Exploring Belarus By Car: Is It Possible?

Driving in Belarus is possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, an International Driving Licence is required for foreign citizens and stateless citizens. Additionally, you must have the original documents showing vehicle ownership and a vehicle registration certificate. It is also important to note that Belarus has toll roads, and drivers must pay a fee to use them. Traffic police are common, and drivers should be prepared to present their documents if pulled over. Finally, driving in Belarus can be quite different from driving in other countries, with drivers changing lanes frequently and without warning.

Driving licences and insurance

To drive in Belarus, you will need a valid, full driving licence. If you have a UK driving licence, you will also need an up-to-date International Driving Permit (IDP). If you are planning a long stay in Belarus, you can drive with a domestic or International Driving Licence for three months. After that, you will need to obtain a Belarusian driving licence. This involves attending a three-month course at a driving school in Belarus or another CIS country and passing the knowledge and driving skills tests administered by the State Traffic Inspection (traffic police). The exam will be in Russian.

If you are taking your own car to Belarus, you will need to show documents proving you are the owner of the car. You will also need to purchase a car insurance certificate at the border. The Green Card, the international motor insurance certificate, is valid in Belarus. You can also get additional insurance at the border crossing. Premiums range from 5-50 Euros depending on the length of your stay.

Border crossings

When crossing the border into Belarus, you will need to present the following documents:

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• A UK sticker (unless your car has EU number plates)
• Your motor insurance certificate and V5 registration document or hire car paperwork – originals only, no photocopies
• A visitor visa (unless you are entering via Minsk airport)
• A 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained from the Post Office in the UK before travel
• Valid medical insurance – you can buy this in advance or at the border

You will also need to declare the temporary importation of your car on a customs form. You will need to include vehicle information in the customs declaration, and purchase a car insurance certificate.

If your vehicle is registered outside Belarus, you must sign a Green Card insurance contract with a Belarusian insurance company. This can be done at the border and usually takes no more than 10 minutes.

Be aware that checkpoints are common on roads and border crossings in Belarus. Police may ask to see your papers, and you should only make official payments.

Traffic police

Traffic safety in Belarus is controlled by the traffic police, known as GAI in Russian and DAI in Belarusian. The uniform of Belarusian traffic police officers includes yellow fluorescent stripes. When a traffic police officer waves a striped wand or shows a red retro-reflector, you are required to pull over. If you are stopped by the traffic police, you will need to present your driving licence and insurance documents.

In Minsk, the State Traffic Inspectorate is responsible for ensuring road safety. This unit has been involved in several scandals, including an incident in 2017 where an officer dragged a driver out of their vehicle.

In addition to the State Traffic Inspectorate, the Minsk City Police Department, officially known as the Main Directorate of Internal Affairs, serves as the primary municipal police force in the capital. This department has been active in suppressing protests and is known to have the largest number of police officers among the post-Soviet republics.

Driving in Belarus

When driving in Belarus, it is important to remember that traffic drives on the right, and it is essential to follow speed limits and other traffic regulations. Most traffic signs are in Cyrillic script. Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited, with a zero-tolerance policy and a blood alcohol limit of 0.00%.

To drive in Belarus, you will need either a valid domestic driver's licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your domestic licence or an IDP will allow you to drive in the country for up to three months. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a Belarusian driver's licence by attending a driving course and passing the necessary tests administered by the State Traffic Inspection.

Toll roads

The Republic of Belarus has a toll collection system called BelToll, which has been in operation since 1 August 2013. BelToll is an electronic toll collection system that uses Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) technology, which is proven worldwide. This technology is based on the use of specialised radio technology over short distances, allowing users to pay the toll without stopping at collection points.

BelToll operates on 1,726km of national toll roads. The roads that are part of the BelToll system are equipped with toll gantries that have transponders to ensure communication with On-Board Units (OBU) mounted on the vehicle windscreen. Alternatively, the system can detect if a vehicle with a Maximum Laden Weight (MLW) not exceeding 3.5 tonnes is equipped with a valid Electronic Vignette.

Drivers of the following vehicles must pay to use the roads covered by the BelToll system:

• Motor vehicles with an MLW exceeding 3.5 tonnes (using an OBU)
• Motor vehicles with an MLW not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, registered outside the Eurasian Economic Union (using an Electronic Vignette).

