Driving on tram tracks according to traffic regulations: when is it possible, and when is there a fine of 1500₽

Tram tracks are one of the most controversial areas on the road, where even experienced drivers make mistakes. According to traffic police statistics, every fifth fine for violating the location of a vehicle on the roadway is associated precisely with the incorrect use of rails. At the same time Traffic regulations 2026 clearly regulate when it is allowed to travel on tram tracks, and when this threatens with deprivation of rights or monetary penalties up to 5,000 rubles.

The main problem is that many people confuse the concepts "movement on tram tracks" and "departure on them for maneuver" For example, turning left or turning across the rails is almost always allowed (if there are no signs 5.15.1/5.15.2), but driving along the tracks as an additional lane is only in strictly defined cases. In this article we will analyze all the nuances with examples, including a little-known exception for one-way roads, which is not discussed in driving schools.

Traffic rules 2026: basic rules for driving on tram tracks

The main document regulating movement on rails is clause 9.6 of the traffic rules. It says that leaving the tram tracks in the same direction allowed only if:

• 🚦 All lanes in this direction are occupied (congestion or accident).
• 🚗 You do not interfere with the tram (priority is always with rail transport!).
• 🛑 No signs 5.15.1 or 5.15.2, prohibiting travel on the route.
• 🔄 You make a left turn or a U-turn (even if the lanes are clear).

Important: tram tracks in the opposite direction use strictly prohibited - this is equivalent to driving into the oncoming traffic (part 4 of article 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, fine 5 000₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months). The only exception is to go around an obstacle if there is no other way (but this must be recorded by cameras or an inspector).

When is travel on tram tracks prohibited?

Even if the lanes are overloaded, there are situations when driving on the rails is punishable by a fine 1 500₽ (Part 1 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code). Remember 5 prohibiting conditions:

⚠️ Attention! If tram tracks are separated from the roadway solid line marking (1.1 or 1.3), traveling on them is considered a violation regardless of the circumstances. The same rule applies if the rails are raised above the asphalt (for example, in historical city centers).

• 🚫 There are signs 5.15.1 (“Lane Directions”) or 5.15.2 (“Lane directions”) where tram tracks are not indicated as permitted for your direction.
• 🚫 Paths are for oncoming tram traffic (even if they are empty!).
• 🚫 You interfere with the tram (for example, stopping on the tracks in a traffic jam).
• 🚫 There are markings on the road 1.18 (direction arrows) prohibiting movement along the tracks.
• 🚫 You are moving along the paths longer than necessary (for example, driving several blocks instead of one turn).

The last point is especially often fined: inspectors interpret it as “using tram tracks as an additional lane.” If you need to travel more 100 meters along the rails, it is better to look for an alternative route.

Turn left and turn across the tram tracks

This is the only case when traveling on the rails is allowed always (if there are no prohibiting signs). According to paragraph 8.5 Traffic rules, when turning left or making a U-turn, the driver obliged take the extreme left position - and if the tram tracks are on the left at the same level as the roadway, then drive onto them.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Take the far left position on the roadway up to exit on the way.
2. Make sure there is no tram (priority goes to it!).
3. Turn on the turn signal and drive onto the tracks.
4. Perform the maneuver without touching the markings.

Make sure there are no signs 5.15.1/5.15.2|

Check if there is a tram within a radius of 50+ meters|

Turn on the left turn signal in advance|

Do not stop on the tracks themselves (fine 1500₽)-->

An important nuance: if the tram tracks are separated lawn or border, ride on them to turn it's impossible - this is considered driving in the oncoming lane. In such cases, the maneuver is performed from the leftmost lane up to rails

Penalties for violation: table 2026

The amount of the penalty depends on the severity of the violation. Below are the current fines taking into account the latest amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses (valid from March 1, 2026):

Violation	Fine (₽)	Additionally	Article of the Administrative Code
Traffic on tram tracks in the opposite direction	5 000	Or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months	Part 4 Art. 12.15
Using tracks as an additional lane unnecessarily (lanes are free)	1 500	—	Part 1 Art. 12.15
Obstructing a tram on the tracks	1 500	—	Part 1 Art. 12.17
Stop on tram tracks (outside the stop)	1 500	Car evacuation (Article 27.13)	Part 1 Art. 12.19
Turning/U-turning across paths when prohibited by markings or signs	1 000–1 500	—	Part 2 Art. 12.16

Please note: if your violation was recorded by a camera, the fine will be at the minimum level (usually 1 000₽). But if stopped by an inspector, the amount can be increased to 1 500₽, especially if you interfered with the tram.

— Were you busy? everything lanes in your direction?

— Are the paths separated by continuous markings or curbs?

