As of June 1, 2025, the Russian Ministry of Transport will prohibit smoking while operating a vehicle. The new regulations will equate cigarettes and vapes with smartphones, which are already banned from use while driving.
Violators will face fines of 1,500 rubles, with offenders being identified by cameras installed on roads. The amendments aim to reduce distractions caused by holding and lighting cigarettes while driving.
The changes will be introduced to both the Traffic Rules and the Code of Administrative Offenses to enforce the smoking ban behind the wheel.