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Europe travel guide

Driving in Russia with a foreign licence

You need an IDP
You need an IDP plus your national licence to drive in Russia. Russia drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention and uses Cyrillic, so an IDP is needed to translate non-Cyrillic licences for desks and police.
The essentials
Drives onThe right
IDP neededYes
Minimum age18+
Convention1968 Vienna
On the road

Rules of the road in Russia

  • Drive on the right.
  • Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%).
  • Headlights on at all times.
  • Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

At the rental desk

Desks require an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.

Common questions

01
Can I drive in Russia with a foreign licence?
Yes, with your national licence plus an International Driving Permit, which Russia requires for foreign drivers.
02
Which side of the road does Russia drive on?
Russia drives on the right.
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