When a blue rectangle with a white image of a bus is seen on the road, many drivers immediately reset their speed, fearing the camera or the inspector. However, not everyone fully understands where exactly the action of this pointer ends and whether it is possible to turn on it. Sign “Road for route vehicles” 5.11 and its variations regulate traffic in dense urban traffic, creating priority for public transport.
Confusion arises from the fact that there is a whole group of signs (5.11-5.14), each of which has its own nuances of application. An error in interpretation can cost you not only money, but also security if you go out on the allocated lane. In this article, we will examine the subtle differences between the “road” and the “lane”, and also find out when a regular passenger car is entitled to cross a solid marking line.
Understanding these rules is critical for any driver who values their budget and nervous system. We will consider the current traffic regulations, exceptions for taxis and nuances of parking, which are often forgotten even by experienced motorists.
The main types of signs and their differences
The group of signs 5.11-5.14 in traffic rules is divided into two main categories: those that indicate the road, and those that indicate the lane. Sign 5.11 It is installed before the beginning of the road section, where traffic is allowed only for route vehicles, bicycles, school buses and taxis. This means that the entire roadway is set aside under a special regime.
Unlike him, sign ("Stripe lanes") indicates that only the extreme right lane (or left, depending on the organization of traffic) is allocated. The rest of the bands are designed for the general flow. It is important not to confuse these concepts, since the penalty for leaving on the road (5.11) is equated with movement in the opposite direction, which entails deprivation of rights.
There are also modifications indicating the direction of movement. For example, 5.13.1 ("Entry into the road with a lane for fixed-route vehicles") warns that the road adjacent to the right has a dedicated lane. This requires the driver to be more careful when remodeling.
- 🚌 5.11 Road for route vehicles (movement throughout the width is prohibited for ordinary cars).
- 🚍 5.14 - The lane for route vehicles (only the extreme row is prohibited).
- 🔄 5.13.1/5.13.2 - Departure to the road with a dedicated lane (right or left).
- 🚫 5.14.1 End of lane for route vehicles (limitation action completed).
Rules of entry and exit on the allocated lane
The most common question drivers ask is: is it possible to cross a solid line separating the allocated lane? According to the traffic rules, enter the strip marked with a sign 5.14 and marking 1.23.1, forbiddenunless it is provided for by the rules of turning or stopping. A solid markup line (1.1) through which one cannot be rearranged, often accompanies this sign.
However, there are legitimate ways to use this strip. Drivers may cross the intermittent line of markings for boarding and disembarking passengers at the right edge of the carriageway, if this does not interfere with the movement of minibuses. A right turn is also allowed, but only in places where the intermittent line breaks or where appropriate signs of additional information are installed.
⚠️ Attention: Departure on the lane for public transport with subsequent movement along it in the passing direction (overtaking traffic jams) is punishable by a fine. Interrupting traffic on such a lane is permissible only for a short time for maneuver.
When leaving the adjacent territory (parking, filling stations, yard) on the road with a dedicated lane, you must give way to all vehicles moving along this lane. Public transport is always a priority, even if it is moving at a low speed.
What do you do if you need to turn around?
If you need to turn or turn left through a dedicated lane, look for places where the solid line is interrupted. If there are no such places, drive to the intersection or the place where the sign 5.14 ends, turn around there and return in the right direction, observing the general rules.
Validity of the sign "Public transport"
One of the most insidious aspects is the time constraints. The sign can be valid around the clock or only at certain hours. This information is indicated by plate under the main sign (8.5.1-8.5.7) or directly on the sign itself.
If there are no additional time plates under the sign 5.14, this means that the restriction is valid. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this case, entry to the strip is prohibited at any time. Ignoring this fact is a common mistake of drivers who think that “it is possible at night.”
