The rules by which bus carriers in Russia obtain and retain licenses have been extended until March 1, 2027. However, no additional changes have been made to the licensing procedure itself. This follows from a government decree. The current rules were supposed to cease to operate on September 1, 2026.
The Ministry of Transport proposed back in August to extend the regulation for six years — until September 2032. In the end, the government chose a much shorter period: the current rules will remain in effect only until March 1, 2027.
Nothing changes for carriers right now. The licensing procedure remains the same.
More details on bus transportation licensing rules
A license is required for any carrier that uses buses (categories M2 or M3, excluding trolleybuses) for commercial transportation — under a passenger transportation contract or a charter contract, as well as for transportation for its own needs, when an organization or individual entrepreneur transports people not by order, but for themselves.
To obtain a license, the applicant must appoint a person responsible for road safety — this must be a certified employee. Medical control of drivers must also be ensured. In addition, the carrier must own the buses by right of ownership or other legal basis — bus rental with a crew is not considered.
After obtaining a license, the carrier must comply with a number of ongoing requirements. Only buses included in the license register can be used. Pre-trip or pre-shift technical control of buses is mandatory.
Buses must be equipped with tachographs and GLONASS (or GLONASS/GPS) satellite navigation equipment. Maintenance is carried out within the time limits established by the manufacturers. The carrier is obliged to conclude a compulsory civil liability insurance contract for the carrier (OSGOP).
Only drivers in an employment relationship with the carrier, who have a category "D" license, are allowed to drive buses. Pre-trip and post-trip medical examinations of drivers are also mandatory.
Licensing is carried out by Rostransnadzor through its territorial bodies. The application is submitted electronically through "Gosuslugi" with an enhanced qualified electronic signature. A decision is made within eight working days.