Term "overtaking by a train" Novice drivers often hear it during driving courses or in conversations with experienced motorists, but not everyone understands what it means in practice. This maneuver is one of the most controversial in the Rules of the Road (SDR), since it combines elements of overtaking and advancing, but is performed in conditions where classic overtaking is prohibited or difficult. What is its essence? Imagine the situation: you are driving on a two-lane road, where a solid marking line prohibits entering the oncoming lane, but a slow-moving vehicle is moving ahead - a tractor, a loaded dump truck or a road train. In such cases, some drivers use a “train”: they get ahead of the slow-moving vehicle in their lane, without driving into the oncoming traffic, but at the same time creating a chain of several cars.

At first glance, this seems safe - because you are not breaking the markup. However overtaking a train is fraught with a lot of pitfalls: from creating traffic jams to causing accidents. Moreover, since 2026, clarifications have been made to the traffic rules that directly relate to such a maneuver. In this article, we’ll look at what the law says about overtaking with a “locomotive,” how to do it correctly (if at all possible), what fines are imposed for mistakes, and why experienced drivers try to avoid this technique.

What is overtaking with a “locomotive” and how does it differ from classic overtaking?

In traffic rules there is no official term for “train overtaking” is a slang expression that has taken root among motorists. To understand its essence, you need to distinguish between two concepts:

  • 🔹 Classic overtaking - advance of one or more vehicles associated with driving into the oncoming lane (clause 1.2 of the traffic rules). For example, when you drive into oncoming traffic to overtake a truck.
  • 🔹 Overtaking by a "train" — ahead of slow-moving vehicles without entering the oncoming lane, by changing lanes within one’s own side of the road. Most often this happens when a long vehicle is driving ahead (for example, road train or agricultural machinery), and a queue of cars accumulates behind.

The key difference is in the trajectory of movement. With the "train" you do not cross a solid line, but create a chain of several cars that alternately drive out into free space (for example, the side of the road or a widened road) and return back. Hence the name: the cars move one after another, like the carriages of a steam locomotive.

However, here lies the main problem: Traffic regulations do not directly regulate such a maneuver. On the one hand, you do not violate the markings, but on the other hand, you can create an emergency situation if:

  • 🚗 You will start ahead on the rise, where visibility is limited.
  • 🚛 The slow moving vehicle will suddenly increase speed or begin a maneuver.
  • 🚔 The traffic police inspector will regard your actions as failure to provide an advantage or interference.
📊 What do you usually do if a slow-moving vehicle is driving ahead and overtaking is prohibited?
Waiting for the markings to allow overtaking
Overtaking the "train" with others
Looking for an alternative route
I slow down and follow the slow moving vehicle.

When overtaking by a “locomotive” is allowed according to traffic rules 2026

From a legal point of view, overtaking a “locomotive” is not a separate maneuver in traffic rules. It can be attributed either to ahead of the curve (clause 1.2), or to overtaking, depending on conditions. Let's look at the cases in which such a maneuver would not be a violation:

  1. The slow-moving vehicle moves at a speed of less than 30 km/h (clause 11.4 of the traffic rules). If there is traffic ahead technically can't go faster (for example, a tractor or road equipment), it can be overtaken even through a continuous road. But the “locomotive” is redundant here - one overtaking is enough.
  2. The road has widenings or “pockets”. If the traffic lane is widening (for example, to stop buses), you can get ahead of a slow-moving vehicle without driving into oncoming traffic.
  3. Overtaking occurs in a populated area on a road with two lanes in one direction (for example, if the markings 1.1 separates the streams, but there is no continuous line).

However, there is a caveat: even if the conditions seem suitable, The traffic police inspector may qualify the “locomotive” as a violation of clause 9.10 of the traffic rules (“failure to keep the distance”) or clause 11.1 (“overtaking in the wrong place”). It all depends on how exactly the maneuver is performed.

