Parking on semicircular markings: what does the traffic regulations say and what fines will they face in?

Semicircular markings on the road are one of the most controversial elements of road infrastructure, raising a lot of questions among drivers. Is this a permitted parking place, or an area where stopping is strictly forbidden? Disputes flare up especially hotly when it comes to markings at the entrances of residential buildings, shops or at intersections. In this article we will analyze exact interpretation of the 2026 traffic rules, analyze GOST R 52289-2019 and judicial practice, and also show how traffic police inspectors interpret such situations in practice.

You will find out what types of semicircular markings exist (and how they differ), in what cases parking on them is allowed, and when it can result in a fine of up to 5,000 rubles. We will pay special attention "gray areas" - for example, markings without signs or in local areas, where the rules are often ignored. We will also look at how to challenge a fine if you are sure that you are right, and what to do if your car was towed from a semicircular marking.

What do semicircular markings on the road mean?

Semicircular markings are horizontal road markings 1.17, which denotes stopping places for route vehicles (buses, trolleybuses, minibuses) and taxi stands. It is applied at the edge of the roadway and is a yellow broken line delimited by a semicircle. However, in practice, drivers often encounter semicircular markings of other colors and purposes, which causes confusion.

By GOST R 52289-2019, markup 1.17 must meet the following parameters:

• 🟡 Color: yellow (for public transport) or white (for taxis and other purposes).
• 📏 Size: line width is 10–20 cm, semicircle radius is 1–1.5 m.
• ⏸️ Purpose: indicates an area where stopping is permitted only route vehicles or taxis (if there is a corresponding sign 5.18 or 5.19).

But here lies the first trap: many semicircular markings do not have accompanying signs. For example, white semicircles are often painted at the entrances of houses without any signs. In such cases, the markup may indicate:

• 🏠 Passenger drop-off area (unofficially, in agreement with the management company).
• 🅿️ Short-term parking space (if there are no prohibiting signs).
• ⚠️ Unregulated zone, where parking rules are determined by local regulations.

When is parking on semicircular markings permitted?

According to clause 12.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, stopping and parking are permitted on right side of the road on the side of the road, and if there is none, at the edge of the roadway. However, this rule applies only if there are no prohibiting signs or markings. Thus, parking on semicircular markings is permitted in the following cases:

1. The markings are white and not accompanied by signs 3.27–3.30 (prohibition of stopping/parking). In this case, it may indicate a passenger drop-off area or an unregulated parking area.
2. You drive a taxi or minibus, and the markings are yellow and accompanied by a sign 5.18 (“Bus stop location”) or 5.19 (“Taxi rank”)
3. The markings are located in the local area (in the yard) where they act parking rules in agreement with the management company.

Important: even if the markings do not prohibit parking, you cannot stop closer than 15 meters from a public transport stop (clause 12.4 of the traffic rules). This rule is often violated when drivers park in a semi-circle next to an unmarked bus stop. 1.17.

When is parking on semicircular markings prohibited?

The prohibition on parking in semicircular markings is clearly stated in clauses 12.4 and 12.5 of the traffic rules, as well as in Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Article 12.19). The main cases when you cannot stop:

Situation	Fine (2026)	Evacuation?
Yellow markings 1.17 + sign 5.18 ("Bus Stop")	1,000–1,500 ₽ (Moscow/St. Petersburg: 3,000 ₽)	Yes
White markings + sign 3.27 (“Stopping prohibited”)	1 500–2 000 ₽	Yes
Parking closer than 15 m from the stop (no markings) 1.17)	1 000 ₽	No
Markings at a pedestrian crossing or intersection	1 000–1 500 ₽	At the inspector's discretion

A critical mistake many drivers make: ignoring the 1.17 markings if they are not accompanied by a sign. However, according to clause 1 of Appendix 2 to the traffic rules, the markings have an independent meaning and must be observed even without duplicate signs.

Parking on yellow semicircular markings near public transport stops is especially severely punished. Traffic police inspectors often record such violations using photo/video recording, and the car can be evacuated within 5 minutes (in Moscow and St. Petersburg).

⚠️ Attention: If on the markings 1.17 there is an inscription “Only for buses” or “Taxi”, but there is no sign, a fine will still be issued. Markings with text are equivalent to a sign according to the decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of 2021.

Controversial situations: when markup is misleading

In practice, drivers are faced with semicircular markings that do not comply with GOST or applied with violations. For example:

• 🔴 Marking without accompanying signs in courtyards or supermarket parking lots. Here, parking rules can be set by the owner of the territory (for example, through a sign “Parking for customers only”).
• 🟢 Green or blue markings (found in some regions to designate paid parking or areas for the disabled). Such options are not regulated by traffic rules, but may be accompanied by local regulations.
• ⚪ White markings at the intersection, which drivers confuse with a turning point. In fact, this could be a taxi or public transport stop area.

In such cases it is recommended:

1. Take photographs of the markings and surrounding signs (if any).
2. Check for signs with parking rules on the walls of buildings or poles.
3. Use apps like "Moscow Parking" or "Yandex.Maps", where restricted areas are often marked.

