Updating the restrictions for driving in Russia
As of September 1, 2025, the Russian driving contraindications have undergone significant updates, specifically in the areas of psychological disorders, substance-related disorders, nervous system disorders, and eye diseases.
Psychological Disorders
The updated list now includes "general disorders of psychological development," a category that encompasses conditions such as autism, Rett syndrome, Asperger's syndrome, and other conditions impairing social interaction. These conditions, based on ICD-10 classifications, have been added alongside previously listed mental illnesses [1].
Substance-Related Disorders
While not explicitly detailed in the updated driving contraindications, substance-related disorders are recognized clinically with ICD-10 codes such as F10.9x (alcohol-related disorders) and F19.9x (other psychoactive substance-related disorders). Confusion or disorientation caused by substance use, which can affect driving safety, falls under these codes [3].
Nervous System Disorders
Although the updated driving restrictions do not list every nervous system disorder explicitly, conditions causing confusion, disorientation, or impaired awareness (e.g., delirium F05, dementia F03, Alzheimer's G30.9) are relevant, as these cognitive impairments significantly impact driving ability [3][4].
Eye Diseases and Vision Disorders
The term "achromatopsia" has been replaced with "color vision abnormalities" or "color vision anomaly," a broader category covering various types of color blindness. The updated list specifies that color vision deficiencies may impair driving safety, especially under stress or complex traffic situations, even though some forms may be tolerated depending on severity and the manifesting symptoms [1].
In summary, the key specific ICD-10 associated contraindications added or clarified in the updated Russian regulations for driving are:
| Category | ICD-10 Codes / Conditions | Notes | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Psychological Disorders | Autism spectrum and related (F84.x), Rett syndrome | General disorders of psychological development added[1] | | Substance-Related Disorders| F10.9x, F19.9x | Substance-related confusion affects fitness to drive[3]| | Nervous System Disorders | F05 (delirium), F03 (dementia), G30.9 (Alzheimer's) | Cognitive impairment contraindicated for driving[3][4]| | Eye Diseases | Color vision anomalies (no specific ICD-10 code given)| Broader category replacing achromatopsia[1]|
These changes emphasize individualized medical evaluation, with doctors assessing the disease manifestations and their impact on driving safety, especially regarding color vision issues and mental or neurological states that impair situational awareness [1][3].
In light of these changes, it's crucial to consider that not only traditional eye diseases but also color vision anomalies, like various types of color blindness, are now part of the updated driving contraindications [1]. Similarly, based on the updated regulations, a broader spectrum of psychological disorders, such as autism, Rett syndrome, and general disorders of psychological development, could affect one's fitness to drive [1]. The updated list also highlights the significance of substance-related disorders, which can lead to confusion or disorientation that may impact driving safety [3]. Lastly, some neurological disorders related to the nervous system, such as delirium, dementia, and Alzheimer's, are essential factors considered when determining an individual's eligibility to drive due to their potential impact on cognitive function and situational awareness [3][4].
