Overtaking on tram tracks in the opposite direction: when is it allowed and when does it threaten with deprivation of rights

Overtaking on tram tracks in the opposite direction is one of the most controversial maneuvers in traffic rules, which raises a lot of questions even among experienced drivers. On the one hand, tram tracks often seem like a clear "lane" that allows you to quickly get ahead of slow vehicles. On the other hand, violating the rules of such overtaking can result not only in a fine 5,000 rubles, but also deprivation of driving license for 4–6 months under Article 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offences. Why are legislators so strict about this maneuver, and in what cases is it still allowed?

In this article we will look at the nuances Traffic regulations 2026regarding overtaking on tram tracks, we will analyze real situations on the road (including controversial issues with recording cameras), and also give clear recommendations on how to avoid punishment. We will pay special attention incidental and counter tram tracks - they are often confused, although the rules for them are fundamentally different. If you have ever wondered whether it is possible to drive onto the rails to overtake a truck or bus, this material will help you make the right decision and not lose your license.

Tram tracks in traffic rules: passing vs oncoming - what's the difference?

Before talking about overtaking, you need to clearly understand which tram tracks are considered incidental, and which ones - counter. This determines whether the maneuver is allowed at all. According to clause 9.6 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, tram tracks are divided into:

• 🚋 Related - located in the same direction as your lane (for example, to your right if you are driving in the leftmost lane). According to them allowed traffic if they are at the same level as the roadway and are not separated by a solid line.
• 🚦 Counter — go in the opposite direction (to your left when driving in the right lane). Taking them out to overtake prohibited in 99% of cases.

The main catch lies in markings and signs. For example, if the tram tracks are separated from the roadway solid line 1.1 or double solid 1.3, traveling on them is strictly prohibited - even for passing traffic. But broken line 1.5 or its absence may permit the maneuver if other conditions are met.

Another important point - tram track level. If the rails are raised above the road (for example, on a separate track), then driving onto them is considered driving into the oncoming lane with all the ensuing consequences. This rule is often ignored, especially in cities with a developed tram network, such as Moscow, St. Petersburg or Yekaterinburg.

When is overtaking on tram tracks in the opposite direction allowed?

According to clause 9.6 of traffic rules, access to tram tracks in the opposite direction allowed only in three cases:

1. To avoid obstacles, if all lanes in your direction are occupied (for example, an accident, traffic accident or a car parked illegally). In this case, it must be observed clause 1.2 of traffic rules - there must be an obstacle irresistible (not just a traffic jam!).
2. When turning left, if another route is not possible (for example, when the markings allow turning only from tram tracks).
3. For reversal, unless prohibited by signs or markings.

Please note: overtaking as such on this list missing. This means that ahead of another vehicle on oncoming tram tracks always prohibited, unless it is related to avoiding an obstacle (point 1). At the same time, traffic police inspectors and recording cameras often interpret “detour” and “overtaking” differently, which leads to disputes in court.

There is one more exception - movement along tram tracks in the same direction, if all lanes are occupied. In this case, overtaking not in the oncoming direction allowed, but subject to a number of conditions:

• 🚗 There must be ways on the same level with the road and not separated by a continuous line.
• 🚦 There should be no signs 5.15.1 or 5.15.2prohibiting movement on tram tracks.
• 🚧 You must not interfere with the tram (even if it is traveling on the opposite track!).

Fines for overtaking on oncoming tram tracks in 2026

The punishment for violating the rules for overtaking on tram tracks depends on how the maneuver is classified: as driving into the oncoming lane or as driving along tram tracks in violation of traffic rules. Let's consider both options:

Violation	Article of the Administrative Code	Fine/Punishment	Recording by cameras
Traveling onto oncoming tram tracks for overtaking (no obstacles)	12.15 h. 4	5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months	Yes
Driving on oncoming tram tracks to avoid obstacles without creating an emergency situation	12.15 h. 3	1 000–1 500 ₽	Yes
Overtaking by incidental tram tracks with interference to the tram	12.17 p.m. 1	500 ₽	Rarely
Repeated travel to oncoming tram tracks throughout the year	12.15 h. 5	Deprivation of rights for 1 year	Yes

Particularly dangerous repeated departure to oncoming tram tracks - it automatically leads to deprivation of rights for a year. In this case, “repetition” is considered to be any violation of Part 4 Art. 12.15, recorded within 12 months after the first. Recording cameras (for example, "Strelka-ST" or "AutoHurricane") actively monitor such violations, and it is extremely difficult to challenge them in court.

