The movement of a vehicle through an intersection or narrowing of the road is strictly regulated by a combination of road signs 6.15.1–6.15.3 and an additional plate 8.7 “Vehicle carrying dangerous goods”, if installed. If sign 6.15.1 with an arrow pointing up is installed in front of the driver, only the vehicle whose actual weight or transported cargo meets the conditions stated on the sign under the main sign receives the right to continue driving straight. Ignoring this combination of signs and attempting to avoid a traffic jam in the oncoming lane where this is prohibited for ordinary transport is classified as driving into the oncoming lane with all the ensuing penalties.
The situation on the road is often complicated by the presence of dedicated lanes for public transport or temporary markings, which can change priorities depending on the time of day. The driver is required to instantly read information from the vertical traffic signal to understand whether a prohibition or permission applies to his vehicle category. An error in identifying your status, for example, when driving a truck with dangerous cargo or a car with a trailer, can lead to an emergency or blocking the movement of special equipment.
Basic combination of signs for forward movement
The central element of regulation that determines the trajectory for various categories of equipment is the sign 6.15.1 “Traffic direction for vehicles carrying dangerous goods”. This sign is square in shape with a blue background and white arrows indicating permitted directions. However, by itself it does not provide a complete answer to the question of who exactly is allowed to travel without an accompanying sign.
Under the main sign there is always an information plate that specifies the hazard class of the cargo or the type of vehicle. It is this duet of signs that creates the corridor along which specialized transport has priority or sole right of way. For regular passenger vehicles, the presence of an upward arrow in combination with a "Dangerous Goods" placard means that traffic in that direction is prohibited unless they are carrying relevant materials.
- 🚛 The sign indicates the route for vehicles transporting explosives or flammable substances.
- ⛔ Ordinary drivers are often prohibited from driving directly along such a trajectory in order to avoid risks.
- 👮♂️ Traffic police officers and automatic cameras monitor compliance with the route of such vehicles.
⚠️ Attention: Driving directly under the “Dangerous Goods” sign without appropriate markings on the vehicle and documents for the cargo is equivalent to violating the rules for placing a vehicle on the roadway.
Dedicated lanes and public transport
A separate category that has the unimpeded right to move straight is public transport on dedicated lanes. Sign 5.11.1 “Road with a lane for route vehicles” denotes a special lane on which ordinary cars are prohibited from driving. However, at certain hours indicated by signs or on weekends, restrictions may be lifted.
It is important to distinguish between signs for the start of a dedicated lane and signs that allow turning or straight ahead for all types of transport at certain times. If a traffic light in the form of the letter “X” or a red cross is on above the lane, driving directly along this lane is prohibited for everyone except emergency services. Trams, on the other hand, have their own set of signals and almost always have priority going straight through the intersection, unless otherwise indicated by signs.
There are also lanes reserved for cyclists and mopeds, indicated by a sign 4.5.1 "Bicycle path". Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering such areas, except when turning right in the absence of other options, and then with extreme caution. Driving directly on a bicycle path in a car is a gross violation.
Restrictions for freight transport
Trucks with a maximum authorized weight of more than 3.5 tonnes face the most restrictions when driving directly through urban intersections and residential areas. Sign 6.4 "Parking" with a sign indicating passenger cars only, or a sign 5.21 "Residential area" automatically prohibit the through traffic of heavy vehicles directly through the block.
Signs are often installed for trucks 3.4 “Truck traffic is prohibited”. If there is no sign under this sign indicating the duration or weight, the ban applies 24 hours a day for all trucks. However, if the truck is traveling to an unloading or servicing location for businesses located within the area of the sign, direct movement may be permitted, but requires documentation of the purpose of the trip.
- 📦 Trucks are prohibited from driving directly through residential areas without the need to enter infrastructure facilities.
- 🏗️ Construction equipment must follow only agreed routes indicated by temporary signs.
- 🚚 Transit freight transport is often prohibited from passing through city centers by signs 6.22.
⚠️ Attention: Avoiding the “Trucks are prohibited” sign through courtyards or residential areas may result in a fine and towing of the vehicle.
