On this day: Russia’s traffic police was created

On July 3, 1936, the State Automobile Inspectorate was established by the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation with order № 502 “On Declaring the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.” Moreover, on that day the official traffic code was created, which later was reformed in accordance with international convention.

The Main Directorate for Road Traffic Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has been popularly known under its historical abbreviation GAI (ГАИ). Interestingly enough, janitors were allowed to work as traffic guards in the early 20th century. 

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