Condition Is the "train" allowed? Possible fine
Solid line, low-speed vehicle travels <30 km/h Yes (like overtaking a slow-moving vehicle) —
Solid line, low-speed vehicle travels >30 km/h No 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights (part 4 of article 12.15 of the Administrative Code)
Widening the road (side, “pocket”) Yes (as advance) —
Overtaking in a tunnel or on a bridge No 5 000 ₽
"Locomotive" with oncoming traffic No 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights
💡

If you are not sure whether overtaking is allowed in a particular situation, turn on your hazard lights and wait until the slow-moving vehicle pulls over to the side of the road (many truck drivers do this in such cases).

Step-by-step instructions: how to overtake a “locomotive” without fines

If you still decide to use this maneuver, follow the algorithm that minimizes the risks:

  1. Assess the situation:
    • 🔍 Make sure that the vehicle ahead is really a slow-moving vehicle (it should have a sign "Slow Moving Vehicle").
    • 📏 Check if there is a widening of the road or a shoulder where you can pull off.
    • 🚘 Estimate the number of cars in the “train” - if there are more than 3-4, it’s better not to take risks.
  2. Signal your intentions:
    • 💡 Turn on your left turn signal to show the driver ahead that you are about to get ahead.
    • 📢 Blink your high beams briefly if the slow-moving vehicle does not react.
  • Perform the maneuver:
    • 🚗 Start ahead only after making sure that the slow moving vehicle does not increase speed.
    • 🛑 Do not drive into the oncoming lane - use only your side of the road.

      • ☑️ Safe overtaking by the “train”

      Done: 0 / 5

      Important: if the slow-moving vehicle begins to slow down or pull over to the side of the road, don't continue overtaking - this may be a signal of an obstacle ahead (for example, a hole or an accident).

      What to do if the slow-moving vehicle does not allow passage?

      If the driver ahead ignores your signals, don't take any chances. Better slow down and wait for a safe place to overtake. In some cases, you can call the number indicated on the truck and politely ask to be allowed through (many truckers will accommodate you halfway).

      Dangerous moments: why the “train” often leads to accidents

      Despite its apparent simplicity, overtaking with a “locomotive” is part of top 5 most emergency maneuvers on the tracks. Here are the main risks:

      1. The unpredictability of a slow moving vehicle. The driver of a truck or tractor may not notice your maneuver and start changing lanes or braking. For example, if there is a hole ahead, he will pull over to the side of the road without looking in the mirrors.
      2. Limited visibility. On slopes or turns, you will not see oncoming traffic, which may appear suddenly.
      3. Chain reaction. If one of the cars in the “train” gets stuck (for example, skids on the side of the road), this will provoke a collision.
      4. Legal consequences. Even if the accident occurs through no fault of yours, the inspector may charge you wrong overtaking or creating an emergency situation.
    💡

    More than 60% of accidents when overtaking a “locomotive” occur due to the fact that drivers do not take into account the dimensions of the slow-moving vehicle (for example, the trailer of a road train may not be visible in the mirrors).

    ⚠️ Attention: If there is a slow-moving vehicle ahead - road train with long trailer, never overtake him with a “locomotive” on the descent. The trailer may wobble, and you risk finding yourself stuck between it and the side of the road.

    Fines for illegally overtaking a “locomotive” in 2026

    If the traffic police inspector considers that your maneuver violates traffic rules, you may be fined under the following articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses:

    Violation Article of the Administrative Code Fine/Punishment
    Overtaking through a continuous road (if the slow-moving vehicle was driving >30 km/h) Part 4 Art. 12.15 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months
    Overtaking in the wrong place (bridge, tunnel, pedestrian crossing) Part 3 Art. 12.15 5 000 ₽
    Failure to maintain distance when ahead Part 1 Art. 12.15 1 500 ₽
    Interfering with oncoming traffic Part 3 Art. 12.14 500 ₽

    Particularly severely punished repeated overtaking through a continuous road - in this case, deprivation of rights guaranteed for 1 year (Part 5 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code). At the same time, cameras recording violations do not always recognize the “locomotive” as overtaking, but the inspector on the road can interpret it in his own way.

