What is paragraph 106 of the Administrative Regulations of the Traffic Police and why is it important for drivers?

Clause 106 of the Administrative Regulations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia is a normative act that clearly regulates in which cases traffic police officers have the right to stop vehicles for inspection. Knowledge of this point helps drivers distinguish a legal stop from the arbitrariness of inspectors, as well as understand what documents and actions may be required during an inspection.

In 2026, changes were made to paragraph 106 related to the digitalization of documents (for example, electronic rights and STS) and tightening control over transportation of dangerous goods. If earlier an inspector could stop a car “to check documents” without a specific reason, now the reasons must be clearly justified. This reduced the number of unjustified stops, but also increased the requirements for drivers - for example, availability of a valid OSAGO policy in electronic form.

In this article we will look at:

  • 📜 The exact text of paragraph 106 and its interpretation in 2026
  • 🚔 Which grounds for verification are legal and which are not
  • 📄 What documents must the driver present (and what will happen if they are not there)
  • 🚨 How to behave when stopped to avoid fines

Exact text of paragraph 106: what does the law say?

The full text of paragraph 106 of the Administrative Regulations of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia No. 664 dated August 23, 2017, as amended for 2026) reads as follows:

106. The grounds for checking the vehicle, driver and transported cargo are:
a) the presence of data indicating signs of an administrative offense or crime;
b) availability of orientation or information from the duty officer about the search for the vehicle, driver, passengers, cargo;
c) carrying out special events related to road safety inspections;
d) the need to involve the driver or passengers as witnesses in a case of an administrative offense or crime;
e) carrying out raids approved by the leadership of the traffic police;
f) identifying external signs of malfunctions or conditions under which operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

Key novelty of 2026 - adding a sub-item e, which expanded the powers of inspectors to check the technical condition of cars. Now they can stop the car if they notice:

  • 🔴 Cracks on the windshield in the driver's viewing area
  • 🔴 Unlit or incorrectly adjusted headlights (for example, xenon without washers)
  • 🔴 Lack of a first aid kit, fire extinguisher or warning triangle
  • 🔴 Visible damage to the body that affects safety (for example, rusted sills)
📊 How often do the traffic police stop you for a check?
More than once a month
Once every 2-3 months
Once every six months or less
Never stopped

Not every stop by a traffic police inspector is legal. If you are stopped without a valid reason, you have the right to appeal the officer's actions. Let's look at what clause 106 allows and what it doesn't.

✅ Legal grounds (the inspector must state the reason):

  • 🚨 Traffic violationwhich the inspector saw personally (for example, speeding, running a red light).
  • 🔍 Compliance with orientation (for example, your car looks like it was stolen or wanted).
  • 📋 Document verification as part of a raid (but only if the raid is officially announced).
  • 🚗 Visible faults (for example, a broken light or missing license plate).
  • 🛑 The need to be involved as a witness (for example, if you witnessed an accident).

❌ Illegal grounds (you can appeal):

  • 🚫 “Verification of documents” without specifying a specific reason (since 2023 this is unacceptable).
  • 🚫 Stop due personal likes/dislikes inspector (for example, “I didn’t like the car”).
  • 🚫 Check “just in case” without signs of violation or orientation.
  • 🚫 Requirement to present documents not included in the mandatory list (for example, purchase and sale agreement or life insurance).

If the inspector did not state the reason for the stop or it is not included in the list of paragraph 106, you have the right to:

  1. Politely ask for an explanation of the reason (link to the clause of the regulations).
  2. If the reason is inadequate, record the conversation on video (this is legal!).
  3. Appeal the inspector's actions via Public services or higher management of the traffic police.
💡

If the inspector requires you to show cargo documents (for example, when transporting furniture), but you have personal transport - feel free to refuse. Paragraph 106 does not oblige drivers of passenger cars to provide such papers if there is no evidence of commercial transportation.

What documents is the driver required to present under paragraph 106?

According to paragraph 106 and Article 2.1.1 Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation, the driver is required to have with him and present the following documents upon request of the inspector:

Document 2026 requirements Fine for absence
Driver's license Original or electronic version in the "Government Services" application From 5 000 up to 15 000 rub. (Article 12.7 of the Administrative Code)
Vehicle Registration Certificate (CTC) Original, electronic version or temporary permission 500 rub. or warning
OSAGO policy Original, print or electronic policy (checked through the RSA database) 800 rub. (Article 12.37 of the Administrative Code)
Diagnostic card (technical inspection) Only for commercial vehicles and cars older than 4 years (not required for cars from 2022) From 500 up to 800 rub.
Power of attorney (if the driver is not the owner) Not required since 2012, but the inspector can check it using the traffic police database Not provided

Important: from 2026 inspector has no right to demand:

  • 📄 PTS (vehicle passport) - it is not a document for driving a car.
  • 📄 Life insurance or CASCO - These are voluntary types of insurance.
  • 📄 Sales and purchase agreement, if the car is already registered to you.
What to do if you forgot your documents at home?

