Question 20 of ticket number 23 exam tickets for traffic rules 2026 traditionally causes difficulties for cadets of driving schools. It is dedicated to the sign 3.27 “Stopping is prohibited” - one of the most “insidious” road signs, the rules of which are often confused even by experienced drivers. The question usually goes like this:
“Is it permitted to stop at the designated location to pick up a passenger?” - with the attached diagram, where the sign 3.27 installed near the intended stop site. The answer to it requires knowledge not only of the sign itself, but also zones of its coverage, exceptions for route vehicles and nuances associated with markings 1.4.In this article we will examine the question in detail: what exactly the sign prohibits, where its coverage area begins and ends, which vehicles can stop under it without violations, and why many drivers make the mistake of confusing it with the sign 3.28 “Parking prohibited”.
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What does sign 3.27 “No stopping” mean?
Sign 3.27 introduces a complete ban on stop vehicles in its coverage area. It is important to understand that a stop in the traffic rules means intentional stopping of traffic for up to 5 minutes (or more if this is related to boarding/disembarking passengers or loading/unloading). This is the key difference from the sign 3.28, which only prohibits parking lot (that is, stopping for more than 5 minutes).
According to Appendix 1 to the Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation, sign 3.27 installed in places where stopping may interfere with traffic or reduce safety. Typical examples:
- 🚗 Narrow sections of roads where a parked car will block the lane;
- 🚌 Public transport stops (if the sign is not accompanied by a sign 8.18 for route vehicles);
- 🚧 Areas in front of pedestrian crossings or intersections where stopping impairs visibility;
- 🚨 High traffic areas where parked cars cause accidents.
Important: sign 3.27 valid only on the side of the road on which it is installed. This means that stopping on the opposite side of the road (if there is no duplicate sign) is allowed.
⚠️ Attention: If under the sign 3.27 sign installed 8.2.4 (“Validity area”), then the prohibition applies to the specified distance. Without a sign, the sign is valid until the nearest intersection or the end of a populated area.
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Sign 3.27 coverage area: where does the prohibition begin and end?
This is the most difficult moment in the question of tickets 23. Sign area 3.27 determined by several rules:
- From the location of the sign to the nearest intersection (if there is no distance sign).
- Before the end of the village (indicated by 5.24.1 or 5.24.2), if there are no intersections.
- Up to the sign 3.31 (“The end of the zone of all restrictions”).
- At the specified distance, if there is a sign under the sign 8.2.2–8.2.6 (for example, "100 m").
A critically important nuance: if the sign 3.27 installed after the intersection, its effect extends only on the side of the road where he is standing, and is not interrupted by departures from adjacent areas (yards, gas stations, etc.). This often becomes a pitfall in exam questions.
| Condition | Sign area 3.27 |
|---|---|
| Sign without plates | To the nearest intersection or end of a populated area |
| Sign + plaque 8.2.2 (for example, "50 m") | 50 meters from the sign in the direction of travel |
| Sign + markings 1.4 (yellow solid line) | Until the end of the marking |
| Sign + plaque 8.2.4 (“Area of Action”) | To a specified distance (for example, “100 m”) |
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Exceptions: who can stop at sign 3.27?
Even under the sign “No Stopping”** Exceptions apply. They must be taken into account in traffic rules, so remember:
- 🚌 Route vehicles (buses, trolleybuses, trams) can stop at designated places (if there is a sign 8.18 or markup 1.17).
- 🚖 Taxi with taximeter on (if it is waiting for a passenger).
- 🚨 Special vehicles with flashing lights (police, ambulance, fire) when performing official tasks.
- 🚗 Postal service vehicles (with a white diagonal stripe on a blue background).
- 👨🦽 Vehicles driven by disabled people of groups I–II or transporting such disabled people (if the car has a “Disabled Person” sign).
In the question from tickets 23 They often ask about stopping to pick up a passenger. Here's the key point: sign 3.27 prohibits any deliberate stopping, even for 10 seconds. The exception is if you forced stopped due to a traffic jam, breakdown or accident.
What happens if you stop at 3.27?
