Transporting passengers is one of the most important tasks for a driver. Even a minor violation of the rules can result not only in a fine, but also in a tragedy on the road. According to traffic police statistics, more than 15% of accidents with serious consequences occur due to improper transportation of people - be it the lack of seat belts, exceeding the number of passengers or ignoring child restraints.
In 2026, the requirements for the transportation of passengers became more stringent: new fines appeared, the rules for child seats changed, and traffic police inspectors received more control powers. In this article we will analyze all types of violations, the amount of fines, and also give practical advice on how to avoid punishment and ensure the safety of passengers. We will pay special attention children's transportation, trucks and public transport - this is where drivers most often make mistakes.
What rules for transporting people will apply in 2026?
The basic requirements for the carriage of passengers are specified in Traffic regulations (section 22) and Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Articles 12.23, 12.29). In 2026, key changes affected:
- 👶 Child restraints (CRES) - now mandatory for children up to 12 years old or growth less than 150 cm (previously it was “up to 7 years”).
- 🚗 Number of passengers — it is prohibited to exceed the number of seats indicated in the PTS, even if “everyone fits.”
- 🚐 Trucks — transportation of people in the back is permitted only when equipped with seats and an awning (for some categories).
- 🚌 Public transport — requirements for the transportation of standing passengers have been tightened (for example, in minibuses).
Important: the rules are different for passenger cars, freight and specialized cars. For example, in GAZelle or Ford Transit transportation requirements are stricter than in a sedan Toyota Camry. If you drive a commercial vehicle, check the individual regulations for your category.
Fines for violating the rules for transporting people in 2026
The amount of fines depends on type of violation and vehicle category. Below is the current table of penalties under the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Article 12.23).
| Type of violation | Fine for individuals (RUB) | Fine for legal entities (RUB) | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unfastened seat belt (driver or passenger) | 1 000 | — | — |
| Transporting a child without a child restraint system (child seat) | 3 000 | 10 000 | Evacuation of a vehicle in case of relapse |
| Excess number of passengers | 500 | 50 000 | Detention of the vehicle until the violation is eliminated |
| Transporting people in the back of a truck without equipment | 1 000 | 30 000 | Penalty parking |
| Transporting passengers outside the cabin (for example, in a trailer) | 2 500 | 100 000 | Deprivation of rights for 4–6 months |
In 2026, a new punishment appeared: if the rules for transporting children (without a child restraint system) are violated again, the driver may be fined 5,000 rubles or deprived of his license for 3 months. This change is associated with an increase in childhood injuries in road accidents.
If you are stopped for not wearing a seat belt, ask the inspector to indicate in the report who exactly is not wearing a seat belt (driver or passenger). The fine for a passenger is 500 rubles, for a driver – 1,000 rubles.
Transporting children: new rules and fines
Since 2026, the rules for transporting children have become stricter. Now child restraint system required for:
- 👶 Children up to 12 years old (previously - up to 7 years).
- 📏 Children's height less than 150 cm (even if they are already 12+).
- 🚗 Passengers on front seat (regardless of age, if height is less than 150 cm).
Exceptions:
⚠️ Attention: A child restraint system is not required only in two cases:1) In a taxi (but the child must sit in the back).
2) For medical contraindications (you must have a certificate with you).
In all other cases the fine is 3,000 rubles.
Important: boosters (backless devices) now permitted only for children weighing over 22 kg. For babies up to 9 kg are required infant carriers, and from 9 to 18 kg - chairs with five-point harnesses.
Which child restraint systems are suitable for children of different ages?
- 0–9 kg (0–6 months): infant carrier group 0+ (for example, Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix).
- 9–18 kg (6 months – 4 years): Group 1 chair with five-point harness (Britax Römer Dualfix).
- 15–25 kg (3–7 years): Group 2–3 chair with armrests (Cyber Zeno).
- 22–36 kg (6–12 years): group 3 booster (Chicco Quasar).
Transporting people in a truck: what is allowed?
Transportation of passengers to truck bed permitted only if strict requirements are met:
- 🛠️ The body must be equipped seats, secured at a distance of at least 30 cm from the top edge of the side.
- 🏕️ Required awning (or other device protecting from precipitation).
- 🚪 Transportation prohibited standing or on sides.
- 📜 The PTS must contain a note indicating permission to transport people.
Exceptions:
⚠️ Attention: Without body equipment, you can only transport:- employees agricultural or utilities enterprises (when performing official tasks);
- passengers in specialized trucks (for example, ZIL-131 with factory seats).
Penalty for violation - 1,000 rubles for individuals and 30,000 rubles for legal entities.
The body is equipped with seats with fastenings|There is an awning or other shelter|The number of passengers does not exceed the norm|The vehicle has permission to transport people-->
Public transport: rules for drivers and passengers
For minibuses, buses and taxi separate rules apply:
- 🚌 B minibuses transportation prohibited standing passengers, if this is not provided for by the design (for example, in GAZelle Next standing places are allowed only if equipped with handrails).
- 👨👩👧👦 V school buses availability is required accompanying person and fire extinguisher.
- 🚖 B taxi the driver is obliged to provide a child restraint system at the passenger's request (but there is no penalty for its absence).
Fines for public transport drivers:
- Transportation in excess of the norm - 50,000 rubles (for legal entities).
- Lack of first aid kit or fire extinguisher - 2,000 rubles.
- Violation of the rules for transporting children - 25,000 rubles.
Drivers of minibuses and buses carry criminal liabilityif due to excess passengers an accident occurs with serious consequences (Article 268 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
How to avoid a fine for violating transportation rules?
To avoid getting fined, follow these simple rules:
- 🔍 Check your seat belts before the trip - even if the passenger says that they are “buckled up”.
- 👶 Use a child restraint system for children - a booster seat or seat must correspond to the weight and height of the child.
- 📋 Check with PTS — the number of passengers should not exceed that specified in the documents.
- 🚔 Don't argue with the inspector - if you are stopped, politely ask to show the violation on camera.
If the fine has already been issued:
⚠️ Attention: The fine can be appealed within 10 days throughPublic servicesor court. Grounds for appeal:- Error in the protocol (for example, an incorrect article of the Code of Administrative Offenses).
- Lack of evidence (no photo/video violation).
- Expiration of the statute of limitations (2 months for traffic police fines).
If you were stopped for not wearing a seat belt, but the seat was there, and the child was simply unbuckled, take a video on your phone and attach it to the complaint. The court often sides with the driver in such cases.
Frequently asked questions about transporting people
Is it possible to transport a child in the front seat?
Yes, but only in child seat (up to 12 years or height 150 cm). If the front seat is not equipped with an airbag, the seat can be installed with your back in the direction of travel (for children under 1 year).
What is the penalty for transporting people in a trailer?
Fine 2,500 rubles for individuals and 100,000 rubles for legal entities. If the trailer is not intended to transport people (for example, light trailer "MZSA"), can be applied deprivation of rights for 4–6 months.
Do you need a child seat in a taxi?
By law - no, but the driver is obliged to provide a seat according to passenger's request. If you order a taxi for a child, check in advance whether the car has a child restraint system. Services like Yandex Taxi or Gett They offer a "Child seat" option when ordering.
Is it possible to carry more people than seats in a car?
No, even if “everyone fits.” Fine - 500 rubles for individuals and 50,000 rubles for legal entities. Exception - evacuation (for example, if a bus breaks down and people are transferred to another car).
What documents are needed to transport people in a truck?
1) PTS with a note indicating permission to transport people.
2) Waybill (if the transportation is work related).
3) Lease agreement (if the car is not yours).
Without these documents the fine is 1,000 rubles.