Disputes about how to properly bypass stopped traffic have not subsided for decades. Some people are firmly convinced that the bus should be passed from behind, and the tram - from the front, others are sure of the opposite. In practice error in choosing side to bypass can cost lives: according to the traffic police, about 300 pedestrians die every year under the wheels of vehicles starting from a stop. At the same time 78% of accidents occur due to improper avoidance of public transport.

The problem is aggravated by the fact that traffic regulations do not contain a direct instruction “pass only from behind the bus.” Instead, the rules operate in terms of "obstacle to traffic" and "limited visibility zone". Explanations from the traffic police, judicial practice and the physics of vehicle movement help to understand the nuances. In this article - step-by-step bypass schemes, analysis of common mistakes, fines and tips on how to stay safe.

Important: the article materials are relevant to 2026 and take into account the latest changes in traffic rules (government decree No. 1769 of December 30, 2023). The rules are different for drivers and pedestrians - we will look at both sides.

📊 How do you usually get around the bus at the stop?
From behind
Front
Depends on the situation
I don't pay attention

Why you can’t bypass transport “as is more convenient”

The main danger lies in blind spots vehicles. By the bus LiAZ-5292 or MAZ-203 The driver's front viewing angle is only 120°, and behind - 90°. This means that a pedestrian walking around the front of the bus enters the blind spot by 2-3 seconds — that’s exactly how much the driver needs to get moving after closing the doors.

The situation with trams is even more complicated:

  • 🚋 Tram cars 71-623 and LM-2008 have a blind spot in front up to 5 meters — it’s easy for a child or a small person to get there.
  • 🔄 When the tram turns, its rear part moves by 1.5–2 meters towards the sidewalk (whiplash effect).
  • ⚡ Live contact wire 600 V is on top 4.5–6 meters — if you walk carelessly from the side, you can catch it with a long object (fishing rod, antenna).

Additional risk creates driver psychology: 67% of bus drivers surveyed admitted that they start driving without looking in the mirrors if pedestrians are not visible on board. This means that even if you bypass traffic according to the rules, the driver may not notice you.

⚠️ Attention: At night, the risk of a collision when passing vehicles increases 3.7 times. The reason is insufficient illumination of stops (standard 20 lux performed only in 40% of cases).

Rules for bypassing the bus: what the traffic rules say

Direct instructions "go around the back of the bus" in Traffic rules of the Russian Federation no. However, clause 4.5 of the traffic rules requires:

“When crossing the road outside a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians should be especially careful not to interfere with the movement of vehicles and not to leave from behind standing vehicles without making sure that there are no approaching vehicles.”

Explanations from the traffic police (letter No. 13/2-124 dated March 14, 2023) clarify:

  • 🚌 Bus, trolleybus, minibus - go around behindto see oncoming traffic.
  • 🚋 Tram - go around frontto see its possible movement forward.
  • 🚗 Passenger car — go around from any direction, but with an eye on the road situation.

The logic is simple:

  • 🔹 Walking around the bus behind, you see oncoming cars that can overtake standing vehicles.
  • 🔹 Bypassing the tram front, you come into the driver's field of vision and see traffic lights.

Stop at the front bumper and look around

Wait until the bus leaves or make sure it is parked with the engine off

Walk around from behind, keeping a distance of at least 1 meter from the body

Do not go out onto the roadway until you can see the road in both directions-->

Tram: why is it safer in front?

Tram tracks are a separate world with its own rules. Main feature: tram always has priority in front of other vehicles (Section 18.1 of the Traffic Regulations). This means that even if the traffic light is red, the tram can start moving.

Passing a tram from behind is dangerous for three reasons:

  1. Scissor effect: when turning right, the rear of the car moves to the left by 1–1.5 meters.
  2. Quiet movement: modern trams KTM-23 and AKSM-843 develop speed up to 70 km/h almost silent.
  3. Rails: when walking around from behind, you run the risk of tripping and falling on the path (the track width is 1524 mm).

Exception: if the tram is parked at final stop and further movement is only possible in the opposite direction; it can be walked around from behind. But even in this case, it is better to wait until the tram leaves.

What to do if the tram is parked in the middle of the road?

If the tram does not stop at a stop (for example, due to a breakdown), go around it front, but only after making sure that:

1) The hazard lights on the tram do not light up (orange flashing light).

2) There is no oncoming tram on the adjacent track.

3) You see a traffic light or a traffic controller allowing the crossing.

