In Belarus, an obligation to transport children under 12 years of age in car seats is being established, and the driver training period is being extended.

October 14, Minsk /BELTA/. The norms of the Traffic Regulations are being improved in Belarus, taking into account the practice of their application, as well as to enhance road safety. As reported to BELTA by the press service of the Head of State, on October 13, the President of Belarus signed Decree No. 483, which introduces amendments and additions to Decree No. 551 of November 28, 2005 "On measures to improve road safety".

October 14, Minsk /BELTA/. The norms of the Traffic Regulations are being improved in Belarus, taking into account the practice of their application, as well as to enhance road safety. As reported to BELTA by the press service of the Head of State, on October 13, the President of Belarus signed Decree No. 483, which introduces amendments and additions to Decree No. 551 of November 28, 2005 "On measures to improve road safety".

In accordance with the decree, the practical driving training time for drivers of category B motor vehicles is increased from 40 to 50 hours. At the same time, driving schools are given a four-month period to organise driver training in accordance with the new requirements.

Boarding areas and safety islands located on the roadway are classified as road elements, which will extend the obligation of road owners to maintain road elements in a safe condition for traffic to these structures.

An obligation is also established for the carriage of children under 12 years of age in a passenger car using child restraint systems or other means that allow a child to be safely fastened with seat belts (except when the child's height exceeds 150 cm, and also when travelling in a taxi).

The minimum light transmittance for the vehicle's windscreen, at which its participation in road traffic is permitted, is changed from 75% to 70%.

The mandatory use of winter tires from December 1 to March 1 is envisaged for vehicles with a technically permissible total mass of up to 3.5 tons, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons, as well as buses weighing up to 5 tons.

In addition, new types of road markings are being introduced for organising bicycle traffic, and for indicating lane directions at complex intersections.

The decree enters into force three months after its official publication.-0-