Ticket 22 question 9 Traffic rules: who must yield while changing lanes at the same time?

Question #9 from ticket 22 traffic rules 2026 - one of the most insidious in the traffic police exam. It checks understanding of the rules simultaneous rebuilding, where even experienced drivers often make mistakes. On the surface, the task looks simple: two cars are changing lanes in parallel, but who should give way to whom? The answer depends on nuances that are not always obvious at first glance.

This question falls into the top 5 most failed questions on the theoretical exam. According to traffic police statistics, mistakes are made here up to 38% of cadets - even those who perfectly know the rest of the tickets. The problem is that the situation simulates a real traffic conflict, where the intuitive “give way to the one on the right” does not work. Let's look at the problem piece by piece: from the letter of the law to practical advice on how to avoid getting caught in this question.

Question text and initial conditions

The wording from ticket 22 (question 9) sounds like this:

“Who should give way when changing lanes at the same time?”

Possible answers:

1. Driver of a passenger car.

2. Motorcycle driver.

3. In this situation, drivers should act by mutual agreement.”

The picture shows two vehicles:

• 🚗 Passenger car (blue) - moving in the left lane and intends to change lanes to the right.
• 🏍️ Motorcycle (red) - is moving in the right lane and wants to change lanes to the left.

Key point: rebuilding is happening at the same time, not sequentially. This fundamentally changes the logic of applying the rules. If one of the drivers had already occupied the target lane, the situation would have been resolved according to paragraph 8.4 of the traffic rules (“give way to someone who is moving in the same direction without changing direction”). But here both are only start maneuver

Point-by-point analysis of traffic regulations: what does the law say?

The answer to the question is hidden in clause 8.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations (current edition 2026):

8.4. When simultaneously changing lanes of vehicles moving in the same direction, the driver must give way to the vehicle on the right.

At first glance, everything is simple: the one who has interference on the right. But there's a catch here:

• 🔍 Simultaneity of maneuver. The rule only works if both drivers started rebuilding at once. If one is already moving along the target lane, and the second is just about to enter it, another paragraph applies (8.4, first part).
• 📏 Lane. This item is only valid for passing stripes If someone changes lanes from the oncoming lane (for example, to make a U-turn), the rule does not apply.
• 🚦 Priority signs. Availability of signs 5.15.1 (“Driving directions along lanes”) may change the interpretation, but there are none in this matter.

In our case, both vehicles are moving incidentally and at the same time rebuilding begins. This means that the “right hand rule” applies: the driver yields blue car, since the motorcycle is to the right of it.

Why cadets make mistakes: psychology and typical pitfalls

Driving school experts identify 3 main reasons why this issue becomes a “stumbling block”:

1. Intuitive “yield to the motorcycle”. Many subconsciously believe that motorcycles are more vulnerable road users and should be given way “by default.” This is a mistake: traffic regulations do not make exceptions based on the type of vehicle.
2. Confusion with "interference on the right". Rule 8.4 often confused with 8.9 (driving at uncontrolled intersections), where the “right hand” also operates. But in rebuilding the nuances are different!
3. Incorrect interpretation of “simultaneity”. If in the picture one car has already partially occupied the target lane, this not at the same time rebuilding. In ticket 22 both vehicles only start maneuver

Interesting fact: in European traffic rules (for example, in Germany) when changing lanes at the same time, the opposite rule applies - the one who gives way changes lane, regardless of location. In Russia, priority is given to the “right”. This often confuses those who have studied abroad.

What happens if both drivers start changing lanes late?

If drivers do not have time to complete the maneuver before crossing paths, a situation of “mutual interference” arises. In this case, the traffic rules require that you act by agreement (clause 8.4, part 3), but in the exam this answer is incorrect - the question implies ideal conditions.

Visual diagram: who is where and where they are going

To finally clarify the situation, let’s look at the location of vehicles in the diagram:

Vehicle	Source strip	Target band	Lane change direction	Position relative to another vehicle
🚗 Passenger car	Left	Right	Right	To the left of the motorcycle
🏍️ Motorcycle	Right	Left	Left	To the right of the car

The table shows that the vehicle trajectories intersect at one point. According to clause 8.4 of traffic rules, the motorcycle has the advantage, since it is located right from the passenger car at the start of the maneuver.

