Who must give way when a bus leaves a stop? Analysis of traffic rules

The situation when a bus starts moving from a designated stop is one of the most controversial on the road. On the one hand, car drivers do not want to waste time passing large vehicles, on the other hand, passenger transport has special privileges in traffic regulations. But in practice, even experienced motorists are confused: is the driver obliged to give way to a bus leaving a stop, or is this a right, not an obligation of the bus? What if the stop is not equipped with a “pocket” or signs?

In this article we will look at clause 18.3 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, which regulates this situation, we will analyze controversial issues (for example, the departure of a bus from second row or without the turn signal on), and we’ll also tell you what fines threatens the driver for failure to comply with requirements. Let us separately dwell on the nuances for minibuses, trolleybuses and express buseswho often ignore the rules. At the end - answers to frequently asked questions and analysis of real accidents with comments from car lawyers.

Spoiler: the driver is obliged to give way to the bus only if three conditions are met - read on to find out which ones.

Traffic rules 2026: what does paragraph 18.3 say about the bus leaving the stop

The main regulatory act regulating the situation is clause 18.3 of the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation. Its wording goes like this:

“In populated areas, drivers must give way to trolleybuses and buses starting from the designated stopping place. Drivers of trolleybuses and buses can start moving only after making sure that they are given way.”

Key points of this point:

• 📍 Only in populated areas — outside the city the rule does not apply.
• 🚌 Applicable to trolleybuses and buses, but not to minibus taxis (unless they belong to the “bus” category).
• 🛑 There must be a stop designated - with a sign 5.16 (“Bus stop location”) and/or markings 1.17 (yellow zigzag line).
• 🔄 Bus starts moving — the rule does not apply to changing lanes.

Important: if the stop is not equipped with signs or markings (for example, the bus stops at the sidewalk at the request of passengers), Drivers are not required to give way. This also confirms traffic police in their explanations.

Three conditions under which the driver MUST let the bus pass

For the requirement of clause 18.3 of the Traffic Regulations to come into force, three factors must coincide:

1. Locality — the rule applies only within the city/town. Outside the built-up area (sign 5.24.1 or 5.25) the bus has no priority.
2. Designated stop — Presence of the sign 5.16 (“Bus stop location”) and/or markings 1.17 (yellow zigzag). If the stop is not equipped, the rule does not work.
3. The bus turns on the turn signal - the bus driver is obliged give a left/right turn signal (depending on the direction of departure). Without a turn signal, the requirement to give way is invalid.

If at least one of the conditions is not met (for example, the bus leaves without a turn signal or the stop is not marked), the driver of a passenger car is not required to give way. This is confirmed by judicial practice - in the event of an accident, the bus driver is recognized as the culprit.

Controversial situations: when rule clause 18.3 does not work

In practice, not everything is so simple. Let's consider cases when drivers mistakenly believe that they are obliged to let a bus pass - or, on the contrary, ignore its priority.

1. The bus leaves from the second row

If the bus is not parked in a “pocket”, but takes second page (for example, due to a traffic jam or inconvenient stop location), rule clause 18.3 not applicable. Drivers are not required to let it pass, since the stop is not properly equipped.

2. Minibus taxi vs. bus

Minibuses (GAZelle Next, Ford Transit) often position themselves as “buses”, but according to traffic regulations they are not such if:

• 🚐 The PTS indicates the type of vehicle “truck” or “passenger car”.
• 📄 There is no license for passenger transportation.
• 🚫 There are no identification marks “Bus” (6.5).

In this case There is no need to give way to the minibus - it is equivalent to an ordinary passenger car.

3. The bus leaves in reverse

If the bus backs up to leave the stop, drivers are not required to let it pass. According to clause 8.12 of the traffic rules, reversing is permitted only if it does not interfere with other participants. That is, priority here goes to those who move forward.

What to do if the bus starts leaving without a turn signal?

