How to properly bypass a car: traffic rules, safety and myths

Walking around a car is a seemingly elementary action that every driver and passenger performs several times a day. However, even here there are strict rules, violation of which can cost lives. According to traffic police statistics, up to 15% of collisions with pedestrians occur precisely when walking around parked cars. At the same time 60% of victims - children and elderly people who did not take into account the blind spot or suddenly stepped out from behind the car.

In 2026, clarifications were made to the traffic rules on this issue, and fines for incorrect bypass were increased to 1,500–2,500 rub. for pedestrians and 3,000 rub. for drivers who create an emergency situation. But the problem is not only sanctions: 9 out of 10 accidents when passing a car occur because the pedestrian does not see the approaching vehicle, and the driver does not expect the person to appear due to an obstacle. In this article, we’ll look at how to bypass a car according to the rules, why you can’t do it in front or behind, and what to do if you’re driving a child or going out onto the roadway at night.

Traffic rules 2026: official rules for bypassing a car

B clause 4.5 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations it is clearly stated that pedestrians must avoid stopped vehicles only on the side facing the sidewalk. This means:

• 🚗 For passenger cars - bypass from behind (if the car is parked on the right edge of the road) or front (if on the left).
• 🚌 For buses, trolleybuses and trams - bypass from the front (so the driver can see you in the mirrors).
• 🚛 For trucks and vans - bypass from behind, but with mandatory visual contact with the driver (if he is in the cab).

Important: the rule applies only for stationary vehicles. If the car starts to move (the turn signals are on, the engine is running), it is strictly forbidden to pass it - this is equivalent to jaywalking (fine 1,000 rub.).

Particular attention is paid to bypassing one way road:

• 🔄 If movement right - walk around the car front (to see oncoming traffic).
• 🔄 If movement left - go around behind (to avoid entering the traffic lane).

⚠️ Attention: In paid parking lots and courtyards, the bypass rules do not apply - here the pedestrian has priority. But this does not eliminate the need for inspection: 30% of collisions in yards occur due to children running out from behind cars.

Why you shouldn’t walk around a car in front or behind: analysis of the dangers

The main reason for the ban is blind spots. Even modern cars with 360° cameras have areas that the driver cannot see:

• 👁️ Front: zone length 1–1.5 m right in front of the hood (there is no view of cameras and sensors there).
• 👁️ Rear: area in 3–5 m behind the trunk (especially dangerous for children under 120 cm).
• 👁️ On the sides: "dead zone" within radius 2–3 m from the front wheels (the side mirrors do not go there).

Case study: in 2023 in Moscow 7 year old child was seriously injured when he stepped out from behind a parked car Kia Rio from the driver's door. Driver Toyota Camry, moving in the second lane, simply did not see him - the kid got into the blind spot of both cars.

Workaround	Danger	Fine (2026)
Front (for cars)	Getting into the blind spot of oncoming traffic	1,500 rub.
Rear (for buses)	The driver does not see the pedestrian in the mirrors	2,000 rub.
From the roadway	Risk of collision from overtaking side	2,500 rub.
Through the hood/trunk	Losing balance and falling onto the road	500 rub. (as a violation of public order)

Additional risk - open doors. According to Road Safety Research Institute, 12% injuries when walking around cars, they are associated with the fact that a passenger suddenly opens the door. Therefore, even if you pass the car correctly, keep a distance of at least 1 m from the body.

How to get around a car with a child: step-by-step instructions

Children up to 10 years are unable to adequately assess the road situation. Their height often prevents drivers from noticing them behind the car. Therefore, when walking around a car with a child, follow the algorithm:

Key rules:

• 👶 Hold your child's hand - not by clothes (he can break free). Better to use pedestrian seat belts (sold in children's stores).
• 👀 Squat together - this way you will see what the child sees (often adults do not notice approaching cars due to their height).
• 🚦 Use reflectors - even during the day. They increase visibility by 150–200 m.

The mistake most parents make: they pulling the child along, and do not go side by side. As a result, if there is a sudden stop (for example, if a cyclist comes out from behind a car), the child can break free and run forward. That's right - walk shoulder to shoulder, holding the hand so that the adult’s thumb clasps the child’s wrist.

⚠️ Attention: If a child runs ahead of you, he should be no closer than 2 m from the car. Children instinctively try to get around an obstacle along the shortest path - that is, they run out onto the roadway.

Bypassing a car in a parking lot: features and pitfalls

Parking lots are one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians. There are rules here:

• 🅿️ Priority for moving vehicles - even if the car is going in reverse, the pedestrian must let it pass.
• 🅿️ Walk around parked cars from behind, but only if there are no moving cars nearby.
• 🅿️ Don't get out between cars — drivers do not expect pedestrians in “pockets” between the rows.

The main pitfall of parking is drivers on the road. They are focused on finding free space and often do not look around. According to statistics, 40% of collisions in parking lots occurs due to the fact that the pedestrian stepped out from behind the car, and the driver at that moment began to move.

