GIBDD - The Moscow Traffic Police

Moscow road police, or GIBDD as it's called now, has been a pain for Moscow drivers for years - and a subject of countless jokes. These guys basically own the roads of our city, and if you've decided to drive a car in Moscow - chances are you'll have to deal with them sooner or later.

The first thing you have to learn about Moscow road police is that you can buy yourself out of almost any situation. Ain't very pleasant to tell - but hey, that's the sad truth. If you get pulled over by the the traffic cops, and you know you haven't been driving by the rules - chances are you'll be OK after spending around a hundred bucks.

This situation doesn't really add to traffic order and security, because many Moscow drivers realize they can buy themselves out, so when you're on the road - watch out for such hotheads. However, on the other hand - if you're driving "by the book", chances are you will be of no interest to GIBDD, and that's exactly what I think you should do while in Moscow.

When you're on the road, you can see that GIBDD is pretty much everywhere. Going in or out of Moscow? You'll have to pass their stationary posts.

By the way, if you have an extremely dirty vehicle - better clean it up before you enter the city, because otherwise you may get pulled over and fined. Such posts sometimes make the city look like in a blockade, but if you think about it - monitoring all exists is a darn good tactic when it comes to controlling potential traffic violators.

Stuck in the Moscow traffic? Be sure the police will soon be around, trying to clean up the mess (although they not always succeed). Going to the airport? You can bet you'll pass a couple of "ambushes" that Moscow traffic police uses to catch the drivers.

Trust me, there are countless places where they can appear - and there's no way hiding from those guys. Although I've never been stopped for all my driving years, nearly all of my friends have been caught here and there.

I should separately mention Moscow ring roads. When you're on a beltway - especially the newly built beltway number 4 - be careful not to exceed the speed limit. You may not see GIBDD, but that doesn't mean they aren't there.

These days they use special, long range laser devices to track down those who violate the speeding regulations. If you do - don't be surprised when a patrol car appears out of the blue and stops you. Then, it's either your wallet or your driving license.

Moscow GIBDD portrayed by Russian comedians
(Taken from English Russia)

Speaking of the driving license, are you sure the one that you're using can be used under Russian law? Some of my friends who are foreign citizens had a hard time explaining to the cops that their driving license applies in Russia. You should better check this issue with a professional lawyer, otherwise you're risking to get yourself into trouble!

By the way, keep in mind that Moscow road police force barely speaks any English. If Russian is not exactly your mother tongue, don't expect to finish the negotiations anywhere soon in case you get pulled over. Basically, you have two options - either learn our language, or always nearby have somebody who speaks Russian.

There's also an option to call your friends when Moscow traffic police officer stops you, but actually having that person near is a much, much better choice!

If despite all your efforts you got a speeding ticket - prepare to wait. See, Moscow traffic police is an extremely bureaucratic organization. Even the simplest operation may take you several hours, and if you're in for a more complicated task - be sure you'll lose the entire day (or even two!)

By the way, if your car is registered to a foreign company, there's only one GIBDD station that deals with all the registration issues. It's located in the southern outskirts of Moscow, on 6-ya Radialnaya st. I've been there a couple of times - and it was not a very pleasant experience.

If you have to register a vehicle there, I suggest you pay several thousand rubles to an intermediary (their offices are located right inside the building), and let them do everything for you, otherwise it's a one big nightmare.

OK, so what can you do to ensure you're ready to meet the Moscow road police? Simple - obey all the rules. Namely, you should have a med kit and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle (and that's an absolute must.)

You should have a valid driving license, and you should have some sort of a document that confirms your right for the car you're driving (usually it's a power of attorney).

You should be sober, wear a seatbelt (it's not necessarily to wear it in the back seat, but I strongly advise you do), and be as polite as possible. That's pretty much it.

Always mind the behavior of the officers who have stopped you. If they seem inadequate - don't push it, just do whatever they ask. Generally it's not such a good idea to argue with them, although they rarely mess with foreign citizens. If you want to read more about the possible precautions - be welcome on my Moscow Police page.

And another thing - GIBDD watches the type of vehicle closely. If they see an expensive car driven by a foreigner, there are more chances they will stop it because obviously they think they can profit from you.

Don't be afraid if you know you haven't been speeding and all your papers are in place. Just ask them what exactly have you done wrong, and I bet they will let you go after a brief check.

Don't be afraid of Moscow road police, they aren't that scary. If you know what to expect from them, and if you're prepared - there's not much they can do to you. If you get pulled over too often - consider changing a vehicle, because this may be attracting them. Otherwise I don't see any reasons why you should get in trouble.

Happy driving, folks!

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