Vehicles registered in the Eurasian Economic Union (Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia) with an MLW not exceeding 3.5 tonnes are exempt from toll payments.

To use the BelToll system, drivers must equip their vehicle with an OBU, which can be purchased with a deposit of €20 for vehicles with an MLW not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, and €50 for vehicles with an MLW of over 3.5 tonnes. OBUs can be purchased at BelToll customer service points located at automobile border-crossing points, along toll roads, and in all region centres of Belarus. They operate 24/7.

When a vehicle passes under a toll gantry, the toll amount is automatically calculated and withdrawn from the OBU account. There is no need to slow down or change lanes when passing under the gantry, and the system allows multi-lane free-flow traffic.

The following vehicles are exempt from toll payments when using the BelToll road network:

• Vehicles registered in the Eurasian Economic Union member states with an MLW of 3.5 tonnes or less, and trailers towed by such vehicles
• Mopeds and motorcycles
• Wheeled tractors and self-propelled vehicles registered in Belarus
• Special operation vehicles
• Vehicles used for defensive capacity and law enforcement
• Fixed-route vehicles used for urban transportation of passengers
• Vehicles used for emergency response or transportation of humanitarian aid to the population of Belarus and other countries

Violations of the toll collection procedure include:

• Absence of an OBU in a vehicle subject to toll payment
• Absence of a toll payment record on an OBU
• Use of an out-of-service OBU
• Use of an OBU that cannot be used to pay in compliance with the established procedure
• Use of an OBU in violation of technical operation rules
• Unauthorised use of an OBU designed for exempted vehicles
• Use of an OBU configured for fewer axles than prescribed in the User Manual for the vehicle
• Use of an OBU that is not personalised for the vehicle

In the case of any of the above violations, a Substitution Fee must be paid by the owner of the vehicle. The amount of the fee depends on the type of vehicle and the nature of the violation.

Traffic laws

If you're planning a road trip to Belarus, it's important to be aware of the country's traffic laws and regulations to ensure a safe and smooth journey. Here are some key things to know:

Driving Licence:

To drive in Belarus, you need a valid International Driving Licence. If you're a US citizen, a valid US state or international driver's licence is also accepted for short-term visits of up to 90 days. For longer stays, you'll need to obtain a Belarusian driver's licence, which requires passing a two-part test in Russian and completing a medical exam.

Vehicle Documents:

When driving your own car into Belarus, you must have the original documents showing ownership of the vehicle. You'll also need to provide information about the car in a customs declaration and purchase a car insurance certificate at the border.

Traffic Police:

Traffic safety in Belarus is monitored by the traffic police, known as GAI (in Russian) or DAI (in Belarusian). They can be identified by their uniform with yellow fluorescent stripes. When waved down by a traffic police officer, you are required to pull over and present your driving and insurance documents.

Speed Limits:

Belarus has varying speed limits depending on the area. In built-up areas, the speed limit is typically 60 km/h unless specified otherwise. Outside these areas, the limit is 90 km/h, while motorways have a speed limit of 110 km/h. There is a stretch of the main east-west highway where the speed limit is higher, at 120 km/h.

Drink-Driving:

Belarus has a zero-tolerance policy for drink-driving, with a legal limit of 0.00%. This includes beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Traffic Signs:

Most traffic signs in Belarus are in Cyrillic script only, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the local signage before hitting the road.

Overtaking:

In Belarus, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles coming from the right have the right of way, and emergency vehicles always have priority.

Seat Belts and Child Passengers:

It is mandatory to wear seat belts in the front seats of the vehicle. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to travel in the front seat.

Mobile Phone Usage:

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in Belarus.

Winter Driving:

From 1 November to 1 March, it is compulsory to use winter tyres. If you use spiked tyres, you must display a sign to warn drivers behind you to maintain a safe distance.

Road Conditions:

The standard of urban roads in Belarus is generally good, but rural road conditions can vary. Be cautious of potholes, unlit roads, and pedestrians or animals on the road, especially in poorly lit rural areas. Driving in winter can be hazardous due to ice and snow.

Tolls:

Belarus has a digital toll system called BelToll for certain motorways. The tariffs depend on the technical total weight of the vehicle and the number of axles, ranging from €0.04 to €0.145 per 1 km.

Insurance:

The Green Card, the international motor insurance certificate, is valid in Belarus. If you don't have it, you can purchase additional insurance from a Belarusian insurance company at the border.

Frequently asked questions