⚠️ Attention! If the motorcycle had already completed changing lanes and driving in the left lane, and the car just started to move to the right, the “interference on the right” rule would not apply. In this case, the driver of the car would yield, since the motorcycle is moving without changing direction (clause 8.4, part 1).

Fines for violating the rules for changing lanes in 2026

Failure to yield the road when changing lanes is classified according to Article 12.14 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (“Violation of maneuvering rules”). The size of the fine depends on the consequences:

• 💰 500 rubles - if the conflict did not lead to an accident (part 1 of article 12.14).
• 💰 1,500 rubles - if the maneuver interfered with other traffic participants (part 3 of article 12.14).
• 🚨 Deprivation of rights for 4–6 months - if failure to yield the road caused an accident with injuries (part 2 of Article 12.24).

Important: the traffic police inspector must provethat you started changing lanes later than the other driver. If both maneuvers started at the same time, the culprit is the one who didn't give up the right side. In controversial cases, records from the registrar help.

How to remember the correct answer: life hacks for the exam

To never make mistakes in this matter again, use the mnemonic rules:

1. "Right hand - right hand yields"
   

   Remember: if you are changing lanes and see another vehicle on the right that is also maneuvering - you give in. In ticket 22, the motorcycle is to the right of the car → the car is inferior.

2. “He who goes to the left is the hero”
   

   Driver changing lanes left (the motorcycle in question) usually has an advantage because its trajectory is more dangerous (it crosses more traffic).

3. "Both started - look to the right"
   

   The key word in the question is "simultaneously". If both started maneuver, the right hand rule applies. If one is already driving along the lane, and the second is just getting ready, the second one gives way.

Check yourself with the checklist:

Real driving situations: when the rule doesn't work

In life, not everything is as clear as in tickets. Here are 3 cases when clause 8.4 of traffic rules does not apply:

• 🚧 Road repair or accident. If one of the lanes is blocked and drivers are forced to change lanes in a limited space, temporary signs or instructions from the traffic controller.
• 🚦 Availability of markup 1.18 (arrows directing traffic along the lanes). If the markings require changing lanes from only one lane, the “interference on the right” rule is canceled.
• 🚓 Special signals. If one of the vehicles has flashing lights turned on blue/red colors and siren, it has priority regardless of the direction of changing lanes (Section 3.1 of the Traffic Regulations).

⚠️ Attention! On roundabouts the rule of simultaneous rebuilding works differently: the one who already moving in circles, even if he is to the right of the person entering (Section 13.11.1 of the Traffic Regulations). This is a common cause of accidents!

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about ticket 22 (question 9)

Can a motorcycle have an advantage if it is going faster than a car?

No, speed does not affect priority when changing lanes at the same time. The advantage is determined only position to the right, and not the dynamics of movement. Even if the motorcycle “flies” faster, the car must yield, since the motorcycle is on the right.

What to do if both drivers start changing lanes, but cannot see each other (for example, because of a truck)?

In such a situation the rule 8.4 still works, but in practice it's better slow down and give way. If an accident occurs, the culprit will be the one who did not ensure the safety of the maneuver (clause 8.1 of the traffic rules). Cameras or witnesses will help determine who started the lane change first.

Why is there no “no one gives way” option on the ticket?

Because traffic rules clearly regulate priority when changing lanes at the same time. Situations where both drivers have equal rights, doesn't exist - there is always someone who must give in. The “by agreement” option on the ticket is a trap for the inattentive.

How does this question relate to real driving?

On the road, such situations arise every day, especially in heavy traffic. According to traffic police statistics, 12% of all side collisions occur due to incorrect lane changes. Knowing the rules helps prevent accidents and save on fines (500–1500 rubles per violation).

Is it possible to challenge a fine for failure to yield when changing lanes?

Yes, if the inspector incorrectly classified the maneuver. For example, if you already completed changing lanes and the other driver has just started, rule 8.4 does not apply. To challenge, evidence is needed: a recording from the registrar, testimony of witnesses or diagrams indicating trajectories.