Nizhny Novgorod residents were explained who is responsible for traffic accidents involving delivery robots.

      On June 13, 2026, at 09:00 Society Delivery robots hit the streets of Nizhny Novgorod in May, but have already been involved in their first accidents. The editorial office of NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" found out who should compensate for the damage in such cases.

      At the first stage, delivery robots operate in the Zarechnaya part of the city - in the Sormovsky, Kanavinsky, and Moskovsky districts. Although residents have started to notice them at the top as well. They are a different color and are used for route planning, as indicated on their body.

      Meanwhile, reports of the first incidents have appeared on social media. According to eyewitnesses, in May, in Meshchera, a robot drove off the sidewalk and hit a parked car. There were no injuries, and the vehicle also sustained no damage.

      The editorial office of NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" requested a comment from Yandex's press service. They stated that during the entire time the service has been operating in the city, not a single accident has been recorded due to the fault of a delivery robot. This refers to cases documented with a protocol and with the device's fault established.

      The company added that the robots move in compliance with traffic rules: they cross the roadway only at pedestrian crossings, respond to traffic light signals, and travel at pedestrian speed. In any emergency situation, an operator is connected to the control, who interacts with emergency services if necessary.

      "At the same time, each robot has an insurance policy with coverage up to 500,000 rubles, providing for compensation in accordance with established procedures depending on the circumstances of the specific case," the company reported.

      A member of the regional branch of the Association of Lawyers of Russia, auto lawyer Andrey Polozov, explained to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" that the legal status of such a courier remains undefined for now. In his opinion, the device combines features of a vehicle and an obstacle, but is not officially classified as a vehicle. However, current legislation allows for the determination of the procedure for compensation for damage and the establishment of the liable party.

      "Since the delivery robot is not a vehicle, but actually acts as an obstacle on the roadway, liability in the event of an accident is determined according to the norms of the Civil Code and traffic rules," noted the lawyer.

      If the robot's actions are deemed culpable and lead to property damage, its owner will be held responsible. The lawyer compared the situation to a wheel that can detach from a car and damage other vehicles: in such a case, the owner of the source of danger bears the responsibility.

      If the driver of the car is found to be at fault, then the responsibility falls on them, taking into account the presence of a compulsory insurance policy (OSAGO) or comprehensive insurance (KASKO).

      Earlier, auto lawyer Andrey Polozov explained how to import a vintage car into Russia. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+