Drivers in certain areas concerned about wheel clamping incidents - understanding the circumstances and legality
Wheel Blocking: The Latest Trend Spooking Drivers Across Russia
There's a surge of reports from cities like Saint Petersburg, Moscow suburbs, and Primorsky Krai, about cars parked in disabled spots being targeted with wheel blocking. But is this practice legal? Here's the skinny on this unsettling trend.
Auto attorney Alexander Shumskiy, in his Telegram channel, confirms instances of wheel blocking, but with a crucial caveat—only for debtors. He explicates, "This tactic is employed by bailiffs. Cars belonging to debtors are the ones being immobilized. The reason? You've got to shell out some cash to the bailiffs to have these blockers removed."
On the other hand, lawyer Lev Voropaev states that wheel blocking for improper parking is, in fact, illegal. Citing traffic regulations, he argues that a car violating traffic rules should be impounded and transferred to a special lot, not blocked.
However, wheel blockers can be legally used on heavy vehicles or those carrying hazardous materials that violate the rules, Voropaev clarifies. In situations where a car is seized during an arrest of a debtor's property, they're also acceptable.
Alexander Kholodov, the deputy head of the security commission, backs up this latter claim. Yet, the Federal Bailiff Service in St. Petersburg doesn't shy away from using wheel blockers to pressure debtors. They argue that this method encourages drivers to settle their debts more promptly, according to Autonews.
Looking ahead, there's talk of tougher penalties for even a single violation, with fines reaching 80,000 and potential license suspensions. Read up on the proposed new law for on-the-spot fines for car infractions. Stay alert to avoid getting caught up in parallel import scams. Lawmakers are easing restrictions for drivers in the State Duma. Prepare for the right-hand drive car market updates in 2025. Keep yourself informed with the latest news from PrimaMedia.
Enrichment Insight: In many jurisdictions, it's uncommon for authorities to use wheel blockers for debt collection, and there may be legal constraints on such practices. Consulting local legal resources or official documents would be advisable for a clear understanding of the Russian regulations on this matter.
The practice of wheel blocking is not exclusive to the auto industry, as it has also been observed in the finance industry, where it is employed by bailiffs to immobilize cars of debtors. However, when it comes to improper parking, using wheel blockers is illegal, as per traffic regulations, and cars violating such rules should be impounded instead.
