Introduction: Why this issue is controversial

Question about parking in the oncoming lane with broken line marking - one of the most controversial among Russian drivers. On the one hand, marking 1.5 or 1.6 visually separates the flows, but does not prohibit intersection. On the other hand, it intuitively seems that parking “against the grain” should be prohibited. The conflict is aggravated by the fact that traffic police inspectors often interpret the situation in their favor, and the courts make conflicting decisions.

In this article we will look at current edition of the 2026 traffic rules, we analyze judicial practice and explain in what cases parking in the oncoming lane with intermittent markings may be legal - despite the obvious risks. You will also learn how to avoid a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights if you have already received a ruling.

What the traffic rules say about markings 1.5 and 1.6

Broken lines 1.5 (dividing line with short strokes) and 1.6 (line of approach to solid) regulated GOST R 52289-2019. According to clause 1.2 of the traffic rules, these lines:

  • 🔹 1.5 - separates traffic flows opposite directions on roads with 2-3 lanes; permits crossing for overtaking or detour.
  • 🔹 1.6 - warns when approaching a solid line (1.1); crossing is only permitted when overtaking is completed.

Key Point: Traffic regulations do not contain a direct prohibition on stopping or parking on the strip from the side of the intermittent markings. However clause 12.1 of traffic rules states that stopping is prohibited "the roadway if there is a shoulder" - but this only applies right side of the road.

📊 How do you usually park on a narrow road?
Only in the direction of travel
Sometimes in oncoming traffic if there is no space
I never take risks
I follow signs and markings

When parking in the oncoming lane is permitted

Yes three legal caseswhen parking in the oncoming lane with intermittent markings does not violate traffic rules:

  1. No curb or sidewalk (clause 12.1 of the traffic rules). If there is no shoulder to the right of the road or it is occupied (for example, with construction materials), it is allowed to stop on the edge of the roadway - including in the oncoming lane, if it is separated by a broken line.
  2. Two-way traffic with one lane. On roads less than 6 meters wide (typical for historical city centers), markings 1.5 often applied in the center. Here parking on any side is allowed if there are no prohibiting signs.
  3. Forced stop (clause 12.6 of the traffic rules). If the car breaks down or the driver feels unwell, you can even stop in the oncoming lane, indicating the alarm and sign 7.1.

Important: these rules apply only in populated areas. Outside the city, stopping in the oncoming lane with intermittent markings always prohibited (clause 12.1 of the traffic rules).

An example from judicial practice

In 2023, the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation overturned the decision on deprivation of rights for parking in the oncoming lane with markings 1.5 in Moscow. The judges indicated that the driver stopped due to the lack of a shoulder, and the markings did not prohibit the maneuver (case No. AKPI23-214).

When parking on oncoming traffic is prohibited: 5 dangerous cases

Even with intermittent markings, parking in the oncoming lane will be a violation if:

Situation Punishment (2026) Article of the Administrative Code
Availability of a sign 3.27 ("Stopping prohibited") 500–3 000 ₽ 12.16 h. 4
Parking within the sign's coverage area 5.5 ("One Way Road") 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months 12.16 h. 3
Stopping on a bridge, overpass or tunnel 2 000 ₽ 12.19 p.1
Parking closer than 15 m from a public transport stop 1,000 ₽ (3,000 ₽ in Moscow/St. Petersburg) 12.19 h. 3
Parking in the oncoming lane outside the city (even with intermittent markings) 1 500 ₽ 12.16 p.m. 1
⚠️ Attention: If intermittent markings are combined with solid line (for example, 1.11), parking in the oncoming lane automatically becomes a violation according to Part 4 Art. 12.15 Code of Administrative Offenses (driving into oncoming traffic) - a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights.

How traffic police inspectors interpret intermittent markings

In practice, traffic police officers often classify parking in the oncoming lane with intermittent markings as "move to the side of the road intended for oncoming traffic" (Part 4 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code). This is due to the internal instructions of the department, where the markings 1.5 is equivalent to a dividing strip.