If the bus does not turn on its turn signal, you are not required to give way. In the event of an accident, the bus driver is recognized as the culprit (post. Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation No. 20 of June 25, 2019). Record the violation on your DVR and file a complaint with the traffic police about the illegal actions of the bus driver.

Fines for failure to comply with the requirements of clause 18.3 of the traffic rules

If the driver of a passenger car does not give way to a bus when all conditions are met (populated area + designated stop + turn signal), he faces:

Violation	Fine (2026)	Article of the Administrative Code
Failure to comply with the requirement to give way to a bus	500 ₽	12.17 p.1
Failure to comply with a requirement resulting in an accident	1 000–1 500 ₽	12.17 p.2
The bus started moving without a turn signal	500 ₽ (for a bus driver)	12.14 p.1

Interesting fact: if bus driver started driving without making sure it was safe (for example, cut off a car), he will also be fined 12.14 p.1 for 500 ₽. In the event of an accident, the blame may be divided equally.

⚠️ Attention: If the bus leaves from unequipped stop (no sign or markings), and the traffic police inspector issues a fine for failure to pass - appeal the decision. The court in 90% of cases sides with the driver.

How to behave on the road: tips for drivers

To avoid conflicts and accidents, follow these recommendations:

• 🔍 Slow down early when approaching a stop, if you see a bus with a turn signal on.
• 📸 Record it on your DVR the moment the bus leaves - this will help in case of disputes.
• 🚦 If the bus leaves without turn signal, don't stop - you don't have to miss it.
• 📋 Check if the stop is equipped with a sign 5.16 - if not, rule clause 18.3 does not apply.

If you bus driver:

• 🔄 Always turn it on turn signal before starting to move.
• 👀 Make sure you are allowed through - don't rely on automatic priority.
• 🚏 Do not drive out of the second row - this is a violation of clause 8.4 of the traffic rules (“Rebuilding”).

Analysis of real road accidents: who is to blame?

Let's look at two typical emergency situations with comments from auto lawyers.

Case 1: The bus leaves without a turn signal

Situation: Bus LiAZ-5292 stood at the bus stop (sign 5.16 present). The driver of the car did not have time to react when the bus suddenly started moving and was hit in the side. The bus driver claimed that he should have been let through.

Court decision: The bus driver was found to be the culprit because he did not turn on the turn signal (clause 8.1 of traffic regulations). The car was not required to give way.

Case 2: Stopping without markings

Situation: Bus PAZ-3205 was leaving an unequipped stop (no sign or markings). The driver of the car did not give way and a collision occurred.

Solution: The blame was shared equally, since the stop did not comply with the requirements of clause 18.3 of the traffic rules. However, the driver of the car was advised to be more careful in such situations.

⚠️ Attention: If there are only markings at the stop 1.17 (yellow zigzag), but no sign 5.16, courts often interpret this as a “designated stop.” It's better to skip the bus to avoid arguments.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bus priority

❓ Do I need to give way to a bus if I am moving on the main road?

No, rule clause 18.3 does not cancel priority main road. If you are on the main bus and the bus is on the secondary bus, it should let you through, even if it is leaving the stop.

❓ Does rule clause 18.3 apply to trolleybuses?

Yes, trolleybuses are equivalent to buses. If a trolleybus starts moving from a designated stop in a populated area with the turn signal on, it must be let through.

❓ What should I do if the bus starts leaving, but I no longer have time to slow down?

In this case, the blame falls on bus driver, since he is obliged to make sure that the maneuver is safe (clause 8.1 of the traffic rules). If an accident occurs, he will be found at fault.

❓ Does the rule apply to express buses (for example, Aeroexpress)?

Yes, if they belong to the "bus" category (there is a sign 6.5 and transportation license). However, in practice, express drivers often ignore traffic regulations, so be careful.

❓ Is it possible to challenge a fine for not passing a bus if the stop is not equipped?

Yes, the chances of success are high. Attach a photo of a stop without a sign to your complaint. 5.16 or markup 1.17. The court will overturn the decision.