An interesting nuance: in some regions (for example, in Moscow) cameras record traveling on tram tracks as a violation Part 3 Art. 12.15 (1,500 ₽), even if it was actually overtaking. This is due to the fact that automatic systems cannot always determine the purpose of the maneuver. However, the traffic police inspector on the spot will most likely classify him as part 4 - with deprivation of rights.

Typical situations on the road: what is allowed and what is not?

Let's look at real cases that drivers face and determine which maneuvers are legal and which are not.

Situation 1: Overtaking on oncoming tram tracks in a traffic jam

You are standing in a traffic jam, and on the right are free tram tracks in the opposite direction. Is it possible to overtake them?

Answer: No. Even if all the lanes in your direction are busy, this is not considered an “obstacle” according to traffic rules. Overtaking on oncoming traffic in a traffic jam is equivalent to driving into the oncoming lane and is punishable deprivation of rights.

Situation 2: Avoiding an accident along tram tracks

There is an accident in front of you, all lanes are blocked. Is it possible to drive around it on oncoming rails?

Answer: Yes, but only if:

• 🚨 Obstacle irresistibly (not just a traffic jam, but a physical barrier).
• 📹 You turned on the hazard warning lights and recorded an obstacle (for example, on video).
• 🚔 There is no alternative detour (for example, along the side of the road).

Situation 3: Turning left from tram tracks

You turn left and the markings only allow you to do so from the tram tracks. Do I need to give way to the tram?

Answer: Yes. According to clause 13.6 of traffic rules, when turning left you must give way everyone oncoming vehicles, including trams. If a tram is traveling on the opposite track, you must let it pass, even if you have already started the maneuver.

What happens if you don’t give way to a tram when turning?

Punishment by Art. 12.13 Code of Administrative Offenses — fine 1,000 ₽. If an accident occurs, the fault will be entirely on the driver of the car, since the tram has priority.

Situation 4: Traffic on passing tram tracks

All lanes are occupied, and on the right there are free passing tram tracks. Is it possible to drive on them?

Answer: Yes, but with reservations:

• 🛣️ The paths must be at the same level as the road and not separated by a solid line.
• 🚫 There should be no signs 5.15.1 or 5.15.2.
• 🚋 You must not interfere with the tram (even if it is traveling on the opposite track!).

There are no continuous markings between the road and the tracks|

No prohibition signs (5.15.1, 5.15.2)|

Tram tracks are level with the road|

You do not interfere with the tram-->

How do traffic police inspectors and cameras record violations?

Overtaking on oncoming tram tracks is one of the favorite violations for traffic police inspectors, as it gives grounds for deprivation of rights. Typically, fixation occurs as follows:

1. Visual observation: the inspector sees how you drive onto oncoming rails to overtake, and stops you after the maneuver. In this case, the chances of challenging the violation are minimal, unless you prove that you drove around the obstacle.
2. Photo/video cameras: automatic complexes ("Strelka-ST", "AutoHurricane", "Chris-P") record the departure on oncoming roads and send the fine by mail. However, cameras cannot always determine whether it was overtaking or avoiding an obstacle, which gives a chance for an appeal.
3. Witnesses: If your maneuver led to an emergency, witnesses can confirm the violation in court.

Important: cameras only record the fact of driving into oncoming roads, but not the purpose of the maneuver. Therefore, if you were driving around an accident, and the camera recorded it as overtaking, you can appeal the fine by providing evidence (video from the recorder, testimonies of passengers).

You need to be especially careful in cities with active tram traffic:

• 🏙️ Moscow: cameras record exits to tram tracks on the Boulevard Ring, Leninsky Prospect, Mira Avenue.
• 🏙️ St. Petersburg: dangerous zones - Nevsky Prospekt, Ligovsky Prospekt, Moskovsky Prospekt.
• 🏙️ Yekaterinburg: frequent traps on 8 March Street and Lenin Avenue.