If the time is specified (for example, 7:00-9:00 and 16:00-19:00), then the rest of the day the lane becomes normal and is available to all traffic participants. However, it is worth remembering that in Moscow and St. Petersburg the rules can be stricter, and the cameras work automatically, reading numbers even at night.
| Type of plate | Designation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 8.5.1 | Working days | It is valid only from Monday to Friday. |
| 8.5.2 | Saturdays and Sundays | It only works on weekends. |
| 8.5.3 | Holidays | It is only valid on official holidays. |
| 8.5.4 | Time of action | Specifies a specific clock (e.g. 7-9) |
Always look at the reverse side of the sign or at nearby supports - sometimes the plate with the time of action can be installed separately, a little further along the way.
Stop and Park: Where You Can and Where You Can't
The rules of stopping at the sites with the sign 5.14 also have their own peculiarities. Stopping vehicles on the lane intended for route vehicles, forbidden. This is logical, since a stopped car will block the path of a bus or trolleybus.
The exception is when the stop is caused by a vehicle malfunction or accident. In such a situation, it is necessary to immediately turn on the alarm and put an emergency stop sign, trying to free the lane as quickly as possible. A short stop for boarding/disembarking passengers is also allowed, if this does not cause interference and the markings are intermittent.
Parking (parking) on a designated lane is strictly prohibited, regardless of the time of day, if the sign is valid constantly. The penalty for parking on the "allocation" often comes automatically from the cameras of photo fixation, which recognize the duration of the car in the area of the sign.
Penalties for violation of the rules of the allocated strip
Violation of the requirements prescribed by road signs 5.11-5.14 entails administrative liability. The amount of punishment depends on how the violation was committed and in which region you are located. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, fines are traditionally higher.
If you just went to the lane for public transport and moved along it in a passing direction (around the traffic jam), you face a fine. If you went to the lane intended for oncoming traffic (sign 5.11), or overtake with the exit to the “meeting” through a solid, the punishment will be much more serious, up to deprivation of rights.
- 💸 1500 rubles - a fine for traffic on the lane for route vehicles (h. 1.1. 12.17 of the RF Administrative Code.
- 💸 3,000 rubles A fine for the same violation in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
- 🚫 Deprivation of rights (4-6 months) or a fine of 5000 rubles. - for leaving on the opposite direction (ch. 4 st. 12.15 RF Administrative Code).
⚠️ Attention: Repeated violations within a year may result in an increase in the amount of the fine or a more severe penalty. Lock cameras often work in conjunction with the database, so the “first time” system may not forgive if the previous penalty has not yet been paid or the statute of limitations has not expired.
Features for taxis and electric vehicles
The current legislation makes adjustments to the old rules. Since recently taxi, having the appropriate license and color scheme (yellow body color + checkers), have the right to move in lanes for public transport. However, they must comply with the stopping rules and not interfere with buses.
As for electric vehicles, in some regions (for example, in Moscow) exceptions are also made for them. Owners of electric cars with numbers of a certain format can use dedicated lanes. But this rule is not universal for the whole of Russia and requires verification of local regulations.
The priority of the bus or trolleyus remains unquestioned.
Taxis and electric vehicles may use the dedicated lane only if it is expressly permitted by local signs and the presence of appropriate identification marks on the vehicle.
Can I turn right through a solid line of the allocated lane?
Turn right through a solid line of markings separating the lane for route vehicles, forbidden. You should look for places where the solid line is interrupted (becomes intermittent), or drive to an intersection where a turn is allowed. Crossing a solid line even for turning is considered a violation.
Is the 5.14 sign valid on weekends?
It depends on the sign under the sign. If there is no sign - it is valid around the clock, including weekends. If there is a sign "Working days" (8.5.1) - on the weekend the sign is terminated. If the sign "Saturday, Sunday" (8.5.2) is valid only on weekends.
Is it allowed to enter a designated lane for refueling?
Check-in at the gas station located on the designated lane is allowed only in places where the solid line is interrupted. If the gas station is behind a solid line without breaks, it is formally forbidden to enter the lane to access it, although inspectors rarely fine such maneuvers if they are safe.
What is the penalty for stopping on the lane for public transport?
Stopping (up to 5 minutes) or parking on the lane for route vehicles is prohibited. The fine for stopping in a prohibited place is 1500 rubles (3,000 in Moscow and St. Petersburg). If the stop created an obstacle to public transport, the fine may be higher.