Martial law radically changes the legal field - even for those who are far from the army. Military police (VP) becomes one of the key institutions that control order on roads, in cities and at strategic sites. If in peacetime its functions are limited to military camps and garrisons, then during war its powers expand to the level paramilitary law enforcement structure with the right to detain civilians, check documents and even confiscate vehicles.
For motorists, this means new rules for interacting with patrols: from mandatory stopping upon request to the possible requisition of a car “for defense needs.” But how can one distinguish the legal actions of the military police from arbitrariness? What documents are they entitled to demand and which are they not? And what to do if you are stopped for no apparent reason? In this article we will analyze current powers of the military police in 2026, relying on the Federal Law “On Martial Law” and departmental instructions.
Who are military police and how do they differ from regular police?
Military police are structural unit of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, subordinate to the Ministry of Defense. Unlike the Russian Guard or the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its employees have military ranks (from ensign to general) and act on the basis Military Police Charter and Disciplinary Charter of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
In peacetime, the VP is engaged in:
- 🔹 Investigation of crimes among military personnel (desertion, looting, violation of regulations).
- 🔹 Monitoring compliance with discipline in garrisons.
- 🔹 Security of military facilities and cargo.
But with the introduction of martial law, their powers expand to civilians - especially in border zones, on federal highways and in regions where a special regime has been declared. The main difference from the regular police: military police are not required to present identification upon request (unlike employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), and their orders are more difficult to appeal through the military prosecutor’s office.
Basic powers of the military police during war
According to Art. 7 of the Federal Law "On Martial Law" No. 1-FKZ, the military police receive the right:
- Stop and inspect vehicles - without explanation, including at checkpoints and checkpoints.
- Require documents - not only a driver’s license, but also a military ID (for those liable for military service), a passport, registration documents for a car.
- Detain citizens for up to 30 days without trial - if suspected of espionage, sabotage or evasion of mobilization.
- Seize transport for the needs of the army (with the issuance of a requisition certificate).
- Patrol the city together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Guard, including with the use of weapons.
Key Point: Military Police does not replace regular police, but complements it. For example, for violating traffic rules, the traffic police will issue a fine, but for refusing to present documents for a car at a checkpoint, it will be military police (according to Article 19.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - “disobedience to a lawful order of a military man”).
If you are stopped by a military police patrol, immediately clarify on what grounds (Article 5 of the Federal Law “On Police” also applies to them). Lack of response is a reason to record the conversation on video.
What the military police have the right to demand from drivers
On the roads, military police operate according to the same rules as traffic police, but with a number of exceptions:
| Document/action | Military police | Regular DPS |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| STS and PTS for a car | ✅ Yes (can be seized if theft is suspected) | ✅ Yes |
| Military ID (for those liable for military service) | ✅ Yes (required) | ❌ No |
| Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation | ✅ Yes (for identity verification) | ❌ Only if a crime is suspected |
| Car search | ✅ Without the owner’s consent (in an emergency zone) | ❌ Only with consent or by court decision |
Features:
- 🚗 Military police can requisition a car (rent for the army) with the issuance of an act. Refusal is criminal liability (Article 339 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
- 🔫 When patrolling they are armed machine guns and pistols, as opposed to DPS (usually pistol only).
- 📹 Recording violations on video is permitted, but It is prohibited to publish footage of military police faces (Article 310 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - “disclosure of information about security measures”).
The military police do not have the right to fine for traffic violations - this is the prerogative of the traffic police. But it can detain the car to check for contraband or sabotage materials.
When can military police detain a civilian?
Detention without trial is possible in the following cases (Article 15 of the Federal Law “On Martial Law”):
- 🔍 Suspicion of espionage or sabotage (for example, photographing military installations).
- 🚔 Refusal to comply with a legal requirement (stop, present documents).
- 🪖 Evasion of mobilization or conscription (for those liable for military service).
- 💣 Discovery of weapons, ammunition or explosives without permission.
- 🚗 Attempting to drive through a closed checkpoint or checkpoint.