Effect of temporary signs and markings
In road work areas, priority is always given to temporary signs, which can radically change the traffic pattern. Yellow sign background 6.15.1 or a temporary restrictive sign indicates that it is valid only for the period of work. In such cases, straight movement may be permitted only for one row or only for special equipment.
Temporary markings (orange) take precedence over permanent white markings. If the orange line leads straight and the white line requires a turn, the driver must follow the orange line. Ignoring the timing of traffic patterns often leads to congestion as traffic flows in the wrong direction.
| Sign type | Priority | For whom is it relevant? | Background/Border Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary | Supreme | All vehicles | Yellow |
| Permanent | Medium | All vehicles | White/Blue |
| Traffic light | Highest (at the time of work) | All vehicles | Black body |
| Marking (orange) | Above constant | All vehicles | Orange |
Specifics of tram traffic
A tram is a unique road user that almost always has the right of way when moving straight unless its path is crossed by a red traffic light. Signs prohibiting regular vehicles from proceeding straight ahead (for example, “brick” or one-way traffic in the opposite direction) do not always apply to trams if the track design allows them to travel in the opposite direction.
However, there are intersections where the tram tracks are shifted or equipped with special pockets. In such places, the tram may lose priority, giving way to cars moving directly on the main road. Car drivers should remember that if there is a sign 5.16 “Bus and (or) trolleybus stopping place” the tram is not subject to this sign, since it stops on its own separate platform.
Nuances of tram priority
The tram is obliged to give way to pedestrians crossing the roadway at a controlled pedestrian crossing. Also, the tram does not have an advantage if it leaves the depot or the territory of the enterprise.
It is important to follow the traffic lights for trams, which may differ from those for cars. If the white flashing light is on, the tram can continue moving, while for cars the red light is already on. Trying to pass the intersection in front of an approaching tram in such a situation is deadly.
Fines for violating the requirements of signs
Violation of the requirements of signs prohibiting or permitting the movement of certain types of transport entails administrative liability. For passenger cars that ignored the “Trucks are prohibited” sign or entered the public transport lane, the fine is 1,500 rubles (in Moscow and St. Petersburg - 3,000 rubles).
A more serious penalty is imposed for driving into oncoming traffic if the direction sign for vehicles with dangerous goods actually organized one-way traffic or traffic separation. In this case, the fine can reach 5,000 rubles, and deprivation of rights for a period of 4 to 6 months is also possible. Repeated violation within a year leads to deprivation of rights for 1 year.
- 💰 The fine for ignoring the “Dangerous Goods” sign for ordinary cars is up to 1,500 rubles.
- 🚫 Driving into the oncoming lane under a sign - a fine of 5,000 rubles. or deprivation of rights.
- 📹 Violations are recorded by both inspectors and photo and video cameras.
⚠️ Attention: If there are several signs that contradict each other, the driver must be guided by the temporary signs and signals of the traffic controller.
☑️ Check before driving straight
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible for a passenger car to drive directly under a “Dangerous Goods” sign?
No, if sign 8.7 “Vehicle with dangerous goods” is installed under sign 6.15.1, traffic is directly intended only for such vehicles. Passenger cars should look for a detour route indicated by other signs.
Is there a ban on truck traffic on weekends?
The ban is valid around the clock, unless under sign 3.4 there is a sign 8.5.1–8.5.7 indicating the days of the week. If the sign is crossed out, it means that the ban is not in effect on those days and traffic is directly permitted.
Who has priority: the tram or the car moving straight ahead?
By default, a tram has priority over trackless vehicles if they are moving in the same or opposite direction, except when the tram leaves the depot or moves under a prohibiting signal.
What to do if the signs contradict the markings?
Temporary signs (on a yellow background) have priority, followed by traffic controller and traffic light signals. If signs are permanent, they take precedence over markings. If the temporary markings (orange) contradict the permanent markings (white), you should drive along the orange one.
Tip: Always slow down and read signs carefully before entering an unfamiliar industrial area or port, as truck traffic patterns often change there.
Main conclusion: The right of movement is directly determined not only by the arrow, but also by the category of the vehicle indicated on additional plates. Ignoring these nuances leads to serious fines.