Moscow City Duma Prepares New Bans on Graffiti and Advertising Posting

Deputies of the Moscow City Duma want to update the list of transport facilities where graffiti and advertising posting are prohibited under threat of fines. They propose to include water transport ticket sales points, electric bus charging stations, information display pylons and other new transport infrastructure facilities. The bill’s authors explain that Moscow’s Administrative Code doesn’t keep pace with the development of Moscow’s transport system – and all these facilities are not yet protected by law. However, an expert believes that widespread video surveillance has reduced the vandalism problem, and the remaining offenders can be punished under federal legislation.

The capital’s transport department tries to eliminate over 11,000 graffiti and illegal advertisements weekly

The Moscow City Duma’s Commission on Transport and Road Transport Infrastructure Development approved a bill for adoption. The document expands the list of urban transport infrastructure facilities specified in the note to Article 8.13 of Moscow’s Administrative Code (“Unauthorized information placement on facilities”). Part 5 of this article provides for fines for applying inscriptions and images, as well as placing information and advertising materials on such facilities:

  • for individuals – from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles;
  • for officials – from 35,000 to 50,000 rubles;
  • for legal entities – from 50,000 to 150,000 rubles.

In 2024, the Transport Organizer State Institution issued over 4,000 relevant resolutions.

Currently, “urban infrastructure facilities” include public transport stops; ticket machines and sales points; road signs indicating tram, bus or trolleybus stops; information displays and stop indicators; tram track structure elements; metro structures and facilities, tram depots, trolleybus and bus parks; switch posts and trolleybus/tram contact network supports. But this is insufficient, according to the amendments’ authors. Due to the capital’s development, “new transport infrastructure facilities are being created,” such as points and machines for selling tickets for water transport travel. Unauthorized advertisements and graffiti are also placed on them, but there are no measures against those committing such actions.

The proposed list of facilities to include:

  • points and machines for selling water transport tickets;
  • road sign structures indicating urban transport stops;
  • information display and stop indicator structures “in general” (not only for trams, buses and trolleybuses as currently).

The note also includes a broad formulation: “other structures, production-technological complexes owned by Moscow and intended for serving passengers by road transport and urban surface electric transport.”

It was noted that the amendments don’t involve increasing fine amounts.

According to the capital’s transport department, inspections of stops reveal about 11,000 “instances of advertisement posting and graffiti application” weekly. The department is convinced that all this “negatively affects the aesthetic perception of transport facilities and the capital in general.”

Moreover, repair and cleaning work on these surfaces leads to additional expenses. Transport department representatives listed some new transport infrastructure facilities that could fall under the “other structures” formulation. These include flagpoles, road and navigation sign and indicator supports, bus stations with bus terminals and their fences, electric bus charging stations, information display pylons, transport navigation objects, benches, trash cans.

It was stated that the proposed amendments are necessary because advertisers are well aware of existing legislative gaps and use facilities not mentioned in the current code version for placing advertisements.

“Currently, the vandalism problem in transport – and in general – is not as acute as in the 1990s or even 2000s,” comments an expert. “This is more related to the spread of video surveillance.” According to the expert, recording such offenses has become much easier, meaning the risk of being caught has increased. Also, some advertising previously posted at stops has long moved to the internet. He also adds that many vandalism-related offenses “easily fall under the quite broad ‘Petty Hooliganism’ article of the federal Administrative Code.” “Therefore, amendments to Moscow’s Administrative Code will likely not lead to noticeable changes in law enforcement practice and the overall situation, and are more of a technical nature,” he concludes.

Moscow City Duma

The Moscow City Duma is the representative and legislative body of the city of Moscow. It was originally established in 1785 under a charter from Catherine the Great, making it one of Russia’s oldest city governments. The modern Duma was re-established in 1993 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and is responsible for passing the city’s budget, laws, and overseeing the mayor’s office.

Moscow’s Administrative Code

Moscow’s Administrative Code is not a physical place or cultural site, but a legal document that outlines the rules, violations, and penalties for offenses within the city of Moscow. It was established to regulate public order, city improvement, and various administrative infractions specific to the capital. Its history is tied to the development of Russian administrative law, granting local authorities the power to enforce city-specific regulations and fines.

Transport Organizer State Institution

Based on the name, the “Transport Organizer State Institution” appears to be a government body responsible for coordinating and managing transport systems. Such institutions are typically established by national or municipal governments to oversee public transit, infrastructure planning, and logistics. Their history is often tied to a country’s efforts to centralize and modernize its transportation networks for economic and social development.

metro structures

Metro structures refer to the extensive underground railway systems found in major cities worldwide, with the first being the London Underground which opened in 1863. These networks were historically developed to alleviate urban congestion and facilitate mass transit, evolving from steam-powered lines to the complex electric systems of today. Modern metro structures are engineering marvels that often incorporate unique architectural designs, art, and cultural elements reflecting their host cities.

tram depots

Tram depots are operational facilities that house, maintain, and service trams (streetcars). Historically, they emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries alongside the expansion of electric tram networks in cities worldwide. Many original depots are now heritage-listed buildings, with some being repurposed while others continue their original function for modern light rail systems.

trolleybus parks

Trolleybus parks are operational depots that serve as storage, maintenance, and charging hubs for electric trolleybuses. They emerged in the early 20th century alongside the expansion of trolleybus systems as a cleaner alternative to trams and gasoline buses. These facilities are essential for the daily functioning of this form of public transport, housing the overhead wire infrastructure needed to power the vehicles.

bus parks

A bus park, also known as a bus station or depot, is a designated area where buses start, end, and park their routes. Historically, they developed alongside the rise of motorized bus transport in the early 20th century to provide organized hubs for passenger boarding, alighting, and vehicle maintenance. Today, they are vital nodes in urban and intercity public transportation networks.

bus stations

Bus stations are transportation hubs that facilitate the movement of people between cities and regions via coach or bus services. They emerged prominently in the 20th century alongside the expansion of road networks and the automotive industry, serving as vital nodes for public transit. Today, they function as accessible and often bustling centers connecting urban and rural communities.