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The federal government on Jan. 1 introduced a confusing set of new rules making it harder for foreigners to drive a car legally in Russia.

Car inspectors will demand a translation of a driver’s license, certified by the Vladivostok Chamber of Commerce and a notary. This could be national or international driver’s license, but it has to meet the requirements of the 1968 Vienna Road Traffic Convention.

Foreign drivers may motor about with their national or international license for up to six months. After that, everyone must get a Russian license except for diplomats or a consulate staff members.

Alexander Delyov, the head of the Krai Automobile Inspection Office’s examination department, said the new rules were introduced because of numerous road accidents involving foreigners.

“Also, during 1996-1997, we confiscated about 30 forged driving licenses, mainly from Chinese and North Koreans,” he said.

Though licenses are supposed to meet the requirements of the convention, there is a catch. The 50-page text is available only in the library of the U.S. Consulate, and it is not clear what countries signed it. Car inspectors don’t have immediate plans to check whether a driver’s license corresponds to the convention, Delyov said.

“In practice, a foreigner should have a translation of his driver’s license, and get a Russian one after six months’ stay in Russia,” he concluded.

Getting a Russian driver’s license could be an ordeal. A foreigner must contact one of the 33 driving schools in Vladivostok and pass an exam on driving theory and a road test. This costs about 1,000 new rubles ($167). He can try to pass it right away, or after two months of training.

Nikolai Kozlov, a car instructor from Far Eastern Center for Professional Education, said some schools require students to show up three or four times a week. Those who don’t speak Russian will have to drag a translator to classes.

The next step is to pass the same exam in the city or krai automobile inspection department, which costs 188.8 new rubles ($31.50).

In the meantime, not even all the road police know about the new rules. So if an inspector tries to confiscate your license with the properly stamped translation, you have the right to complain to the senior officers. Whether that gets you anywhere is another question.