The Supreme Court of Russia has ruled that drivers who move their vehicles after a minor accident to avoid obstructing traffic should not automatically lose their licenses. This decision addresses conflicting interpretations of traffic regulations and aims to protect conscientious drivers. However, drivers who remain at the scene awaiting traffic police may face lawsuits from transport companies seeking compensation for lost revenue due to traffic delays.
The ruling came after a Moscow driver was penalized for moving her car slightly after a minor collision. The Supreme Court overturned the lower court’s decision, stating that moving the vehicle a short distance did not constitute leaving the scene of an accident. The court reclassified the offense, resulting in a minor fine instead of license revocation.
This ruling emphasizes the importance of intent, differentiating between drivers who deliberately flee the scene to evade responsibility and those who act to mitigate traffic congestion. Public Chamber of Russia Deputy Chairman Alexander Kholodov noted that moving a vehicle a short distance or even transporting an injured party to the hospital before returning does not constitute an offense.
However, a separate case highlighted the potential financial risks for drivers who remain at the scene of an accident. A driver involved in a collision that blocked tram tracks was sued by “Moscow Metro” for lost revenue due to canceled tram trips. The district court initially ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering the driver to pay nearly 700,000 rubles based on the transit authority’s internal calculations.
The Supreme Court overturned this decision, questioning the objectivity of the damage assessment and the causal link between the accident and the duration of the tram delays. The court emphasized the driver’s duty to remain at the scene and await police, while also noting external factors such as police response time and vehicle removal delays that contribute to traffic disruptions.
Similar lawsuits against drivers are common, with transport companies often relying on statistical data to calculate losses. Experts believe that the Supreme Court’s ruling could significantly alter the consideration of such disputes, particularly by challenging the proof of a direct causal relationship between the accident and the extent of traffic blockage.
Despite this ruling, transport authorities assert that they will continue to pursue compensation for lost profits caused by traffic disruptions. However, the lack of insurance coverage for such liabilities leaves drivers vulnerable to potentially substantial financial claims that can greatly exceed the direct damages from an accident.
Official statistics indicate a significant number of drivers face penalties for leaving accident scenes annually. In 2024, tens of thousands were either fined, had their licenses suspended, or were subjected to administrative arrest for this offense, underscoring the need for clear and consistent application of traffic regulations.