If you have been asked to go to Russia for business it is likely your employer will have hired a driver for you. However, if you are asked to drive yourself there are a number of things you must be aware of first.

The rules of the road are generally similar to the rest of Europe, but in practice they are often ignored by drivers and not applied consistently by the authorities. Drivers in Russia are often described as fast and aggressive, so you must be aware of what is going on around you.

However, you have nothing to fear if you have some prior knowledge!

These are the documents you must carry: a full valid driving licence with up-to-date conviction information, an international driving permit, proof of insurance/green card, if using your own vehicle, proof of identity (like a passport), proof of ownership and a valid Russian visa. Your vehicle must also carry the following: a warning triangle, headlamp beam deflectors if appropriate, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and spare bulbs.

Other general rules that have the potential to catch out the unawary are that dipped headlights must always be used during the day, it is illegal to drive a dirty car especially with mud on the number plates (which can attract a fine of up to 2,000 Roubles) and turning right at a red light is not allowed when there is no special green arrow to filter traffic light.

Apart from Moscow and St Petersburg, road conditions are largely very poor. Additionally if you can avoid travelling during rush hour you will save yourself a big headache; for instance Moscow is among the ten worst cities in the world for traffic jams, which last an average of two-and-half hours.

Good preparation is vital for travelling in Russia – almost all direction and name signs are in Russian only, so a satellite-navigation system may be helpful (these are easy to buy). And think about refreshments before you set out; as petrol stations, rest areas, cafes and toilets are infrequent.

While much of Europe has very low limits for drinking and driving, Russia has a zero tolerance policy. If a driver is caught, your licence could be suspended for two years.

Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour. Within built-up areas the speed limit is 60km/h, rising to 90km/h beyond these zones and 100km/h on highways.

Fines for breaking the speed limit are commensurate with the amount you break it by. For instance exceeding the limit by 10-20km/h could result in a warning or fine of 100 Roubles. Exceeding it by more than 60km/h and you are looking at a 2,000 to 2,500 Rouble fine, disqualification for up to six months or suspension of your licence.

It is also important to carry some Roubles with you; despite the toll road systems in Russia being relatively recent, all charges are payable in cash. One completed toll road you may encounter is the 18km section of the Lipetsk Highway M4 from Moscow to Novorossiysk, where the charge is 10 Roubles per car.

So as long as you keep your wits about you and get conversant with the peculiarities of Russian driving law, you should have a memorable journey.