    ⚠️ Attention: If, as a result of your overtaking by a “locomotive”, an accident with serious consequences occurs, you may be charged with Art. 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Violation of traffic rules resulting in death or harm to health”). In this case, the punishment is up to 7 years in prison.

    Alternatives to overtaking with a “locomotive”: what to do if there is a slow-moving vehicle ahead

    Instead of a risky maneuver, it is better to use proven methods:

    • 🕒 Wait for permission marking. The solid line will sooner or later be replaced by a broken one - there it will be possible to overtake a slow-moving vehicle without violations.
    • 🗺️ Look for a detour. Modern navigators (for example, Yandex.Navigator or Google Maps) show traffic jams and offer alternative routes.
    • 📞 Contact the driver of the slow-moving vehicle. Many trucks have a dispatcher's phone number - you can politely ask to be let through.
    • 🚔 Report to the traffic police. If a slow-moving vehicle creates a traffic jam for no reason (for example, driving 20 km/h without a sign), you can call 112 and report the violation.

      • If you still decide to overtake, use the three D rule:

      1. DSound the signal (turn signal + high beam).
      2. Dwait for the slow moving vehicle's reaction.
      3. Dkeep your distance (at least 2–3 seconds).

      Expert opinion: is it worth the risk?

      We interviewed driving school instructors and experienced truck drivers to find out their attitude towards overtaking with a “locomotive”. Here's what they say:

      “I am categorically against the “locomotive”. In 15 years of driving trucks, I have seen dozens of accidents due to this maneuver. Car drivers don’t understand that we have blind spots—we simply don’t see them when they pull onto the side of the road.”

      Alexey, truck driver with 20 years of experience

      “In driving school, we teach that any overtaking without entering oncoming traffic is an advance, not an overtaking. “Locomotive” is self-deception. If the markings prohibit overtaking, it means it is dangerous there. It's better to wait."

      Igor, category “B” driving instructor

      Traffic police statistics confirm their words: in 2023 12% of all road accidents occurred due to improper advance of low-speed vehicles, including the “locomotive”. Moreover, in 80% of cases the drivers of passenger cars were at fault.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about overtaking with a locomotive

      Is it possible to overtake a “locomotive” on the highway?

      On highways, overtaking with a “locomotive” prohibited, since the same rules apply there as on regular roads: overtaking through a continuous road is punishable by a fine of 5,000 rubles. In addition, on “motorways” (sign 5.1) the movement of low-speed vehicles is prohibited (speed <40 km/h), so they should not be there.

      What to do if the slow-moving vehicle does not let you through, but the queue grows?

      It's better not to take risks. Turn on your hazard lights, reduce your speed and wait until:

      • 🔄 Intermittent markings will appear.
      • 🚓 The traffic police patrol will arrive (they can force the slow-moving vehicle to move out).
      • 📵 The slow-moving vehicle will move to the side of the road on its own (many truck drivers do this every 10–15 km).
      Is it possible to overtake a cyclist or a horse-drawn carriage with a “train”?

      Yes, but with caution. Cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles are treated as low-speed transport, and they can be overtaken even through a continuous road if they are moving at a speed of <30 km/h. However, the “train” is unnecessary here - one careful overtaking with a distance of at least 1.5 m is enough.

      What cameras record overtaking by a “locomotive”?

      Most cameras (eg "Strelka" or "AutoHurricane") are recorded only driving into the oncoming lane. If you overtake without crossing a solid road, the camera may not react. However, the road inspector has the right to interpret the maneuver as a violation of clause 9.10 of the traffic rules (“failure to maintain distance”).

      What happens if, when overtaking a “locomotive,” you hit a slow-moving vehicle?

      In this case, they are found guilty car driver, as he was performing a maneuver. Fine - from 1,500 ₽ (for damage to property) to deprivation of rights (if there were victims). In addition, the insurance company may refuse to pay under CASCO if it considers overtaking unsafe.