What to do if the markings contradict the signs?

If a sign allows parking but the markings prohibit it (or vice versa), priority has sign (Clause 1 of Appendix 2 to the Traffic Regulations). However, in controversial cases, it is better not to take risks and choose another parking place.

One of the most difficult cases is semicircular markings in the local area. Act here rules for maintaining common property of apartment buildings (Article 36 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation), and parking can be regulated by a decision of the general meeting of residents. If the marking is applied at the initiative of the Criminal Code without the consent of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, its legal force is questionable. However, this can only be proven through court.

Fines and evacuation: how to avoid punishment?

If you do receive a fine for parking on a semicircular marking, you can challenge it. To do this:

1. Check the legality of the markup:
   • Yellow markings 1.17 must be accompanied by a sign 5.18 or 5.19.
   • White markings without signs are not prohibitive (unless there are other restrictions).

Study the protocol: the inspector must indicate specific traffic rules articlewhich you violated. Protocols often contain formulaic wording such as “violation of stopping rules,” which can be challenged.

File a complaint: within 10 days from the date of receipt of the decision. Attach a photo of the markings and arguments (for example, absence of a sign or non-compliance with GOST).

If the car is towed, you will have to pay not only a fine, but also the services of a tow truck (from 3,000 to 7,000 rubles depending on the region). To return the car you need:

1. Show your license, vehicle registration certificate and passport.
2. Pay the fine (you can within 20 days with a 50% discount).
3. Pay for impound parking services (about RUB 1,000 per day).

⚠️ Attention: In Moscow and St. Petersburg there is a “zero tolerance” rule for parking on marked lines 1.17. Here the fines are higher (up to 5,000 rubles), and evacuation occurs within 5–10 minutes after a violation is recorded.

💡

If you often park in unfamiliar areas, save the local parking service numbers in your phone. For example, in Moscow it is +7 (495) 539-54-54 (MADI), and in St. Petersburg - +7 (812) 576-27-27 (GKU "Administrator of parking zones"). They can clarify the parking rules at the controversial markings.

Examples from judicial practice

Let's look at real cases where drivers challenged fines for parking on semicircular markings - and what decisions the courts made.

Situation	Court decision	Rationale
The driver parked at white semicircular markings no signs at the store. The inspector issued a fine under Art. 12.19 Code of Administrative Offenses (RUB 1,500).	The fine has been canceled	The court recognized that markings without signs are not prohibitive (decision of the magistrate of Yekaterinburg dated May 12, 2023).
The car was standing on yellow markings 1.17 at the stop, but the sign 5.18 there was no (he was shot down). Fine—3,000 ₽ (Moscow).	Fine left	The court found that the markings have independent meaning, and the absence of a sign does not relieve liability (decision of the Moscow City Court dated November 5, 2022).
The driver challenged the fine for parking on semicircular markings in the yard, claiming that it was inflicted without permission.	The fine has been canceled	The examination confirmed that the markings do not comply with GOST (line width 8 cm instead of 10 cm).

From practice it is clear that courts often side with drivers if:

• 📜 Marking does not comply with GOST (wrong color, size, missing sign).
• 📸 Yes photo/video evidencethat the sign was covered or damaged.
• 🏛️ The markings are on local area, where parking rules are not agreed with the traffic police.

However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, the courts are more loyal to inspectors, so the chances of challenging a fine are lower. It’s better not to take risks here and park strictly according to the rules.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about parking on semicircular markings

❓ Is it possible to stop at semicircular markings to drop off a passenger?

Yes, but only if the markup white and not accompanied by prohibitory signs. Stopping to pick up/drop off passengers is allowed for up to 5 minutes (clause 12.4 of the traffic rules). However, on the yellow markings 1.17 You cannot stop at public transport stops, even for a minute.

❓ What happens if you park on a semicircular marking in a paid parking lot?

If the marking is on paid parking zone (indicated by 6.4 + sign with tariffs), then the parking rules are set by the parking operator. Often such semicircles indicate areas for the disabled or electric vehicles. The fine for violation can reach 5,000 ₽ (in Moscow), plus payment for tow truck services.

❓ Is it possible to park on semicircular markings at night or on weekends?

No, if the markup yellow (for public transport). Parking rules apply around the clock. If the markings are white and there are no prohibiting signs, parking is permitted at any time. Exception - signs with plates 8.5.1–8.5.7, limiting the action in time.

❓ Who should apply semicircular markings and who is responsible for it?

Marking on public roads applied by order of local authorities (usually through contractors) and must comply GOST R 52289-2019. Responsible for marking in yards management company, but it must be agreed with the traffic police. If the marking was applied without permission, it can be challenged through the prosecutor's office.

❓ Is it possible to park on semicircular markings if they are erased or barely visible?

If the markup illegible, its legal force is questionable. However, the inspector may refer to clause 1.3 of the traffic rules (“Road users are required to know and comply with the requirements that apply to them”). In controversial cases, it is better to photograph the markings and appeal the fine.