It has been a problem for the longest time and Moscovites as Russians are outraged about it, especially since a man nearly died, when his car was hit by one of these VIP cars and he was still sentenced to prison, because he didn’t pay enough attention to the upcoming traffic (on his side of the road).

VIPs and Politicians have special licenses to carry a blue light and they use it frequently. The traffic police closes parts of the city temporarily for Putin and his cabinet, causing unpredictable traffic jams and delays. While this may be a security concern every Duma politician gets various licenses that allow the use of the blue light and a special way of driving (basically no rules at all). Yes, several licenses, which are often sold to private people, especially since they cannot obtain the blue light license anymore, after the laws were tightened up about a year ago.

I frequently take rides with private people. Its common in Moscow. You just hold your arm out and stop a car for a ride, then you negotiate the cost and if the driver agrees, you are on your way. Now and then a driver of a VIP stops, alone being on his way home or somewhere. Its an opportunity for him to make a few Rubels extra and nice for me to ride in a large BMW or Audi, but the drivers often push the limits, even if they are alone. Recently we were going down Leninsky Prospekt with 180 km/h through heavy traffic (on a road where 60 is allowed and everybody goes about 90). Another time we ride on the other side of the road against oncoming traffic, because our side is jammed up. These are a few examples how the blue light is frequently abused. Not only by these VIP drivers, but also by the Police, the Fire Dept and the Ambulances. One thing I know for sure. I never want to have an accident. Probably I will die on the way to the hospital, because nobody believes in a blue light anymore and nobody makes room for an ambulance.