Intersections are one of the most accident-prone sections of the road. Even experienced drivers sometimes get confused about who should pass first, especially when the situation is unusual: a flashing traffic light, broken signs or an unregulated intersection with equivalent roads. A mistake at such a moment can cost not only a fine, but also health.
In this article we will look at all possible scenarios for crossing intersections according to the current traffic rules of 2026: from simple cases with traffic lights to complex situations with trams and non-standard markings. You will learn how to determine priority when signs conflict with markings, what to do if the traffic light is flashing yellow, and why even at an equivalent intersection the “interference on the right” rule does not always apply.
For clarity, we have added maneuver diagrams, a table of priorities and analysis of real accidents that occurred due to incorrect passage of intersections. And at the end of the article - FAQ with answers to the most controversial questions, which are often asked to traffic police inspectors.
1. Main types of intersections and their characteristics
Before you figure out who passes first, you need to clearly understand what type of intersection you are dealing with. This determines which rules apply.
All intersections are divided into two large groups:
- 🔴 Adjustable — the traffic order is determined by the traffic light or traffic controller. Priority signs do not apply here.
- 🟡 Unregulated — there is no working traffic light or traffic controller. This is where priority signs or the “interference on the right” rule come into force.
Uncontrolled intersections, in turn, are:
- 🛣️ With main and secondary road (determined by signs
2.1,2.3.1–2.3.7or coating). - 🔄 Equivalent — when all roads are equal in status (no priority signs, the coverage is the same).
Important: if the traffic light flashing yellow or off, the intersection automatically becomes unregulated! This is a common cause of accidents when drivers mistakenly believe that a flashing yellow light is a “drive with caution” signal and not a signal to jump to priority signs.
2. Controlled intersection: traffic light and traffic controller
At a controlled intersection priority is determined by the traffic light or traffic controller. A simple rule applies here: if traffic light signals contradict priority signs (for example, green on a secondary road), we listen only to the traffic light.
But there are nuances:
- 🚦 Green signal — you can go, but only if the intersection is clear. If there is a traffic jam ahead, we stop before the stop line (
6.16traffic regulations). - 🟡 Yellow signal — if it is constantly on (not flashing), passage is prohibited. If it flashes, the intersection becomes uncontrolled.
- 🚸 Green arrow in additional section - allows movement only in the specified direction, but we give way to those who are going to the main green.
- 👮 Traffic controller — its signals are more important than traffic lights and signs. Remember: if the traffic controller stands sideways with his arms outstretched, this is an analogue red signal for you.
An example of a controversial situation: you are turning left on green, and the oncoming car is driving straight. Who should give in? According to traffic rules, When turning left you must give way to oncoming traffic, even if yours is green! Many people forget this rule.
What to do if the traffic light is broken and there are no signs?
If the traffic light is not working and there are no priority signs, the intersection is considered equal. The rule “interference on the right” applies - we give way to the one on the right.
3. Unregulated intersection: main and secondary roads
At uncontrolled intersections priority is determined by signs:
- 🛑
2.1"Main Road" - you have the right of way. - 🛑
2.4“Give way” - you let those on the main road pass. - 🛑
2.5“Driving without stopping is prohibited” - a mandatory stop in front of the stop line.
If there are no signs, look at the coverage: asphalt vs. primer. The paved road is always the main one by default (1.2 traffic regulations).
A typical mistake: drivers think that if they leave with Gas station or yard, then this is a secondary road. In fact, this is adjacent territory, and the rules for passing intersections do not apply there - you always give in to those who move along the road.
| Situation | Who passes first | Basis (SDA) |
|---|---|---|
| You are on the main road, turn left, the oncoming car is driving straight along the main road | Oncoming car | 13.10 - when turning left, we yield to oncoming traffic |
| You are on the main road, turn right, there is a car on the right with a secondary | you | 13.9 — the main road gives priority |
| You are on the secondary road, the tram on the main road turns left | Tram | 13.6 — the tram always has priority on the main road |
| Equivalent intersection, you turn left, a car is coming on the right | Car on the right | 13.11 - "interference from the right" rule |
If you are not sure who is on the main road (for example, the signs are covered with snow), consider yourself on the secondary road. It is better to miss than to become the culprit of an accident.
4. Equivalent intersection: “interference on the right” rule
At an equivalent intersection (no signs, same coverage) the rule applies "noise on the right" (13.11 traffic regulations). This means you give way to everyone approaching from the right, regardless of the direction of their movement.
But there are exceptions:
- 🚋 Tram - at an equivalent intersection it has an advantage over trackless transport always, even if it approaches from the left.
- 🔄 Circular motion - if there are no priority signs, then the one who already moving in circles, has the advantage (
13.11.1traffic regulations).
Example: you approach an intersection at the same time as a car on the right. She goes straight, you turn left. You must give inbecause she's on the right. But if she turns left and you turn right, you can drive at the same time without interfering with each other.
- Are there priority signs (may be hidden behind advertisements or branches)|
- Are there any tram tracks (the tram has priority)|
- Who is on the right (even if he turns left)|
- Are there any pedestrians at the crossing (we always let them through)
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5. Difficult cases: trams, roundabouts and non-standard situations
Some intersections cause confusion even for experienced drivers. Let's look at the most difficult scenarios.
