From January 1, 2026, Russia will introduce over 60 new road signs and plaques according to the updated GOST. We explain the key innovations: scooters, eco-zones, new stop lines, paid parking signs, and pedestrian safety.
Starting in 2026, Russia will implement an updated national traffic management standard. This standard introduces over 60 new road signs and information plaques designed to adapt traffic rules to modern realities: the emergence of personal mobility devices (electric scooters and others), enhancing pedestrian safety, addressing environmental requirements, and optimizing traffic in complex urban conditions. Many of the innovations have already been tested in Moscow, proving their effectiveness. Below, we will examine the key changes and explain what they mean for drivers.
Reasons and Goals for the Standard Update
A large-scale update of road signs is being conducted under the new GOST R 52290-2024, which introduces a more modern and detailed navigation system. In recent years, new types of road users have emerged – from electric scooters to unicycles – creating the need for more precise regulation of their presence. The goal of the reform is to make road infrastructure understandable and safe for all participants: motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and users of personal mobility devices. Environmental protection and effective use of urban space are also taken into account. The new standard was developed over three years with the involvement of specialists from the Moscow Traffic Management Center to incorporate best practices and the unique characteristics of Russian roads.
Signs for Electric Scooters and New Modes of Transport
One of the important innovations is the introduction of dedicated signs aimed at personal mobility devices (PMDs), including electric scooters, hoverboards, unicycles, and similar transport. Previously, the movement of such devices was regulated only by general rules, but special designations will be introduced in 2026. For instance, there may be signs prohibiting electric scooter access in certain areas (pedestrian streets, parks) or, conversely, allowing PMDs to travel in designated lanes. These indicators will integrate electric scooter users into the overall traffic system and establish clear boundaries: where electric transport is permitted and where riders must dismount. As a result, safety will be enhanced for both PMD users and surrounding pedestrians and motorists.
Environmental Aspects of Traffic Management
The updated standard also considers environmental factors. As urban areas strive for cleaner air, signage related to harmful emissions restrictions may emerge. There may be markings indicating "eco-zone" areas, where entry is permitted only for eco-friendly vehicles – for example, electric cars or those with high environmental ratings. Such signs will be installed at the entrances to areas requiring special environmental protection to reduce air pollution levels. Moreover, new pictograms may inform drivers of nearby electric vehicle charging stations or other environmentally significant amenities. The consideration of ecology in the traffic sign system aims to encourage greener habits on the road and make cities more accommodating for eco-friendly transport.
Pedestrian Safety: "Deaf Pedestrians" Sign
Significant attention is devoted to protecting the most vulnerable traffic participants – pedestrians. From 2026, a new warning sign will be introduced to enhance safety for individuals with hearing impairments. This special "Deaf Pedestrians" plaque will be installed before pedestrian crossings near locations frequented by hearing-impaired individuals (e.g., near schools for the deaf or specialized medical centers). Such a sign alerts drivers that some pedestrians may not hear approaching vehicles or sound signals, necessitating extra caution. Previously, there was a similar sign for visually impaired pedestrians; now an analogous sign for those with hearing impairments has been added. This measure will create a more inclusive road environment and emphasize drivers' responsibility for carefully navigating areas with individuals with special needs.
Solutions for Challenging Urban Conditions
In intensive urban conditions, new standards aim to improve traffic organization and driver convenience. Among the key changes:
- Vertical "Stop Line" Sign: introduced where traditional horizontal markings are impossible. This sign indicates a stopping point before a traffic light or intersection, representing a vertically placed "STOP" plaque. Now even in the absence of markings, the driver will clearly understand where to stop, which is especially crucial at complex intersections.
- Sign 6.2.1 "Recommended Speed on Bumps": a new informational sign recommending a safe speed when traversing a speed bump (artificial unevenness). It will be installed before obstacles, indicating the maximum speed considered safe to cross (for example, 20 km/h). This innovation will help drivers reduce vehicle wear and increase passenger comfort by slowing down ahead of the bump.
- New Parking Standards: the dimensions of parking spaces are being revised. The width of a parking spot alongside the roadway will be reduced from 2.5 to 2.25 meters. This change will allow cities to use street space more efficiently, accommodating more vehicles within the same area. Although parking may become a bit tighter, the overall number of available spaces may increase, which is crucial for congested city centers.
Updated Pictograms and Information Plaques
In addition to entirely new signs, an expansion of existing indicators with additional symbols is in preparation. This will primarily concern the "Paid Parking" sign. New pictograms explaining payment methods will be added to the existing parking indication: for instance, a special symbol for payment via mobile applications, another for SMS payments, etc. These graphic elements will appear on plaques alongside the parking sign, allowing drivers to immediately see the available payment methods at that location. This innovation will make information more visual and reduce misunderstandings or violations regarding payment rules. Similarly, other clarifying plaques may appear – all aimed at providing comprehensive information directly on the traffic sign without overloading drivers with excessive text.
Pilot Testing and Nationwide Implementation
Many of the innovations listed have already been trialed in real conditions. In Moscow, experimental use of some new signs began long before the official introduction – the capital conducted pilot projects within the local standard to evaluate the effectiveness of these innovations. Successful test results allowed those solutions to be included in the federal GOST and extended to the entire country. From January 1, 2026, the new requirements will become mandatory across all regions: road services will install updated signs in cities and on highways, gradually replacing or complementing the old navigation.
What the Changes Mean for Drivers
The introduction of over 60 new signs and symbols is a significant shift in the rules, making it essential for all road participants to prepare. Drivers of cars, motorcycles, cyclists, and electric scooter users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new designations in advance to confidently navigate the roads from day one. This is particularly important for those who frequently drive in cities: new signs may appear on familiar routes, requiring adjustments in speed or behavior.
Here are some tips on how to embrace the changes fully prepared:
- Study Official Materials: familiarize yourself with the updated Traffic Rules or instructional materials from the traffic police, which list and describe all new signs. Early preparation can help avoid confusion in real situations.
- Be Attentive on the Road: during the first weeks of January 2026, pay especially close attention to the installation of new signs along your route. If you encounter an unfamiliar symbol – slow down and proceed cautiously, guided by its presumed meaning (which is usually intuitive) or navigation hints.
- Consider New Rules for PMDs: if you use an electric scooter or other personal device, learn where you are allowed to travel given the new restrictions. The emergence of special signs for PMDs means that ignoring these indicators could lead to fines or unsafe situations.
The upcoming reform of road signs is a step towards a modern and safe transportation system. New indicators will enhance road informativeness, considering modern realities, from mobile applications and electric scooters to eco-zones. For drivers and pedestrians, this means clearer rules of the road. The key is to thoroughly understand the changes and comply with the new signs’ requirements; in doing so, the transition to updated standards will be smooth and beneficial for all road participants.
