Overtaking a bus at a bus stop is one of the most controversial maneuvers on the road, which raises questions even among experienced drivers. On the one hand, a bus standing at a stop creates an obstacle to traffic, on the other hand, overtaking it is fraught with fines, deprivation of rights and, worse, accidents with pedestrians. In 2026, the rules remain strict, but there are nuances that allow you to avoid punishment if the maneuver is performed correctly.

In this article we will analyze exact wording of traffic rules, exceptions to the rules (for example, for minibuses or stops without markings), fines and real stories from judicial practice. We will also give step-by-step instructions on how to overtake a bus. legally and without risk to passengers. If you have ever doubted whether it is possible to pass a bus in the oncoming lane or through a solid lane, here you will find clear answers with links to current regulations.

Traffic rules 2026: what the law says about overtaking a bus at a bus stop

The main document regulating this maneuver is clause 11.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. It clearly states:

⚠️ Attention: Overtaking is prohibited on signalized intersections, pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, bridges, overpasses, tunnels and at the end of a climb, on dangerous turns and other areas with limited visibility. However, stopping public transport is not directly mentioned - the ban is valid only if there is sign 3.20 "Overtaking is prohibited" or markings 1.1 (solid line).

But there is a key nuance: clause 18.3 of traffic rules obliges drivers to give way to buses and trolleybuses, departing from a designated stop. This means that even if you successfully overtook the bus, if it starts moving and an accident occurs, you will be to blame. The courts in 90% of cases side with public transport.

  • 📜 Traffic rules 11.4 — general restrictions on overtaking.
  • 🚏 Traffic rules 18.3 — priority of route vehicles when leaving a stop.
  • 📏 GOST R 52289-2019 — requirements for marking stops (yellow zigzag line).
  • 📄 Code of Administrative Offenses 12.15.4 — fines for violating overtaking rules.

Important: if the stop is not marked sign 5.16 or markings, technically they are not considered “official” and overtaking rules do not apply to them. But it will be difficult to prove this to the inspector on site - photo/video recording of the absence of markings will be required.

📊 How often do you encounter buses at stops?
Daily
Several times a week
Somewhat
Never

Despite the strict rules, there are situations when you can overtake a bus without violation. Here they are:

  1. Stop without markings or sign. If not sign 5.16 (“Bus stop location”) and yellow zigzag markings, the maneuver is not considered a violation. But be prepared for disputes with inspectors - they often interpret the rules in their favor.
  2. Driving on a multi-lane road. If the road has at least 3 lanes in one direction (for example, two lanes + dedicated for route vehicles), overtaking is allowed provided that you do not drive into the oncoming lane.
  3. The bus is parked with its hazard lights on. According to clause 7.1 of traffic rules, flashing lights mean forced stop, and not boarding passengers. In this case, overtaking is not prohibited (but be careful - passengers may step onto the roadway).
  4. Detour in the right lane. If there is free space to the right of the bus (for example, a wide shoulder or an additional lane), you can carefully go around it without driving into oncoming traffic. This is not considered overtaking in the classical sense.

Life hack: if you doubt whether overtaking is allowed, slow down and wait until the bus starts moving. This will eliminate the risk of fines and accidents. In 60% of cases, the bus leaves the stop faster than you have time to make the maneuver.

Make sure there is no sign 3.20 “Overtaking prohibited”

Check the markings (there is a solid line 1.1)

Assess visibility (are there any turns, climbs)

Give way to pedestrians (even if they are outside the zebra crossing)

Let the bus pass if it has started to leave -->

Fines for overtaking a bus at a bus stop in 2026

The penalty depends on the method of overtaking and the consequences of the maneuver. Here are the current fines for Article 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

Type of violation Fine (rub.) Deprivation of rights Note
Overtaking through solid line (markup 1.1) 5 000 4–6 months Repeated violation - imprisonment for 1 year
Overtaking by oncoming lane (without solid) 1 000–1 500 No If there is no sign 3.20 and marking 1.1
Failure to give way to a bus, leaving the bus stop 500–1 000 No According to clause 18.3 of the traffic rules
Obstructing pedestrians when overtaking 1 500–2 500 No According to clause 14.1 of the traffic rules
Overtaking in sign area 3.20 5 000 No If the sign is placed before the stop

Critical information: If, when overtaking a bus, you driving into the oncoming lane in the coverage area sign 3.20 or through solid line, the inspector has the right withdraw rights on the spot (by Part 4 Art. 12.15 Code of Administrative Offenses). In this case, you will be given a temporary permit for 2 months, and your license will be returned only after the trial.