— Are there signs 5.15.1/5.15.2 in the frame?

If at least one of these points is present, the fine can be challenged through the State Services portal or the court.-->

Exceptions: when you can drive on the tracks even without traffic jams

There is two little-known cases where traffic on tram tracks is allowed regardless of road congestion:

1. One way road (clause 9.6 of the traffic rules). If the tram tracks are located on the left on a “one-way” road, you can travel along them any time, but only in the same direction and without interfering with trams.
2. Lack of alternative for turning/turning around. For example, if the left lane is occupied by parked cars or repairs, and there are no prohibition signs.

It is important to remember: even in these cases prohibited:

• 🚫 Stop on the tracks (even to disembark passengers).
• 🚫 Follow the paths oncoming directions.
• 🚫 Use the rails to overtake (for example, if there is a traffic jam on the right).

What to do if the tram tracks are occupied by a parked car?

If there is a car on the tracks that is interfering with your turn/turn, you have the right to go around it only if:

1) There is no alternative route (for example, an exit to the adjacent territory).

2) You do not cross solid markings.

3) Do not interfere with trams.

Otherwise, it is better to wait until the obstacle is removed, or find another way.

Tram lines and public transport: who is in charge?

The issue of priority on paths regulates clause 18.1 of the traffic rules: tram always has an advantage over trackless transport if:

• 🚋 He moves along his tracks (not along the roadway!).
• 🚦 For him, the traffic light is green (or there is no traffic light at all).
• 🛑 You leave on the way with secondary road (according to signs or the “interference from the right” rule).

Exception: if the tram leaves the depot or adjacent territory, it has no advantage — the usual rule “give way to the one on the right” applies here.

⚠️ Attention! Many drivers mistakenly believe that a tram must give way if it is turning left and you are turning straight. This is not true! At the intersection, under equal conditions (green signal), the tram has priority always, regardless of the direction of movement.

Example: you are driving straight along the main road, and the tram turns left from the secondary road. Who should give in? You! Because a tram on the tracks is like the “main road” for rail transport.

Frequent driver mistakes: analysis of situations

Even experienced motorists fall into these “traps”:

1. Entering the overtaking route. For example, there is a traffic jam on the right and free rails on the left. This is a violation (Part 1 of Article 12.15), since the paths are not an overtaking lane.
2. Stopping on the tracks in a traffic jam. If there is a traffic jam and you are forced to stop on the rails, turn on emergency light and try to clear the paths as quickly as possible. Otherwise fine 1 500₽ + evacuation.
3. Turning across paths when they are separated by grass. Many people think that if the tracks are “on the same level” with the road, then they can drive out. But if there is a lawn or curb between the roadway and the rails, this is already separate lane, and travel to it is prohibited.
4. Ignoring signs 5.15.1/5.15.2. These signs are often posted at intersections. If they don’t have a “left” arrow for your lane, you can’t drive on the road!

To avoid fines, remember a simple rule: tram tracks are not your lane. Use them only for turns/U-turns or in extreme cases (traffic jam, accident). In all other situations, stay to the right of the tracks.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive along the tram tracks if they are on my right?

No, prohibited. According to traffic regulations, exit is allowed only on the way left row (in the same direction). The paths on the right are considered oncoming, and movement along them is punishable as driving into the “oncoming lane” (fine 5 000₽ or deprivation of rights).

What to do if the tram tracks are occupied by a parked car?

If the car is standing illegal (for example, at a tram stop), you can go around it along the tracks, but only if:

• There is no alternative detour (for example, along the side of the road).
• You are not crossing solid markings.
• Do not interfere with the tram.

Otherwise, it is better to wait until the obstacle is removed, or call the traffic police to record a parking violation.

Is it permissible to make a U-turn across tram tracks if there is a sign “Move in lanes” (5.15.1)?

Depends on the markings on the sign. If it has a turn arrow for your lane - allowed. If not - prohibited. For example, a sign only shows a left turn and straight ahead, but not a U-turn → the maneuver will be a violation (fine 1 000–1 500₽).

Is it possible to stop on tram tracks to pick up/drop off passengers?

No, stopping on the tracks is prohibited (Part 1 of Article 12.19 of the Administrative Code, fine 1 500₽). The only exception is if you are forced to stop in a traffic jam. In this case, enable emergency light and try to get off the tracks at the first opportunity.

What is the penalty for driving on tram tracks in the opposite direction?

This is equivalent to driving into oncoming traffic:

• Penalty: 5 000₽.
• Or deprivation of rights to 4–6 months (by court decision).

Repeated violation (within a year) - deprivation of rights to 1 year (Part 5 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code).