What to do:

1. Before the tour look under the car - so you will see the legs of the people sitting inside (a sign that the car can move).
2. If the car with the engine running or headlights on — don't bypass it, wait until she leaves.
3. In multi-level parking lots press yourself against the wall - this way you won’t be hit by a car coming out of the next lane.

What should you do if a car starts moving while you are passing it?

If the car starts moving, don't try to overtake him — step back to the sidewalk. If you are pinned against the next car, knock loudly on the hood and wave your arms so the driver can see you. Do not jump on the hood under any circumstances - this may cause an accident with more serious consequences.

Walking around the vehicle at night or in bad weather: additional measures

At night, the visibility of a pedestrian is reduced to 20–30 m (instead of 100–150 m during the day). Therefore, at night the bypass rules become stricter:

• 🌙 Use a flashlight - even if there are street lights. Point the light at yourself so drivers can see your position.
• 🌧️ In rain or snow walk around the car at a distance of 1.5–2 m — a wet road increases braking distance.
• 👕 Clothes should be light — black jackets make you invisible to cameras and sensors.

Night crawl feature: Drivers often don't turn on their low beams in parking lots or courtyards. In this case:

1. Before the tour knock on the car - Vibration or sound may attract the driver's attention if he is inside.
2. If the car parked at an angle, go around it diagonallyso that you can be seen from both mirrors.

In fog or when visibility less than 50 m It’s better not to go around cars at all - call a taxi or wait until the weather improves. According to GOST R 52289-2019, in such conditions, drivers have the right not to notice a pedestrian if he is not equipped with reflectors.

Myths about bypassing a car: what is really dangerous

There is a lot of “tips” circulating on the Internet, which in practice only increase the risk of an accident. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: “You need to walk around the car from the driver’s side so that he can see you.”

❌ Reality: The driver sees the pedestrian in the mirror only if he is no closer than 2 m from the car. If you walk closely, you end up in a blind spot.

Myth 2: “If a car is parked on the side of the road, you can walk around it in front”

❌ Reality: They often park on the side of the road taxi or cars with the engine running. According to traffic regulations, it is prohibited to pass them in front - fine 1,500 rub..

Myth 3: “If I pass the car quickly, nothing will happen.”

❌ Reality: Average driver reaction speed - 1.5 seconds. During this time, a car moving at a speed 60 km/h, will pass 25 m. They simply won’t have time to notice you.

Myth 4: “In the parking lot, you can pass cars as you please.”

❌ Reality: The same rules apply in paid parking lots as on the road. On free ones, the pedestrian has the right of way, but this does not eliminate the need for inspection.

Myth 5: “If I pass a car from behind, I won’t be fined.”

❌ Reality: A fine will be issued if you obstructed traffic (for example, the driver was forced to brake).

What to do if you are fined for an incorrect bypass

If the traffic police inspector issued a fine for bypassing a car, you have 10 days for appeal. Grounds for canceling the fine:

• 📋 No evidence of violation (for example, the inspector did not provide photos/videos).
• 📋 You walked around the car in the parking lotwhere pedestrians have priority.
• 📋 The car was parked illegally (for example, on the sidewalk).

How to appeal:

1. Write a complaint addressed to the head of the traffic police (a sample can be downloaded from the website traffic police.rf).
2. Attach evidence: photo of the incident scene, witness statements, records from the registrar.
3. If the fine was issued on camera, request printout of the photo — often the violation itself is not visible.

Complaint consideration period: 30 days. If the decision is not in your favor, you can go to court. B 70% of cases fines for passing a vehicle are waived due to lack of compelling evidence.

⚠️ Attention: Once you have paid a fine, you can no longer appeal it. Therefore, first file a complaint, and only then (if refused) pay.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about vehicle bypass

Is it possible to pass a car from the front if it is parked with its back to the sidewalk?

No. Even if the car is parked backwards, you need to go around it behind (from the sidewalk). The exception is if you are on one way road with traffic from the left, then bypassing from the front is permissible.

How to get around a car if it is on the tram tracks?

Tram tracks are equivalent to the roadway. You need to go around the car behind, after making sure that there is no approaching tram. Penalty for violation - 1,500 rub..

What should I do if the car starts moving while I'm passing it?

Don't try to speed up! Step back to the sidewalk or stand between cars (if safe to do so). If the driver doesn't see you, shout loudly or knock on the hood. Do not wave your hands in front of the car - the driver may take this as a signal to move.

Is it possible to walk around the car if I am carrying a stroller?

Yes, but only from behindholding a stroller from the sidewalk. If the car is large (for example, minibus), it is better to wait until she leaves, or ask the driver to help.

What reflectors are best to use for walking around a car at night?

The best option is hand and foot pads (visibility up to 200 m) or vest with reflective stripes. Avoid small icons - their visibility does not exceed 50 m.