Starting January 1, 2026, over 60 new road signs and information plates will be introduced in Russia according to the updated GOST. We explain the key innovations: scooters, eco-zones, a new stop line, paid parking signs, and pedestrian safety.
Beginning in 2026, an updated national standard for traffic organization will come into effect on Russian roads. This standard introduces over 60 new road signs and informational plates. These changes are designed to adapt traffic regulations to modern realities, including the emergence of personal mobility devices (e-scooters, etc.), enhancing pedestrian safety, addressing environmental requirements, and optimizing traffic flow in complex urban settings. Many of the innovations have already been tested in Moscow and have proven effective. Below, we review the key changes and clarify what they mean for drivers.
Reasons and Objectives for the Standard Update
The comprehensive update of road signs is part of 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—ranging from e-scooters to unicycles—creating a need to more precisely regulate their presence. The goal of the reform is to create road infrastructure that is clear and safe for all participants: motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and users of personal mobility devices. Environmental protection and efficient use of urban space are also considered in this reform. The new standard has been developed over three years with input from specialists at the Moscow Traffic Organization Center, taking into account best practices and the unique characteristics of Russian roads.
Signs for E-Scooters and New Types of Transport
One of the significant innovations is the introduction of specific signs addressing personal mobility devices (PMDs), including e-scooters, hoverboards, unicycles, and similar modes of transport. Previously, the movement of such devices was regulated solely by general rules; starting in 2026, special designations will be implemented. For instance, signs may be introduced to prohibit e-scooter traffic in certain areas (pedestrian streets, parks) or, conversely, to allow PMDs to travel in dedicated lanes. These indicators will integrate e-scooter users into the broader traffic system and establish clear boundaries: where it is permissible to travel using electric transport and where users should dismount. As a result, the safety of both PMD users and surrounding pedestrians and motorists will be enhanced.
Environmental Aspects of Traffic
The updated standard takes environmental factors into account. In the context of the fight for cleaner air in urban streets, new signs related to limiting harmful emissions are expected to appear. For example, designations for "ecological zones" may be introduced where only environmentally friendly vehicles—such as electric cars or those with high environmental ratings—are allowed to enter. Such signs will be placed at the entrances to areas requiring special environmental protection to reduce air pollution levels. Additionally, new pictograms may inform drivers about nearby charging stations for electric vehicles or other environmentally significant locations. The integration of ecology into the road signage system aims to encourage greener habits on the road and make cities more accommodating for eco-friendly transport.
Pedestrian Safety: "Deaf Pedestrians" Sign
A considerable focus has been placed on protecting the most vulnerable road users—pedestrians. Starting in 2026, a new warning sign will be introduced to enhance safety for individuals with hearing disabilities. This specific sign, known as "Deaf Pedestrians," will be installed before pedestrian crossings near locations frequently visited by hearing-impaired individuals (for example, near schools for the deaf or specialized medical centers). This sign alerts drivers that some pedestrians may not hear an approaching vehicle or sound signals, therefore requiring additional caution. A similar sign for "Blind Pedestrians" already exists in traffic regulations; now, an equivalent for those with hearing impairments is being added. This measure will make the road environment more inclusive and underline drivers' responsibility for attentive behavior in areas with a concentration of individuals with special needs.
Solutions for Complex Urban Conditions
In intense urban environments, the new standards aim to improve traffic organization and driver convenience. Key changes include:
- Vertical "Stop Line" Sign: Introduced where conventional horizontal markings cannot be applied. This sign consists of a plate with the word "STOP" positioned vertically, indicating the stopping point before a traffic light or intersection. Now, even in the absence of markings, drivers will clearly understand where to stop, which is especially crucial at challenging intersections.
- Sign 6.2.1 "Recommended Speed on Bumps": A new informational sign advising on a safe speed when approaching a speed bump (artificial road obstruction). It will be installed before the obstacle, indicating the maximum speed recommended for crossing it (e.g., 20 km/h). This innovation will help drivers reduce wear and tear on vehicles and enhance passenger comfort by encouraging them to slow down before encountering the bump.
- Updated Parking Standards: The dimensions of parking spaces are being revised. The width of a parking space parallel to the roadway will decrease from 2.5 to 2.25 meters. This change allows cities to utilize street space more efficiently, accommodating more vehicles in the same area. While parking might become somewhat tighter, the overall number of available spaces may increase, which is important in congested city centers.
Updated Pictograms and Informational Plates
In addition to entirely new signs, there is an expansion of certain familiar indicators with additional symbols in the pipeline. This primarily concerns the "Paid Parking" sign. Additional pictograms detailing payment methods will be added to the existing parking designation: for instance, a specific icon for mobile app payments, another for SMS payments, etc. These graphical elements will be displayed on plates alongside the parking sign so that drivers immediately see the available payment options at that particular parking area. This innovation will make the information clearer and reduce the likelihood of misunderstanding or payment rule violations. Similarly, other clarifying plates may be introduced, all designed to provide comprehensive information directly on the road sign without burdening drivers with excessive text.
Pilot Testing and Nationwide Implementation
Many of the mentioned innovations have already been piloted under real-world conditions. In Moscow, the trial use of some new signs commenced long before the official implementation; pilot projects were executed under the local standard to assess the effectiveness of the innovations. Successful test results enabled the inclusion of these solutions in the federal GOST, extending their reach throughout Russia. Starting January 1, 2026, the new requirements will be mandatory for all regions: road services will install updated signs in cities and on highways, gradually replacing or supplementing the old navigation.
What the Changes Mean for Drivers
The introduction of over 60 new signs and symbols represents a significant change in regulations, so all road users need to prepare. Drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and e-scooter users are advised to familiarize themselves with the new designations ahead of time to navigate the roads confidently from day one. This is especially important for those who frequently travel in cities: new signs may appear on familiar routes, requiring adjustments in speed or behavior.
Here are a few tips on how to meet the changes fully prepared:
- Study Official Materials: Familiarize yourself with the updated Traffic Rules or methodological guides from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, where all new signs are listed and described. Preemptive study will help avoid confusion in real-life situations.
- Be Cautious on the Road: In the initial weeks of January 2026, pay particular attention to the installation of new signs along your route. If you encounter an unfamiliar symbol, slow down and act cautiously, relying on its presumed meaning (which is usually intuitively understandable) or prompts from your navigation device.
- Consider the New Rules for PMDs: If you use an e-scooter or another personal device, find out where you are permitted to ride according to the new restrictions. The emergence of special signs for PMDs indicates that ignoring these indicators could lead to fines or dangerous situations.
The forthcoming reform of road signs is a step towards a modern and safe transportation system. The new indicators will enhance road information, considering the realities of today—from mobile applications and e-scooters to ecological zones. For drivers and pedestrians, this signifies clearer rules of the road. The key is to familiarize oneself with the changes and adhere to the requirements of the new signs; this way, the transition to updated standards will be smooth and benefit all road participants.