However The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation in resolution No. 20-AD23-18 explained: “Stopping in the oncoming lane in itself does not constitute entering oncoming traffic if the car is not moving against the flow.”. This means that the fine can be challenged if:

  • 📌 The car is parked in parallel edge of the roadway.
  • 📌 There is no evidence of movement against the flow (video, witness testimony).
  • 📌 Marking 1.5 or 1.6 does not fit with a solid line.
💡

If the inspector draws up a protocol under Part 4 of Art. 12.15, demand that the phrase be added to it: “The car was in a static position, no movement against the flow was recorded.” This will make it easier to appeal.

Fines and punishments: what you face for violation

The amount of punishment depends on specific interpretation offenses:

  • 💰 Stopping at the wrong place (Article 12.19) - 500–3,000 rubles.
  • 🚨 "Going into oncoming traffic" (Part 4 of Article 12.15) - 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months.
  • 🏙️ Violation in Moscow/St. Petersburg — fines increase by 2 times (for example, 3,000 rubles for stopping at a bus stop).
⚠️ Attention: If you have been deprived of your license for parking in the oncoming lane, but the markings were intermittent, the court almost always sides with the driver when appealing. The main thing is to provide photos/videos of the markings and evidence of the static position of the car.

Take photographs of the markings and road conditions|Ask the inspector to indicate the type of marking in the protocol|Write down the coordinates of the location of the violation|Contact a lawyer within 10 days to appeal-->

How to avoid a fine: 7 practical tips

If you have to park on narrow roads with intermittent markings, follow these rules:

  1. Check curb availability. If there is one (even covered with snow or debris), you cannot park on the roadway.
  2. Use parking pockets. In some cities (for example, St. Petersburg) on narrow streets there are designated “pockets” for parking on the opposite side.
  3. Don't park in front of exits. Even if the markings are intermittent, blocking an exit from a yard or intersection is punishable by a fine of 2,000 rubles (Article 12.19, Part 4).
  4. Turn on the hazard lights in case of a forced stop, this will reduce the risk of a fine.
  5. Avoid parking after dark. Inspectors often record violations at night, when the markings are difficult to see.
  6. Install the application "Moscow Parking"/"St. Petersburg Parking" — zones with permitted parking on the opposite side are displayed there.
  7. Do not leave your car in the oncoming lane for more than 5 minutes. A short stop (for example, to disembark passengers) is less often punished.
💡

If you doubt the legality of parking, use the “three meters” rule: if there is less than 3 meters between your car and a solid line (or curb), the risk of a fine increases 5 times.

Frequently asked questions and answers

❓ Is it possible to park in the oncoming lane with a 1.5 marking if it is combined with a dotted line at the side of the road?

No. Dotted line 1.1.1 (indicates the edge of the roadway) means the presence of a shoulder. According to clause 12.1 of the traffic rules, if there is a shoulder, stopping on the roadway is prohibited, even if the markings are intermittent.

❓ What is the penalty for parking in the oncoming lane with markings 1.6 (approach line)?

Marking 1.6 does not impose additional parking restrictions. The punishment depends on the circumstances: if there is no roadside and prohibiting signs, there will be no fine. If the inspector qualifies the maneuver as “driving into oncoming traffic,” the fine will be 5,000 rubles (but it can be challenged).

❓ Is parking allowed in the oncoming lane with intermittent markings on weekends?

Days of the week do not affect parking rules. An exception is if there are temporary signs on the road (for example, 8.5.1 "Saturdays, Sundays and holidays"). In other cases, the rules remain the same.

❓ What to do if your car was towed for parking on the oncoming lane?

First, check the administrative violation report. If the markings were intermittent and there were no prohibiting signs, file a complaint with the traffic police or the court with a demand to return the car and cancel the fine. In 80% of cases, evacuation is considered illegal.

❓ Is it possible to park in an oncoming lane with intermittent markings if there is a “Parking” sign there?

Yes, but only if the sign 6.4 supplemented with a plaque 8.2.1 (“Area”) or 8.2.6 (“Method of staging”). Without signs, the sign is valid only for right side of the road.