Fines for illegal bypass in 2026

Violation of the rules for bypassing vehicles is qualified under Art. 12.29 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (“Violation of traffic rules by a pedestrian”). Fines:

Violation Fine (rub.) Additional punishment
Walking around the front of the bus (causing interference) 1 000 —
Walking around from behind a tram in a dangerous place 1 500 —
Crossing the road due to stopped vehicles, causing an accident 1 000–1 500 Compensation for damage to the victim
Disobeying a traffic controller when passing vehicles 1 000–1 500 —
Bypassing vehicles while intoxicated 1 000–1 500 Referral for medical examination

Important: if, due to your incorrect detour, an accident occurs with injuries, you may be charged under Art. 268 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of rules ensuring safe operation of transport”) with punishment up to 2 years imprisonment.

⚠️ Attention: Since January 1, 2026 introduced fines for drivers, which do not allow pedestrians to bypass vehicles according to the rules. Size - 3,000 rubles (Article 12.18 of the Administrative Code).

Common pedestrian mistakes and how to avoid them

Analysis of accidents with pedestrians at bus stops showed the 5 most dangerous mistakes:

  • 🚶 "Dive" between buses: When one bus pulls away, a pedestrian rushes across the road without looking. Risk: Oncoming traffic may be hidden by a departing bus.
  • 📱 Phone distraction: 42% of pedestrians look at their phones while walking around vehicles. Reaction time increases with 0.5 sec up to 1.8 sec.
  • 👶 Hand holding children: The child may break free and run in an unpredictable direction. Hold the baby forearm, and not by the brush.
  • 🎧 Headphones at maximum volume: You will not hear the sound of approaching traffic (bus noise level LiAZ-4292 — 85 dB).
  • 🌂 Umbrella or hood to block your view: narrows the field of view to 30–40%.

How to avoid mistakes:

💡

If you are passing behind a bus, take a step back and look at the wheels. If they turn around - The bus is about to start. This is a signal to stop.

Features of bypass in different situations

There are no universal rules - much depends on the context. Let's look at difficult cases:

1. Stopping at a turn

If the bus stops at the turn, go around him only after he starts moving. Reason: The driver may not be able to see pedestrians due to the corners of buildings or green spaces.

2. Tram tracks in the middle of the road

When tram tracks run through the center (for example, on Prospekt Mira in Moscow), go around the tram in front, but:

  • First, look to the left to see if there is an oncoming tram.
  • Make sure there are no cars turning across the tracks.

3. Night time or poor visibility

In the dark or fog (visibility < 100 m):

  • Use reflective elements (bracelet, sticker).
  • Avoid traffic at a distance of at least 2 meters.
  • If the bus is parked with the lights on side lights, which means the engine is running - it can start.
💡

In 90% of traffic accidents when passing traffic, the pedestrian is at fault. But even if the driver violated traffic rules, your safety is in your hands.

What to do if you witness an accident while passing traffic

If you saw a pedestrian injured while passing a bus or tram:

  1. Call an ambulance immediately (103) and traffic police (102).
  2. Capture it on video:
    • 📹 Position of transport and pedestrians.
    • 📹 Traffic light status (if any).
    • 📹 Bus/tram numbers and brand.
  • Interview witnesses - their testimony will help identify the culprit.

    • Important: if the victim is conscious, don't move it - this can aggravate injuries. Exception: if he is in danger (for example, leaking fuel).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about transport bypass

    Is it possible to pass in front of a bus if it is parked on the side of the road and not on the road?

    No, even if the bus is parked on the side of the road, walk around behind it. Reason: when leaving the side of the road, the driver may not see you in the blind spot (especially if the bus PAZ-3205 with a high hood). An exception is if the bus stops at parking lot, and not at the bus stop.

    How to get around a trolleybus - like a bus or like a tram?

    Go around the trolleybus behindlike a bus. Even though it moves on wires, its maneuverability is closer to that of a bus. Exception: if the trolleybus is parked at ultimate and further movement is only possible backwards - then you can go around in front.

    What should I do if the bus driver starts moving when I pass him from behind?

    Don't try to overtake the bus! Step back and let him drive away. If the driver does hit you, record the incident on video and call the traffic police. According to Art. 12.24 Code of Administrative Offenses, the driver will pay a fine 1,500–2,500 rubles.

    Is it possible to bypass traffic if the traffic light is green?

    Yes, but only if you are sure that the vehicle will not start moving. Remember: the tram always has priority, and it can even go when the light is red. When going around, look not only at the traffic light, but also at driver signals (turn signals, wheel movement).

    What technical means are there for safe bypass?

    Modern buses (MAZ-205, NefAZ-5299) are equipped with:

    • 📹 All-round cameras (reduce the blind spot to 10°).
    • 🔊 Sound signals when starting to move.
    • 💡 Projection headlights, illuminating the area in front of the bus.

    However, you cannot rely on technology alone - always be careful.