How to get around the bus correctly: we analyze traffic rules, fines and safety

The situation is familiar to everyone: you get off the bus at a stop, and in front of you is a massive vehicle body, blocking your view. How to get around the busso as not to break traffic rules and put yourself in danger? This issue is controversial even among experienced drivers and pedestrians. Some are sure that you only need to go around from behind, others insist on the front, and still others don’t even think about the rules at all.

In practice wrong bus bypass causes thousands of accidents every year. According to the traffic police, in 2023, 12% of collisions with pedestrians occurred in public transport stop areas. In this case, the blame often falls on the pedestrian - due to ignorance of basic rules. In this article we will analyze current traffic regulations for 2026, nuances for different types of stops, fines for violations and safety tips.

Spoiler: There is no universal rule “always walk behind”. The approach depends on the type of stop, the presence of a sidewalk, a pedestrian crossing, and even the time of day. And in some cases it is generally prohibited to bypass the bus - but more on that later.

Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about bus bypassing

B Traffic rules of the Russian Federation there is no direct point “How to get around the bus”. However, the requirements for pedestrian behavior are specified in section 4 of the traffic rules, and the responsibilities of drivers are in section 14. Key points:

1. Pedestrian at a bus stop is considered a participant in traffic (clause 1.2 of the traffic rules). This means that all general rules apply to him, including the obligation do not interfere with transport and ensure your safety.

2. Exit from the bus regulated by clause 4.7 of the traffic rules:

⚠️ Attention: "When exiting a vehicle (except a taxi), the driver must ensure that it is safe and will not interfere with other road users."

In practice this means that The bus driver should not open the doors, if he sees approaching traffic. But the pedestrian is also obliged to be vigilant.

3. Crossing the road after getting off the bus, clause 4.3 of the traffic rules is regulated:

“Pedestrians must cross the roadway at pedestrian crossings, including underground and overground ones, and in their absence, at intersections along sidewalks or curbs.”

This key point: if there is a stop nearby pedestrian crossing (even unregulated), bypass the bus prohibited — you need to reach the zebra crossing.

4. No transition - the most controversial case. Effective here unwritten safety rules, which we will discuss in the next section.

Walking around in front or behind: sorting out myths and reality

The most common myth: "You should always go around the back of the bus". This rule is relevant for trams (Section 4.8 of the Traffic Regulations), but not for buses! For the latter, different principles apply. Let's figure out why.

When to go around from the FRONT:

• 🚌 The stop is located on the side of the road (not in your pocket), and the bus stops in parallel roadway. In this case, the view for drivers of oncoming traffic is not blocked.
• 🚦 Yes traffic light or a traffic controller - you can cross the road in front of the bus, but only on a green signal.
• 👀 You you see well road in both directions (for example, a small bus, or a stop at a turn).

When to go around from the BACK:

• 🏙️ Stop type "pocket"(the bus is standing perpendicular to the road). Passing in front is dangerous - drivers of passing vehicles cannot see you.
• 🌃 Dark time of day or poor visibility (rain, fog). There is a higher chance of being noticed from behind the bus.
• 🚗 On the road heavy traffic — It’s better to wait until the bus leaves.

When BYPASSING IS PROHIBITED:

• 🚸 If there is nearby (within a radius of 50 m) pedestrian crossing or underground passage.
• 🚨 On motorways and roads with a dividing strip (clause 4.3 of the traffic rules).
• 📛 If the sign is set 3.10 "Pedestrian traffic is prohibited".

Fines for illegally passing a bus in 2026

Violation of the rules for bypassing a bus is classified as Art. 12.29 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (“Violation of traffic rules by a pedestrian”). The size of the fine depends on the consequences:

⚠️ Attention: If as a result of your violation an accident occurred with grave consequences (moderate/severe harm to health or death), the case is sent to court. Punishment - up to 2 years imprisonment (Article 268 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

Traffic police inspectors most often record violations at stops with video surveillance or while on patrol. Be especially attentive to pedestrians school zones and on the roads with heavy traffic.

Features of bypassing the bus in different situations

There are no universal rules - each case requires analysis. Let's look at typical scenarios:

1. Stop on the side of the road (the bus is parked parallel to the road)

✅ Can be walked around from the front, if:

• 👁️ You see the road in both directions (no barriers, parked cars).
• 🚗 Speed on the road low (for example, in a courtyard or on a narrow street).
• 🌞 Good visibility (day, dry weather).

