow Pages City Map for St. Petersburg has both English and Russian street indices to help you find your way and shows all streets in the central part of the city. See also ADDRESSES. For auto route maps of the surrounding regions, see MAPS & MAP SHOPS.