Fine under Part 4 of Art. 12.16 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - 1500 rubles (3000 rubles in Moscow and St. Petersburg). In some cases, it is possible to evacuate the car to an impound lot (Part 5, Article 12.16).
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Marking 1.4 and sign 3.27: how do they interact?
Yellow solid line marking 1.4 often accompanied by a sign 3.27, but its presence or absence affects the area of the ban:
- 🟡 If sign 3.27 installed with markup 1.4, then the ban is valid until the end of this marking (even if it extends beyond the intersection!).
- 🟡 If there are no markings, but the sign is before the intersection, then stopping after the intersection is allowed.
- 🟡 If the markup 1.4 yes, but no sign 3.27, then she is on her own does not prohibit stopping (only used together with a sign is valid).
In an exam question from tickets 23 often show a situation where the markup 1.4 is interrupted and the sign 3.27 continues to operate (or vice versa). The important thing to remember here is: sign has priority, and the markings only clarify the area of its coverage.
If the 1.4 markings are erased or not visible under the snow, but the 3.27 sign is still there, stopping is still prohibited. Citing “lack of markup” as an excuse will not work.
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Typical mistakes in question 20 ticket 23
Cadets most often make mistakes in the following situations:
- Signs 3.27 and 3.28 are confused. The first prohibits stop (including for 1 minute), the second - only parking lot (more than 5 minutes).
- Ignore signs. For example, a sign 8.18 (“Except for disabled people”) allows only disabled people to stop, and the sign 8.2.4 indicates the coverage area.
- Doesn't take into account 1.4 markup. If there is one, the prohibited zone can be extended beyond the intersection.
- They forget about exceptions. Route vehicles or taxis can stop where regular cars are prohibited.
In the question from tickets 23 Often there is a picture of a car stopping to pick up a passenger next to a sign 3.27. The correct answer is prohibited, since even a short stop is subject to the sign.
Is there sign 3.27 in the picture?|Are there signs under it (8.18, 8.2.4, etc.)?|Are markings 1.4 visible?|Does the vehicle stop for pick-up/drop-off or for another reason?|Is the vehicle an exception (minibus, taxi, disabled person)?-->
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How to remember sign 3.27 and not make mistakes in the exam?
To never be confused 3.27 and 3.28, use the mnemonic rule:
- 🚫 3.27 (“Stopping is prohibited”) — criss-cross (two crossed out lines). Prohibits any stop.
- 🅿️ 3.28 (“Parking prohibited”) — one crossed out line. Prohibits only parking (more than 5 minutes).
It is also useful to learn exceptions for the sign 3.27 using associations:
- 🚌 Minibus - like a bus at a stop;
- 🚖 Taxi — a car with checkers;
- 👨🦽 Disabled - sign on glass.
In the question from tickets 23 pay attention to small details in the picture: presence of markings, signs, type of vehicle. Often they are the key to the correct answer.
Sign 3.27 prohibits even a short stop (for example, to pick up a passenger) unless you fall under an exception. In ticket 23, the correct answer is almost always “forbidden.”
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sign 3.27
Is it possible to stop at the 3.27 sign if I am disabled, but forgot to put up the sign?
No. The benefit is valid only if there is an identification sign “Disabled” on the car. Without it, stop at the sign 3.27 will be considered a violation.
Does sign 3.27 apply to cyclists?
Yes, sign 3.27 prohibits stopping all vehicles, including bicycles and mopeds. An exception is cyclists under 14 years of age (traffic regulations do not apply to them).
Is it possible to stop at sign 3.27 if I am waiting for a passenger who is delayed?
No. Even if you wait for a passenger for more than 5 minutes, this is considered stop (and not a parking lot) and falls under the prohibition sign 3.27. The exception is a taxi with the taximeter turned on.
What is more important: sign 3.27 or marking 1.4, if they contradict?
Has priority sign. If the sign 3.27 installed, but markup 1.4 missing (or vice versa), you should follow the sign. The markings only clarify the area of its coverage.
Can sign 3.27 apply to both sides of the road?
Only if it is installed on both sides. Usually the sign only applies to the side where it is located. Exception - sign with a plate 8.2.1 (“Area of Action”), but this is rare.