How to properly bypass buses and trams: analysis of traffic rules with examples and fines

Bypassing public transport is a seemingly elementary action, but even experienced pedestrians often make mistakes, risking their lives and wallets. According to traffic police statistics, up to 15% of accidents with pedestrians occurs precisely because of the incorrect bypass of buses and trams. At the same time Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO) provides for fines not only for drivers, but also for pedestrians who violate the rules. Why is there so much confusion?

The fact is that the bypass rules for buses and trams radically different - and this is not a whim of legislators, but a security issue. Tram tracks often run along the center of the road, and the bus may stop at the sidewalk or on the roadway. In the article we will analyze the only case when a pedestrian has the right to pass traffic in front, we’ll talk about drivers’ “blind spots” and explain why even at a pedestrian crossing you can get a fine for going around incorrectly.

Rules for walking around the bus: why only at the back?

According to clause 4.5 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, pedestrians are required to walk around a bus, trolleybus or minibus only from behind. This rule applies regardless of where the stop is located - on the sidewalk, roadside or roadway. Why so strict?

The reason lies in "blind spot" bus. For most models (for example, LiAZ-5292 or MAZ-203) Front visibility is limited by the high hood and mirrors. If a pedestrian gets out from behind the bus in front, the driver simply will not see him - especially in the dark or in bad weather. Statistics confirm: 80% of collisions with pedestrians when passing a bus occur from the front.

• 🚌 Bus on the sidewalk: walk around from behind, even if it seems that the road is empty. Drivers often do not expect pedestrians from this side.
• 🚦 Bus on the roadway: First make sure there is no oncoming traffic. Walk around from behind, staying as close to the side as possible.
• 👀 Eye contact: If you see the bus driver looking at you, don’t rush. Wait for it to move or give a signal.

⚠️ Attention: If the bus stops at pedestrian crossing, you can’t go around it either in front or behind! You need to wait until he drives away, or cross the road in another place. Otherwise the fine is 1000 rubles (Article 12.29 of the Administrative Code).

Tram: why are the rules different here?

With the tram the situation is reversed: you can only go around it from the front (clause 4.5 of the traffic rules). The logic here is simple: tram tracks usually run along the center of the road, and if a pedestrian goes around the car from behind, he will end up in the oncoming lane. This is deadly, especially on busy streets such as Mira Avenue in Moscow or Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg.

In addition, trams have two-way door system — passengers exit both on the right and on the left. If you walk around the back of the car, you may collide with people getting out or get hit by the wheels of an oncoming tram. The only exceptions are final stops, where the tram turns around. There you can walk around the car from any side, but only after it has completely stopped.

Transport	The right side of the bypass	Fine for violation (2026)	Typical danger
Bus	From behind	1000 rub.	Front collision (blind spot)
Tram	Front	1000 rub.	Getting into the oncoming lane
Trolleybus	From behind	1000 rub.	Same as the bus
Minibus taxi	From behind	1000 rub.	Drivers often don't expect pedestrians

⚠️ Attention: If the tram stops at the crossroads, you can’t go around it either in front or behind! You need to wait for the green traffic light and cross the road according to the rules. Violation is punishable by a fine 1000 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.29 of the Administrative Code).

Exceptions: When can you pass the bus in front?

Yes the only casewhen traffic regulations allow you to pass the bus from the front - if it has stopped at a designated stop with a traffic island (clause 4.5). A traffic island is a raised area between traffic lanes, marked with markings. 1.1 (solid line) or sign 5.16.1.

In this case, the pedestrian must:

1. Go to the front of the bus.
2. Make sure the driver sees him (it’s better to make eye contact).
3. Go around the front of the bus, keeping to the right, and get out onto the island.
4. Wait until the bus leaves and only then cross the rest of the road.

What happens if you go around the front of a bus without an island?

If a pedestrian passes in front of a bus at a regular stop (without an island), he risks running into a fine of 1,000 rubles. But the main danger is that drivers of oncoming cars will not see him behind the bus. According to statistics, in 2023, 127 such accidents were recorded in Russia, of which 18 were fatal.

Important: even at a stop with an island it's impossible:

• 🚶 Stepping out from behind the bus without making sure it’s safe.
• 📱 Get distracted by your phone or headphones.
• 👶 Lead the child by the hand from the side of the roadway (keep him closer to you).

Fines for incorrect bypass: who pays and how much?

