Changes to speed limits on highways are planned in Russia.

      On July 1, 2026, at 07:00, Society The Ministry of Transport of Russia is developing new methodological recommendations for setting speed limits on roads. Instead of a single standard, the agency proposes a flexible system in which the maximum allowable speed will be determined individually for each section of the road, taking into account road congestion, the condition of the road surface, proximity to residential areas, and social facilities. The goal of such changes is to enhance road safety. The Ministry emphasized that the document is advisory in nature, and its adoption is planned for 2027. Only after its implementation will a procedure for introducing speed limits be developed. This means that the work will be thorough and phased. The initiative has been supported in the State Duma. Deputy Chairman of the Transport Committee Rafael Mardanshin noted that the need for such changes has long been overdue. Despite improvements in road quality and increased vehicle safety, speed limits often remain outdated. Mardanshin emphasized that on sections with good surface and markings, speed limits of 50-70 km/h create an uncomfortable driving mode. Drivers have to constantly brake and accelerate, which reduces comfort and safety.

      Auto expert and editor-in-chief of the magazine "Behind the Wheel" Maxim Kadakov commented for 360.ru that the Ministry of Transport's idea of revising road limits deserves attention but requires a careful approach. According to him, this concerns revising the upper speed threshold, not removing specific limits on each section of the road. Within this threshold, there are still dangerous places and sections with increased accident rates that require separate signs. Kadakov also noted that high-speed highways exist in many countries around the world, including France, Germany, and others. In Germany, for example, there are so-called unlimited highways where there are no speed limits. However, there will be no such roads in Russia, and a specific speed limit will be set on new roads, such as the M-12. Vice President of the National Automobile Union Jan Haytser believes that Russia is still on the path of catching up in terms of road safety. He is confident that changes are necessary, as roads are the "circulatory system" of the country, affecting the entire economy. Haytser also noted that to normalize the situation, a complete inspection of the condition of roads and road signs is necessary. Today, signs are often installed without coordination with the traffic police, which leads to reduced speed and affects road safety and ecology. He emphasized that it is not advisable to completely abandon limits, as these are safety measures based on the experience of tragic incidents. The main task is to eliminate illogical and outdated restrictions. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay informed about major 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+