If you have forgotten your license or STS, but they are in the traffic police database, the inspector may limit himself to a warning. However, if there are no documents at all (for example, your license is deprived), a fine or towing of the car will follow.

What do inspectors check when stopping under paragraph 106?

In addition to documents, the inspector has the right to inspect the car and check:

1. Technical condition of the vehicle

  • 🔦 Lighting: Do the headlights, brake lights, turn signals work?
  • 🔧 Tires: remaining tread depth (not less than 1.6 mm for summer, 4 mm for winter).
  • 🚗 Windshield wipers and washers: whether the wipers are working and whether the fluid is being supplied.
  • 🔊 Beep (the inspector may ask you to turn it on).

2. Availability of mandatory equipment

  • 🩹 First aid kit (must not be expired).
  • 🔥 Fire extinguisher (volume no less 2 l, with an unexpired term).
  • ⚠️ Warning triangle (must be in the cabin).
  • 🔷 Reflective vest (mandatory from 2018, must be in the car).

3. Driver condition

The inspector may require:

  • 👃 Pass alcohol testing (if there are signs of intoxication).
  • 💊 Present certificate of medication intake (if you have a medical condition that affects driving).
  • 😴 Check fatigue (if you behave sleepily or inappropriately).

Headlights and side lights work|Tires without damage and with sufficient tread|First aid kit and fire extinguisher in the cabin|Electronic documents are available in "State Services"-->

How to behave when stopped by the traffic police: step-by-step instructions

The algorithm of actions when stopping will help avoid conflicts and fines:

  1. Stop in an authorized place (not at a pedestrian crossing, not on the side of the road if it is busy).
  2. Turn on the hazard lights and roll down the window.
  3. Wait for the inspector to approach (do not get out of the car without a command).
  4. Show your documents (rights, STS, OSAGO). If they are electronic, show them through the application.
  5. Answer clearly and to the point. For example:

    — Inspector: "Why were you speeding?"


    — You: “I moved with the flow, but I’m ready to show the dash cam for clarification.”
  6. Do not sign protocols without reading them. If you don’t agree, write: “I don’t agree, I need a lawyer.”

⚠️ Attention! The inspector has no right:

  • Demand to get out of the car for no reason (for example, for a “conversation”).
  • Ask to see a phone number or access to personal data (for example, correspondence).
  • Receive documents without drawing up a protocol (for example, “for verification”).
💡

If the inspector behaves aggressively or violates your rights, turn on the video recording on your phone. This is legal and can be used as evidence in an appeal.

Frequent mistakes made by drivers when checking according to paragraph 106

Even experienced drivers sometimes make mistakes that lead to fines. Let's look at the most common ones:

  1. Ignoring requests to stop

    If the inspector gives a signal to stop (gesture, whistle, flashing baton), you obliged stop. Evasion is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 rub. or deprivation of rights to 1–2 years (Article 12.25 of the Administrative Code).

  2. Refusal to present documents

    Even if you are sure that you are right, refusal to show your license or STS is equivalent to their absence. Fine - up to 15,000 rub..

  3. Unauthorized trunk inspection

    The inspector does not have the right to open the trunk without your consent if there is no reason to suspect a crime (for example, the smell of alcohol or suspicious sounds). Link to Art. 27.9 Code of Administrative Offenses.

  4. Signing an empty protocol

    Never sign a protocol unless it specifies a specific violation. Ask to fill out all the fields or write: “I don’t agree with the protocol, I didn’t give any explanations.”

  5. Dispute with an inspector on the road

    It is better to record his actions on video and appeal later through Public services or court. Conflict on the spot may result in additional penalties (for example, for “disobedience”).

⚠️ Attention! If the inspector demands to go into the patrol car for a “conversation,” you have the right to refuse. By law, you can be taken to the department only if administrative detention (for example, if you suspect drunkenness or lack of documents).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about paragraph 106 of the traffic police regulations

Can they stop you to check your documents without a reason?

No. Since 2023, the inspector is required to name a specific reason from paragraph 106 (for example, traffic violation or orientation). Stopping "for inspection" without reason is illegal.

What to do if the inspector demands to show the vehicle title?

The title is not included in the list of mandatory documents for driving a car (clause 2.1.1 of the traffic rules). Politely point this out and offer to check the car using the traffic police database.

Can they be fined for not having a first aid kit if they have one but are out of date?

Yes. According to Appendix 1 to the traffic rules, the first aid kit must be complete and not expired. Fine - 500 rub. (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

Does the inspector have the right to inspect the interior of the car?

Only with your consent or if there are grounds (for example, an object that looks like a weapon is visible). In other cases, inspection of the interior is illegal.

Is it possible to drive with an electronic license without the original?

Yes, from 2021 electronic rights in the State Services application are equal to the original. But the inspector can verify their authenticity through his database.