Russia 2018 legislators increase fine ticket racketeers

You're referring to the recent changes in Russian legislation regarding fines for traffic violators, particularly those involved in the "ticket racket" (also known as "traffic police corruption" or "dvoynaya kasha").

In 2018, the Russian parliament (the State Duma) passed a law increasing the fines for traffic violators, including those involved in the "ticket racket". The law aimed to combat corruption and improve road safety.

Here are some key changes:

  1. Increased fines: The maximum fine for traffic violators increased from 5,000 to 50,000 rubles (approximately $75 to $750 USD).
  2. New penalties for "ticket racket": The law introduced new penalties for traffic police officers who engage in corrupt activities, such as:
    • Fines ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 rubles (approximately $150 to $750 USD) for officers who accept bribes or engage in other corrupt activities.
    • Suspension or revocation of their licenses for up to 5 years.
  3. Increased transparency: The law requires traffic police officers to wear body cameras and use electronic ticketing systems to increase transparency and accountability.
  4. Stricter regulations for traffic police: The law introduces stricter regulations for traffic police officers, including requirements for regular training and certification.

These changes aim to reduce corruption and improve the overall efficiency of the traffic police system in Russia. However, it's worth noting that the "ticket racket" remains a significant problem in Russia, and the effectiveness of these measures will depend on their implementation and enforcement.