Advice: if you are stopped for overtaking a bus, demand a protocol and recording of the violation. Often, inspectors cannot prove that the maneuver was performed in a prohibited area (for example, if the 3.20 sign was 50 meters before the stop, and you overtook the bus after it).

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If you have been deprived of your license for overtaking across a continuous road, file a complaint with the court demanding to check the legality of installing sign 3.20. In 30% of cases, the signs are placed in violation of GOST (for example, too close to the stop), and the decision is canceled.

Typical driver mistakes when overtaking a bus

Even experienced drivers make fatal mistakes that lead to fines or accidents. Here are the most common:

  • 🚗 Overtaking "blindly". Many people do not take into account that they can follow the bus pedestrians (especially children or elderly people). According to traffic police statistics, 15% of collisions with pedestrians occur when overtaking a stationary vehicle.
  • 🔄 Not taking into account the "dead zone". Buses Mercedes-Benz Citaro or Volzhanin-5270 have blind spots up to 3 meters in the rear. If you brake suddenly, the bus driver will not see you.
  • 📏 Ignoring markup. Yellow zigzag markings (according to GOST R 52289-2019) designates a stopping zone, but many drivers believe that it only applies to buses. In fact, she forbids stop and parking to all vehicles.
  • 🚦 Overtaking at an intersection.clause 11.4 of the traffic rules.
  • 👮 Disputes with the inspector. Many drivers try to prove that they “didn’t see the sign” or “the markings were erased.” Without video recording, this is useless - the court will side with the traffic police.

Case study: in 2023 in Moscow, a driver Toyota Camry overtook the bus LiAZ-5292 in the oncoming lane, without noticing a pedestrian emerging from behind the vehicle. Result - fatal hit-and-run and deprivation of rights for 3 years + criminal case Art. 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

What should you do if the bus starts leaving while you are overtaking?

If the bus turns on the turn signal or starts moving, immediately slow down and let him pass. Even if you have already started the maneuver, the courts classify such an accident as non-yielding of the road to a route vehicle (clause 18.3 of the traffic rules), and the blame will be on you. In this case, the insurance company may refuse to pay under MTPL, citing a gross violation of the rules.

How to safely overtake a bus: step-by-step instructions

If you still decide to overtake a bus, follow this algorithm to minimize risks:

  1. Assess the situation.
    • Look in your mirrors to see if there are any motorcyclists or cyclists who might overtake the bus on the right.
    • Make sure there's no one ahead pedestrian crossing or crossroads.
  2. Check the markings and signs.
    • If there is solid line 1.1 or sign 3.20 — overtaking is prohibited.
    • If the markings are intermittent (1.5), you can overtake, but only if there are no oncoming cars.
  3. Reduce your speed.
    • Overtake at speed no more than 20–30 km/hto have time to react to pedestrians.
  4. Keep your distance.
    • Keep your distance 1.5–2 meters from the bus - this will allow you to see pedestrians in the mirrors.
  • Complete the maneuver.
    • Turn on the right turn signal and smoothly return to your lane without cutting off the bus.

      • Important: if the bus stops hazard lights on, this could mean breakdown or forced stop. In this case, overtaking is allowed, but be prepared for the fact that passengers may go out onto the road (for example, to transfer to another vehicle).

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      Overtaking a bus at a stop without markings and signs is not a violation, but it always remains dangerous. If in doubt, it is better to wait 10–15 seconds than to risk a fine or the lives of pedestrians.

