The object of study in the article is represented by orthographic norm as one of the varieties of linguistic norm. The aim was to identify the problems of realization of spelling rules associated with linguistic and extra-linguistic factors. Features of functioning of spelling rules before and after the publication of "The rules of Russian orthography and punctuation" in 1956 shows the understanding of the essence of spelling rules as a two-component phenomena (orthogrammes and spelling rules), taking into account the forms of its existence; stated dynamics of spelling rules. It was found that errors in implementing the orthographic norms in the practice of writing ordinary speakers have both intra-linguistic and extra-linguistic reasons. The main ones are the following: delayed change of fixing spelling rules as a result of the transformation of other linguistic norms (formative, morphological, orthoepic, etc...); a reflection on the letter settings "old" spelling rules as a result of ignorance of the writing content of the "new" rules; incorrectness of language game associated with the need to draw attention to the advertising text; poor reading of the younger generation; reading books and other printed products of inadequate quality editing and proofreading processing; impact of the language of Internet communication.