Russians to be fined for holding kebabs while driving – media

The updated road-traffic rules are expected to ban motorists from snacking or smoking or holding anything while driving

Russian authorities are set to tighten rules for motorists by prohibiting them from holding any “distracting” items in their hands while driving, online media outlet Mash reported on Monday.

Currently, motorists in Russia are only banned from texting or talking on their cell phones without hands-free implements while driving.

The looming changes, however, will effectively oblige motorists to stay focused on driving and to keep their hands free of any items that compete for their attention while at the wheel.

The change apparently means the drivers will not be able to snack on burgers or doner kebabs, drink coffee, or even smoke conventional cigarettes and assorted electronic smoking implements, the outlet noted.

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Offenders are expected to get identified via automated road camera systems, already used to catch speeding motorists and those with no safety belts, etc. The fine for getting caught with a “distracting” item in your hand is expected to be set around 1,500 rubles (some $14).

The looming changes have already been examined by experts and approved, with the revised rules currently pending their final approval, Mash noted. It was not immediately clear when the changes were expected to come into effect.