Chapter 9. Lesson 9

Many of you may decide to take your car with you to Moscow, St. Petersburg or to one of the other posts in the Former Soviet Union. While the following information specifically concerns Moscow, much of it will be relevant for other cities as well. Our thanks to the OBC at NFATC for providing us with this information.

The Office of Vehicle Registration in the GSO (AmEmb Moscow, x5899) can assist you in obtaining the necessary insurance, a Russian driver's license and in registering your vehicle (whether you bring it in with you, or purchase it locally). The CLO in AmEmb Moscow is also a good source of information about insurance from both Russian and foreign companies. Be forewarned: these are lengthy and complicated processes.

The ГАИ (Государственная автоинспекция) are the Russian traffic cops (not to be confused with the милиция police).

Always wear your seat belt. Not only is this a good safety practice, but you may be pulled over by a traffic cop and fined if you're not wearing one.

The speed limit in the city is 60 kph (35 mph). Speed limits outside the city vary from 90-120 kph (55-65 mph).

There is no "right turn on red". Look for turn signs at all intersections which will indicate which turns are permitted. Left turns at many intersections are forbidden, causing you to do a complicated maneuver which involves going through the intersection, turning left and doubling back (making а разворот) to make a right turn where you need it.

Horns are rarely used as signals. If any type of warning is needed, drivers may flash their headlights.

If your car is involved in an accident, do not attempt to move it until the traffic cops have come to write up a report. The CLO has a file entitled "Orientation: Driving in Moscow" with more information on this.

Такси

It is increasingly difficult to simply hail a cab on the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Your best alternative is to order a taxi ahead of time from one of the private companies. Many of these operate out of the major tourist hotels. We've included a few of these companies, their addresses and phones here and the CLO has other listings if you need them.

Many Russians make use of а частник private car. Individuals who own cars will moonlight as taxi drivers, negotiating prices with each fare. You should make use of this resource only if your language skills and knowledge of current prices are good enough to prevent you from being "taken for a ride". Women travelling alone should not use the частники, as well as any individual travelling after dark, or to distant locations in the city.

Payment for any taxi service should be in roubles, unless you are using the services of one of the companies listed here. They will accept credit card

payment in foreign currency, at the current exchange rate. Though prices change quickly, in the summer of 1994 it cost $35.00 for a one-way trip from one of the major tourist hotels to Sheremetevo Airport.

The метро, автобусы, троллейбусы и трамваи subway, buses, trolleybuses and trams make up the public transportation system. The most efficient of these is the metro and all are definitely overcrowded, especially during час пик rush hour, from 7:00am to 10:00am and again from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Most types of transportation operate from 6:00am to 1:00am. Check the CLO for the most up-to-date information on using public transport.