Traffic Cameras to Detect More Violations Starting March 12

Starting March 12, amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences will come into force, significantly expanding the capabilities of automated traffic enforcement systems. The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasizes that these changes do not introduce any new prohibitions for drivers but rather enhance the technical means for detecting existing violations.

The legislative update is part of broader digitalization efforts and aims to improve road safety by applying modern technological solutions. Previously, violations such as using a phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt could only be recorded manually by police officers. Now, automated cameras will be able to identify these and other infractions.

Until now, automated systems were limited to detecting six types of offenses: speeding, running a red light, ignoring road signs and markings, illegal parking or stopping, improper overtaking or lane positioning, and failing to yield to pedestrians. All other violations required direct police intervention.

The new law establishes three primary methods for violation detection. First, traditional cameras will continue to record the aforementioned six core offenses. Second, advanced automatic cameras will now also detect other violations that do not require special measurements—like phone use or seatbelt non-compliance.

Third, the system will integrate with state databases through the ЕРАП platform. This integration will allow for the automatic identification of documentation-related offenses, such as expired vehicle inspection certificates, missing valid insurance policies, or lapsed permits for firearm storage.

Furthermore, the system will now be authorized to issue automatic warnings for certain infractions where such a measure is prescribed by law. Previously, this required manual processing by an officer. This applies to offenses like causing traffic congestion or improper use of external lights.

A senior inspector from the Administrative Police Committee clarified that rumors about automated systems being used to penalize pedestrians are false. These systems are designed exclusively for detecting traffic violations committed by vehicle operators.

The overarching goal of these changes is to enhance public and road safety by preventing violations and reducing the risk of serious accidents through timely digital detection of dangerous behavior.