Destinations / Russia
Driving in Russia as a visitor
Usually yes. Russia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Russia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h motorways (130 where signed) |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in RUB. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%). |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Russia
At the pump
Petrol is sold as AI-92, AI-95 and AI-98, with diesel (DT/ДТ) common; most stations are full self-serve where you prepay the cashier first, and cards are accepted, with petrol cheap by Western standards.
After a crash
Dial 112 (general emergency) or 102 for police; you must call the traffic police (GIBDD, formerly GAI) and obtain their report, and you must not move the vehicles until they document the scene unless a minor crash qualifies for the Europrotokol self-report form.
Sources: en.wikivoyage.org · en.wikipedia.org · remitly.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Russia?
Usually yes. Russia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Russia accept?
Russia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Russia ask for one?
Desks ask for an IDP for any non-Cyrillic licence.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.