5.1. Tram at the crossroads
Tram always has an advantage in the following cases:
- 🚋 On equivalent at an intersection - regardless of the direction of movement.
- 🚦 On adjustable intersection, if you and the tram have a green signal (you give way when turning left).
- 🛣️ On unequal intersection if the tram is on the main road.
Exception: if a tram leaves a depot or a secondary road, it has no advantage.
5.2. Circular motion
The rules have changed since 2017: if there is a sign in front of the roundabout 4.3 in combination with the sign 2.4 (“Give way”), then priority goes to those who are already moving in a circle. If there are no signs, the “interference from the right” rule applies.
Important: on a circle always turn on the turn signal when rebuilding. And when leaving the circle - right turn signal, even if you are driving straight (this is a requirement of the traffic rules, for violation there is a fine of 500 ₽).
5.3. Crossroads with broken traffic lights
If the traffic light flashing yellow or completely turned off, the intersection becomes unregulated. In this case:
- Looking for priority signs (
2.1,2.4etc.). - If there are no signs, look at coating (asphalt vs. soil).
- If everything is equal, we apply the rule "noise on the right".
At an intersection with a flashing yellow traffic light, the “interference on the right” rule never applies if there are priority signs! First we look at the signs, then at the coverage, and only lastly at the obstacle on the right.
6. Typical mistakes and fines for violating intersections
Even a minor mistake at an intersection can result in a fine or an accident. Here are the most common violations and their consequences:
| Violation | Fine (2026) | Additional punishment |
|---|---|---|
| Didn't let a car pass from the main road | 1 000 ₽ | — |
| Didn't let a pedestrian pass at the crossing | 1 500–2 500 ₽ | — |
| I drove through a red traffic light | 1,000 ₽ (first violation), 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights (repeated) | If repeated within a year - deprivation for 4-6 months |
| Didn't give way to a tram | 500 ₽ | — |
| Didn't turn on the turn signal in a roundabout | 500 ₽ | — |
The most dangerous mistake is driving through a yellow traffic light. Many people think that if they manage to get through, then it’s no big deal. But according to traffic police statistics, 30% of head-on collisions at intersections are caused by running a yellow light.. Cameras record this violation, and the fine is 1,000 rubles.
If you fail to stop before the yellow signal without emergency braking, you can drive through. But if the camera records that you have crossed the stop line on a red light, a fine is inevitable.
7. Analysis of real road accidents: who is to blame at the intersection?
Let's consider several real situations from the practice of the traffic police and the courts, where drivers disputed guilt in an accident at intersections.
Situation 1: Collision at an equivalent intersection
Circumstances: Driver Audi A4 drove straight, driver Toyota Corolla turned left. There was a head-on collision. Both claimed that the other failed to give way.
Solution: The driver was found to be at fault Toyotabecause he was turning left and had to give way anyone moving straight or to the right (13.12 traffic regulations).
Situation 2: Collisions with pedestrians
Circumstances: Driver Kia Rio turned right on a green signal and did not let a pedestrian pass at the crossing. The pedestrian was injured.
Solution: The driver was deprived of his license for 1.5 years 12.24 Code of Administrative Offenses (causing harm to health). Even when the signal is green We always let pedestrians through.
Situation 3: Conflict with the tram
Circumstances: Driver BMW X5 I was driving straight along the main road, the tram was turning left from a secondary road. There was a collision.
Solution: The culprit is the driver BMW. Although he was on the main road, the tram turned left had the advantage (13.6 traffic regulations).
If you get into an accident at an intersection, immediately record the position of the cars, signs and traffic lights on video. Without evidence, it is almost impossible to prove your innocence.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about crossing intersections
🚦 Who passes first if the traffic light has a green arrow to the right and a red arrow to go straight?
Green arrow in additional section allows traffic to the right, but only if you do not interfere with those driving on the main green. That is, you must give way to anyone driving straight or turning left from other directions.
🔄 On a roundabout, who is in charge if there are no signs?
If there are no signs before the roundabout 2.4 (“Give way”) or 2.5 (“Moving without stopping is prohibited”), then the intersection is considered equivalent. In this case, the rule “interference from the right” applies - we give way to those on the right. But if you are already in the circle and someone is trying to enter, you have the advantage, because you are on an equivalent road to the right of the one entering.
🚗 If I drive out of the parking lot onto the road, is this considered an intersection?
No, departure from adjacent territory (parking lots, courtyards, gas stations) is not a crossroads. The rule applies here 8.3 Traffic rules: you must give way to everyonewho moves on the road, regardless of their direction.
🛑 What to do if the traffic light is flashing yellow but there are no signs?
A flashing yellow signal means that the intersection unregulated. If there are no priority signs, we look at the surface: asphalt is more important than primer. If everything is the same, we apply the “interference from the right” rule.
🚧 Who is to blame if an accident occurs due to unreadable signs (covered with snow, mud)?
By law, the driver must assume the presence of signs, even if they are not visible. But if the sign was completely obscured (for example, by an advertising banner), the organization responsible for the road may be found guilty. In controversial cases, a record from the registrar helps, where it is clear that the sign is not readable.
If you still have questions about a specific situation, please review official text of the 2026 traffic rules or contact the traffic police for clarification. Remember: It's better to skip and give waythan becoming involved in an accident.