How to challenge a fine for overtaking on tram tracks?

If you have received a fine or deprivation of your license for overtaking on oncoming tram tracks, but you are sure that the maneuver was forced (for example, avoiding an accident), you can challenge it. Algorithm of actions:

1. Collect evidence:
   • 📹 Video from the recorder recording an obstacle (accident, broken car, etc.).
   • 📸 Photo of the scene of the incident (if the obstacle is static).
   • 👥 Testimony of passengers or witnesses.

Write a complaint within 10 days from the date of receipt of the decision. Point out that the maneuver was forced and was not overtaking.

File a complaint:

• 📄 To the traffic police (if the fine was issued by the inspector).
• 🏛️ To court (if the camera or if the traffic police refused to satisfy the complaint).

An example of a successful appeal: a driver from Kazan challenged the deprivation of his license for overtaking on tram tracks, providing a video that showed him driving around an overturned truck. The court recognized the maneuver as forced and canceled the punishment.

💡

If the camera recorded driving onto oncoming tram tracks, but the video does not show whether it was an overtaking or detour, the chances of the fine being canceled are ~60%. The main thing is to provide alternative evidence (for example, video from a different angle).

If the violation was recorded by the inspector, the chances are lower - you will have to prove that the obstacle was truly insurmountable. In this case it will help:

• 📋 Protocol for inspecting the accident scene (if you went around the accident).
• 🚗 Testimony from other drivers confirming the traffic jam.
• 📡 Data from the navigator showing traffic jams on all lanes.

Common driver mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced drivers often make mistakes related to tram tracks. Here are the most common:

⚠️ Attention! Many people confuse passing and counter tram tracks. If the tracks are on your left (when driving in the right lane), they always oncoming, and driving them for overtaking is prohibited!

• 🚗 Error 1: Overtaking on oncoming roads in a traffic jam, believing that “everyone does it.” Consequence: deprivation of rights for 4–6 months.
• 🚦 Error 2: Ignoring signs 5.15.1 (“Traffic on tram tracks is prohibited”). Consequence: fine 1,500 ₽.
• 🚧 Error 3: Drive onto elevated tram tracks (not at the same level as the road). Consequence: qualifies as driving into the oncoming lane.
• 🚨 Error 4: Failure to give way to a tram when turning left from the tram tracks. Consequence: fine 1,000 ₽ or accident.

How to avoid these mistakes?

1. Always check markings and signs before leaving for the tram tracks.
2. If the path raised or separated by a lawn - this is opposite direction, leaving is prohibited.
3. It's better to lose 10 minutes in a traffic jam than lose your license for six months.
4. When turning left from tram tracks always let the tram pass, even if he is traveling on oncoming rails.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to overtake on tram tracks if they are separated by a broken line?

If the tram tracks passing and separated by a broken line (1.5 or 1.6), then traffic on them is allowed if all lanes are occupied. However overtaking on oncoming roads prohibited even with intermittent markings!

What should I do if the inspector accuses me of overtaking, but I was driving around an accident?

Demand that it be entered into the protocol that the maneuver was forced. Show video from the recorder or testimony of witnesses. If the inspector refuses, appeal the decision in court. In 70% of cases such cases are won.

Do cameras record exits to tram tracks? How to find out?

Yes, cameras "Strelka-ST", "AutoHurricane" and "Chris-P" Departures onto oncoming tram tracks are recorded. You can check if the camera works on your route on the website traffic police or in mobile applications like "Yandex.Navigator" or "Radar detector".

Is it possible to lose your license for overtaking on tram tracks if it was at night?

Yes. The time of day does not affect the qualification of the violation. If you drive onto oncoming tram tracks to overtake, this is punishable by deprivation of your license, regardless of the lighting.

What happens if you overtake on tram tracks in another city?

The punishment depends on the region where the violation was recorded. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, cameras work more actively, and fines come more often. In small towns, inspectors may limit themselves to a warning, but according to the law, the punishment is the same throughout Russia.