In autumn, amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations will come into force. New provisions have been introduced to regulate the use of such vehicles as electric scooters, gyroscooters, and segways. The changes also affected other road users.


Electric scooters, gyroscooters, segways
"A generalized concept of 'personal mobility device (PMD)' has been introduced for electric scooters, gyroscooters, monowheels, segways, and other devices.
 - In recent years, the number of electric-powered vehicles, such as electric scooters, gyroscooters, and segways, has significantly increased. The speed that some of them can reach (some electric scooters accelerate up to 50 km/h and more) can pose a threat to both pedestrians and the riders themselves. At the same time, clear rules regulating the use of such mobility devices have not been developed. This has made it difficult to ensure traffic safety and to monitor compliance with traffic rules by users of these devices. A special concept of 'personal mobility device' has now been introduced. This includes devices powered by an engine but not classified as vehicles – electric scooters, gyroscooters, segways, monowheels, etc. At the same time, a person moving on a PMD is equated to a pedestrian, as are those moving on skates, skis, scooters, or wheelchairs.
   Movement on PMDs must be on a bicycle path, and in its absence – on a pavement, pedestrian path, or roadside at a speed not exceeding 25 km/h, without creating obstacles for pedestrian traffic. Movement on the carriageway is not permitted.
  – It should be remembered that the lower the speed, the less danger there is to other pedestrians and the person operating the PMD. And please note: an electric scooter must not create obstacles for cyclists on bicycle paths, or for other pedestrians on pavements or pedestrian paths. They must cross the carriageway at designated cycle crossings or bicycle paths.on footpaths, and in their absence, at pedestrian crossings, having ensured the safety of crossing, and at the speed of a walking pedestrian. In addition, those moving on personal mobility devices (PMDs) during dark hours are obliged to mark themselves with retroreflective elements, and turn on a headlight (lamp) on the PMD. Wearing a helmet is recommended.
Among the restrictions on moving on PMDs are alcohol or drug intoxication, and age – from 14 years (except for residential and pedestrian zones).
Speed limits on roads
The amendments establish the possibility of moving outside populated areas on motorways and roads for vehicles, motorcycles, cars, and trucks with a mass not exceeding 3.5 tons at a speed not exceeding 120 km/h, and for buses – not exceeding 100 km/h.
- Many drivers immediately misinterpreted this clause, believing that the speed limit would increase to 120 km/h on all roads. This is not the case! It only applies to motorways and roads for vehicles, marked with special road signs (image). Currently, the speed of movement on them is increased using speed limit signs (image 110 and 120). After the amendments come into force, there will be no need to install such signs on the specified roads.
As for other roads, everything remains unchanged for now. I remind you that the choice of speed mode is the driver's responsibility. It should not be determined solely by signs; it is necessary to primarily consider the time of day, traffic intensity, weather conditions, road surface condition, etc.
New road sign
A new road sign "Zone with maximum speed limit" is being introduced. When it is present, the speed of vehicles in certain areas, for example, in densely populated residential areas, is limited to 30 km/h.
Advantages for pedestrians and