❌ It's better to go around from behind, if:

• 🌃 It’s dark or it’s raining/snowing.
• 🚛 They drive on the road trucks or buses — their drivers see pedestrians worse.
• 🏃 You are with a child or driving a bicycle (it takes more time to cross).

2. “Pocket” stop (the bus stands perpendicular to the road)

⚠️ Attention: In this case, bypass the bus it's strictly forbidden from the front! Reasons:

• 🚗 Drivers of passing transport don't see you because of the bus.
• 💥 Risk of collision when overtaking a bus other cars.
• 📏 The distance to the roadway is minimal - you go straight onto the road.

✅ Correct Actions:

1. Wait for the bus will leave from the stop.
2. If the bus stops for a long time, go around behind, but only after making sure there is no transport.
3. Use bus mirrors — approaching cars can be seen in them.

3. Stop with a pedestrian crossing

🚸 Everything is simple here: It is forbidden to bypass the bus. Need:

1. Walk to the nearest crossing (even if he is 20–30 meters away).
2. If there is no transition, but there is traffic light — go to green.
3. On controlled intersection wait for the permission signal.

Walking around the bus from the driver’s point of view: what drivers are afraid of

Many pedestrians do not think that bus driver is also at risk. Here's what professional drivers say about the most dangerous situations:

🔴 Blind spot in front of the bus:

Buses LiAZ-5292, PAZ-3204 and other models have dead zone up to 3 meters long in front of the hood. If a pedestrian walks around the front of a bus and falls, the driver won't see and can run over.

🔴 Unexpected exit from behind the bus:

According to statistics Mosgortrans, 40% of collisions at bus stops occur due to the fact that a pedestrian jumps out from behind the bus at the road without looking. Drivers of oncoming cars do not physically have time to react.

🔴 Distracted Pedestrians:

Drivers note that most pedestrians at stops looking at phones or listen to music. This increases the risk of an accident by 3 times.

🔴 Overtaking a bus at a stop:

When the bus stops, some drivers overtake himwithout reducing speed. If at this moment a pedestrian passes in front of the bus, the consequences can be tragic.

✅ Advice from drivers:

“If you see that a bus is at a stop, and a car is driving behind you at high speed - don't bypass! Better wait 10 seconds until the bus starts moving and the car passes."

How to teach your child to walk around the bus correctly

Children are the most vulnerable category of pedestrians. According to WHO, 20% of accidents involving children occur at traffic stops. How to explain to your child the rules of bypassing the busso that he remembers them?

📚 Simple rules for children:

• 🚌 "Stop and watch": before you go around the bus, you need to stop and look left-right (even if the bus left).
• 👀 "I see - that means they see": if you don’t see the driver of the oncoming car, then he doesn’t see you either!
• 🤹 "No games": At a stop you cannot run, push or play with a ball.
• 📱 "Phone in your pocket": You can’t be distracted by gadgets on the road.

🎮 Game teaching methods:

• 🖍️ Draw a stop diagram together and show where you can cross the road and where you can’t.
• 🚶 Walk to the stop and practice walk around the bus correctly (without real danger).
• 📺 Watch educational cartoons (for example, the series "Lessons from Aunt Owl"about traffic rules).

⚠️ Attention: Children up to 7 years should only cross the road hand in hand with an adult (clause 4.2 of the traffic rules). Even if a child knows the rules, his reaction may not be fast enough.

📌 Checklist for parents:

Common pedestrian mistakes: what not to do

Even experienced pedestrians sometimes break the bus bypass rules. Here TOP-5 errorsthat lead to an accident:

🚫 Mistake 1: Bypassing the front on the "pocket"

As already said, this the most dangerous maneuver. In 2023, 3 pedestrians died because of this in Moscow.

🚫 Mistake 2: Crossing the road diagonally

Many people get off the bus and go obliquely across the road. This increases the time spent on the roadway and the risk of collision.

🚫 Mistake 3: Walking around the bus in the dark without reflectors

By GOST R 51256-2018, pedestrians outside populated areas obliged have reflective elements. But even in the city they significantly increase visibility.

🚫 Mistake 4: Getting off the bus at the last moment

If you get out when the doors are already closing, the driver may not see you in the mirrors. Better to wait for the next stop.

🚫 Mistake 5: Ignoring other road users

For example, cyclists or scooters can also move out from behind the bus. You need to monitor not only the cars, but also them.

💡 Advice: If you are in doubt about how to get around the bus - don't go around at all. Wait for him to drive away and cross the road in a safe place.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions