New Parking Rules for Electric and Gas-Powered Vehicles Came into Force on June 1
As of the first day of summer, a new set of regulations (SP 551) came into force in Russia, tightening fire safety requirements for parking facilities. Owners of electric vehicles, hybrids, and cars running on gas now need to be especially cautious.
What has changed?
Electric vehicles and hybrids can no longer freely enter underground parking lots of residential complexes and hypermarkets. They are now required to use designated parking spots with enhanced safety measures. Charging stations are not mandatory, but fire suppression systems nearby are. Parking spaces for electric vehicles cannot be separated by solid partitions — only lightweight fire-resistant mesh or curtains are allowed. Such zones must be organized in clusters of no more than 10 vehicles.
For vehicles running on gas, the rules are even stricter: they may only park in open, above-ground lots. Clause 10 of the new regulations explicitly prohibits storing gas-powered vehicles in underground parking facilities.
Fines are significant: up to 50,000 rubles for individuals, and up to 2 million rubles for legal entities.
The new requirements apply to newly constructed and planned facilities, as well as to existing buildings undergoing major repairs, reconstruction, or a change of purpose. Previously commissioned underground parking lots will most likely not need to be retrofitted.