Detention period: up to 30 days (in normal mode - 48 hours). If no charges are filed within this time, the person must be released. However, in practice, in a combat zone or border regions, the deadlines may be delayed.
⚠️ Attention: If you are detained, ask for a report indicating the reason and the details of the military policeman. Without a protocol, the detention is considered illegal - this is the basis for a complaint to the military prosecutor's office.
What to do if military police seize your car
Requisition of transport for the needs of the army is a legal basis (Article 23 of the Federal Law “On Martial Law”), but only if the procedure is followed:
- Compiled requisition act indicating:
- Makes, models, license plate numbers of the car.
- Reasons for seizure (for example, “for the transportation of goods to the NWO zone”).
- Return period (usually no more than 6 months).
If the procedure is violated (for example, there is no act or you are forced to sign a blank form), this is a reason for a complaint to military prosecutor's office or court. However, in practice, it is difficult to return the car before the end of martial law.
Request a requisition certificate with a stamp and signature|Take a photo of the car before delivery (document the damage)|Specify the return period and contact details of the person responsible|Do not sign documents without legal verification-->
Responsibility for disobedience to the military police
Refusal to comply with the request of a military policeman is punishable more severely than disobedience to ordinary police:
| Violation | Punishment | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Refusal to stop when requested by patrol | Fine 2–5 thousand rubles. or arrest for up to 15 days | Art. 19.3 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation |
| Insulting a military policeman | Fine 50–100 thousand rubles. or correctional labor | Art. 319 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation |
| Resisting arrest | Up to 2 years in prison | Art. 318 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation |
| Evading transport requisition | Up to 5 years in prison | Art. 339 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation |
However, the military police do not have the right to use physical force unless absolutely necessary (for example, if you are not armed and are not actively resisting). Any beatings or torture are grounds for a criminal case against the police themselves (Article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - “exceeding official powers”).
⚠️ Attention: If you are accused of evading mobilization, request an official summons with the seal of the military commissariat. Verbal demands of the military police to “appear at the commissariat” have no legal force.
How to appeal the actions of the military police
If you believe that your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with:
- 📄 Military prosecutor's office - on facts of abuse of power or arbitrariness.
- 🏛️ Court - if we are talking about seizure of property or illegal detention.
- 📞 Hotline of the Ministry of Defense — 8 (800) 775-43-21 (for complaints about corruption or rudeness).
The period for consideration of a complaint is up to 30 days. In emergency cases (for example, in case of illegal detention), you can contact Commissioner for Human Rights in your region.
Sample complaint to the military prosecutor's office
The complaint is submitted in writing to the military prosecutor of the garrison. Please indicate:
1. Your full name, address, contacts.
2. Date, time and place of the incident.
3. Full name and position of a military policeman (if known).
4. The essence of the violation (with reference to laws).
5. Demand: conduct an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Attach evidence: video, photo, testimony.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about military police
Can military police stop a car without reason?
Yes, in a martial law zone or at checkpoints they have the right to stop vehicles for inspection without giving reasons (clause 3 of article 11 of the Federal Law “On Martial Law”). However, if the stop occurred outside the checkpoint, you can politely clarify the reason.
What to do if the military police demands that you give up your car without a certificate?
Refuse and demand that a requisition act be drawn up (Article 23 of the Federal Law “On Martial Law”). Without a document, seizure is considered arbitrary. Record on video the police officer’s refusal to provide the report - this is evidence for the complaint.
Can military police fine for traffic violations?
No, this is the prerogative of the traffic police. Military police can only detain the driver for transfer to the traffic police or draw up a report under Art. 19.3 Code of Administrative Offenses (disobedience).
Where to complain if military police are rude or beat you?
Contact immediately military prosecutor's office or call the Ministry of Defense hotline. Excess of power with the use of violence is punishable under Art. 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (up to 7 years of imprisonment).
Am I required to show my military ID to the military police?
Yes, if you are a person liable for military service (male 18–65 years old). Refusal is an administrative offense (Article 21.5 of the Administrative Code). If you don’t have a ticket (lost, didn’t receive it), report it - you will be sent to the military registration and enlistment office for restoration.