Violation of the rules for bypassing vehicles is classified according to Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. In 2026, fines remained the same, but control became stricter, especially in large cities where photo recording cameras are installed. Here are the current amounts:

• 💰 Pedestrian: 1000 rubles (Part 1, Article 12.29).
• 🚗 Driver: if you did not miss a pedestrian avoiding vehicles according to the rules - 1500–2500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.18).
• 🚨 Repeated violation: For pedestrians, the fine does not increase, but the inspector can hold an explanatory conversation.

Interesting fact: in Moscow and St. Petersburg A pilot project has been in effect since 2023 - pedestrians who violate traffic rules can be fined by cameras. So far this applies only to crossings at red lights, but experts predict the practice will expand to bypass traffic.

⚠️ Attention: If a collision occurs due to an incorrect detour, the pedestrian may be recognized the culprit of the accident. This means that the insurance company will refuse to pay, and the culprit will be obliged to compensate the driver for damages (Article 1064 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation).

What to do if there is no sidewalk or curb?

The situation becomes more complicated when the stop is located on a roadway without a sidewalk (for example, on country roads or in small towns). Additional rules apply here:

1. If the bus stops on the right side of the road, go around him from behind, but off the road (along the side or edge of the road).
2. If the bus stops on the left side (for one-way traffic), go around it from the front, making sure that there is no oncoming traffic.
3. When driving along motorways (sign 5.1) bypass traffic prohibited — you need to wait for the bus to leave.

Particular care should be taken on roads with dividing strip. For example, on Leningradsky Prospekt in Moscow or Moskovsky Avenue in St. Petersburg Pedestrians often mistakenly believe that they can cross the road between traffic. This is deadly: the speed of transport on such highways reaches 80–100 km/h, and the driver will not physically have time to brake.

Avoiding transport with children: what you need to know?

If you are traveling with a child, the rules for avoiding transport become more stringent. According to clause 4.8 of the traffic rules, an adult must hold a child under 7 years old by the hand when crossing the road. When walking around a bus or tram, this rule also applies at stops.

What to do:

• 👧 Keep your child on the side opposite the roadway. If you go around the back of the bus, the child should be on your left.
• 🎒 Remove the child's backpack - it can get caught on the protrusions of the bus.
• 📵 Stop your child from running forward — children often jump out from behind vehicles without looking around.

Important: if the child is over 7 years old, but has limited capabilities (for example, cerebral palsy or visual impairment), an adult is also required to accompany him. Otherwise the penalty will be 1000 rubles, and in case of an accident, the blame will be entirely on the accompanying person.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced pedestrians make mistakes when avoiding traffic. Here are the most common:

1. Walking around the tram from behind. Many people, out of habit, bypass all types of transport from behind, but for a tram this is deadly.
2. Exit from behind the bus to a pedestrian crossing. If the bus blocks the view, drivers will not see the pedestrian. You need to either wait for the transport to leave, or cross the road in another place.
3. Walking around from the front in the dark. Without reflective elements, the driver may not notice the pedestrian.
4. Ignoring the safety island. Many people do not know that at such stops you can walk around the front of the bus.

How to avoid mistakes:

• 📖 Learn a simple rule: "The bus is behind, the tram is in front."
• 👀 Look at the driver: if he doesn't look in your direction, he doesn't see you.
• 🚸 Do not rely on other pedestrians: If a group of people bypass traffic incorrectly, this does not make the action safe.

⚠️ Attention: If you see the bus driver turned on the turn signal, do not bypass traffic under any circumstances! This means that he is about to start moving. It's better to wait 10 seconds than to risk your health.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to pass in front of a bus if it is stopped at a traffic light?

No, you can't. A traffic light does not cancel the rule of passing the bus from behind. The only exception is stops with a traffic island. At a traffic light, you need to wait for the green signal and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.

What to do if the bus is parked in the middle of the road and there is no sidewalk?

In this case, go around the back of the bus, but off the road (along the side or edge of the road). If there is no shoulder, wait until the bus leaves before crossing the road, making sure it is safe.

Is it possible to pass behind a tram if it is at the final stop?

At the final stop, the tram can be bypassed from any side, but only after it has come to a complete stop. However, it is better to stick to the “in front” rule so as not to get hit by an oncoming tram.

What is the fine for passing the front of a bus?

Pedestrian fine - 1000 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.29 of the Administrative Code). If this causes a collision, the fault may be entirely on the pedestrian, and the insurance company will not pay compensation.

Do I have to wait for the bus to leave the stop, or can I go around right away?

If the stop is not equipped with a traffic island, it is better to wait until the bus leaves. This is safer, since drivers of oncoming cars may not see the pedestrian behind the bus.