      What to do if you are stopped for overtaking a bus

      If a traffic police inspector signals a violation, follow this plan:

      1. Stop and turn on your hazard lights. Do not get out of the car until the inspector approaches.
      2. Take a video of the process. Write down the situation (markings, signs, position of the bus).
      3. Ask to see identification. The inspector must have service ID and badge.
      4. Do not sign the protocol right away. Read carefully what is written. If you don't agree, write: "I'm not familiar with the rules, I need clarification".
      5. Indicate in the protocol:
        • Lack of markings/signs (if this is the case).
        • The fact is that the bus doesn't start moving (if this is true).
        • Presence of obstacles (for example, parked cars behind a bus).

    If you have been deprived of your rights, you have 10 daysto appeal the decision in court. Practice shows that in 40% of cases the court reduces the punishment to a fine if the violation was committed in controversial situation (for example, the markings were invisible due to snow or mud).

    ⚠️ Attention: If an inspector offers to “resolve the issue on the spot” for a bribe— don't agree. This is a criminal offense (Article 291 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). It is better to pay the fine or appeal it legally.

    Alternatives to overtaking: how to avoid the risk

    Overtaking a bus at a bus stop almost always involves risk. Here 5 Safe Alternatives:

    • 🚦 Wait 10–20 seconds. In most cases, the bus starts moving faster than you can overtake it.
    • 🔄 Change into the right lane. If the road is multi-lane, pass the bus on the right (unless the markings prohibit this).
    • 🗺️ Change route. Use a navigator (for example, Yandex.Maps or Google Maps) to avoid a stop-and-go area.
    • 🚶 Slow down and let pedestrians pass. If you see people running up to the bus, it’s better to slow down.
    • 📱 Use information about bus movements. In some cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) there are public transport tracking services (for example, "Yandex.Transport"). They show how long the bus will remain at the stop.

    Example: in Kazan on the street Decembrists drivers often overtake buses NEFAZ-5299 through a continuous line, risking losing your rights. Local residents have learned to use parallel streets (for example, Butlerov) to avoid congestion.

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    If you regularly travel the same route, check the bus schedule. For example, during rush hour they wait at stops longer, and during the day they move faster. This will help you plan overtaking without risk.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about overtaking a bus

    Is it possible to overtake a bus if it is parked with the engine turned off?

    Yes, if the stop is not marked with a sign or markings. But be careful: passengers can go out onto the road even if the bus is “dead.” By clause 14.1 of traffic rules, you must give way to pedestrians approaching the stop.

    What happens if you overtake a bus on tram tracks?

    This qualifies as driving into the oncoming lane (if the paths are located on the left) or driving along the lane for route vehicles (if on the right). Fine - 5,000 rub. or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months (by Part 4 Art. 12.15 Code of Administrative Offenses). An exception is if the tracks are separated by a solid line and are at the same level as the roadway (then this is not considered an oncoming lane).

    Is it possible to overtake a minibus at a bus stop?

    Yes, but only if the stop is not marked sign 5.16 or markings. Route taxis (GAZelle Next, Ford Transit) are equivalent to buses only if they move on fixed route with identification marks. If a taxi is parked without disembarking passengers, overtaking is allowed.

    How to prove that markings have been erased?

    For this we need photo/video recording from several angles, where you can see:

    • No yellow zigzag markings.
    • Condition of the road surface (for example, potholes or snow hiding markings).
    • No 5.16 sign in sight.

    You can also request it from the traffic police traffic plan in this area - sometimes signs or markings are installed in violation of GOST.

    What to do if the bus starts moving while overtaking and an accident occurs?

    You will be at fault if:

    • The bus turned on the turn signal up to your overtaking.
    • You did not give way to a route vehicle (Section 18.3 of the Traffic Regulations).
    • There was a collision in stopping zone (indicated by markings or signs).

    The only chance to avoid punishment is to prove that the bus started moving suddenly (for example, without the turn signal on). For this you need DVR or witness statements.