MOSCOW, November 22 - RAPSI. During its plenary hearing, the State Duma adopted a bill in the first reading which simplifies the procedure for taking down illegal advertising constructions, bans advertising directly on asphalt surfaces and as well as banners over roads, and also imposes fines for advertising violations.

The amendments are being introduced to the law "On Advertising", the Code of Administrative Offences and the law "On the General Principles of the Organization of Legislative (Representative) and Executive Bodies of State Power of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation".

The bill bans the placing of advertising constructions above roads and advertising by printing images or words directly on roads or sidewalks.

Contracts to set up and sell space on advertising constructions will be signed for a term of 5 to 15 years. The exact term of the contract will be decided by executive and local authorities.

According to the amendments introduced to the Code of Administrative Offenses, setting up or selling advertising space on an advertising construction without permission will be subject to a fine of 3,000 - 5,000 rubles ($95 - $159) for an individual, 30,000 - 50,000 rubles ($954 - $1,591) for an official, and 500,000 - 1,000,000 rubles ($15,912 - $31,825) for a legal entity, and the advertising construction will also be confiscated.

The fine for setting up or selling advertising space on an advertising construction which violates technical requirements will amount to 1,000 - 1,500 rubles ($32 - $48) for an individual, 3,000 - 5,000 rubles ($95 - $159) for an official, and 50,000 - 80,000 rubles ($1,591 - $2,546) for a legal entity.

In addition, fines will be issued for using transport as mobile advertising; this will amount to 3,000 - 5,000 rubles ($95 - $159) for an individual, and the vehicle will also be confiscated, 30,000 - 50,000 rubles ($954 -$1,591) for an official, 500,000 - 1,000,000 rubles ($15,912 - $31,825) for a legal entity, plus the vehicle will be confiscated.