The situation on the road, when large public transport begins a maneuver to exit the pocket, often puts drivers at a standstill. On the one hand, the size of the bus and the number of passengers dictate the need to be polite and cautious. On the other hand, a rigid framework Traffic rules They don’t always want to give way to everyone and always. Many motorists mistakenly believe that the priority of public transport is absolute in any situation, which leads to unreasonable downtime in traffic jams or, conversely, to conflict situations and accidents.
In fact, the answer to the priority question depends on the specific traffic situation, the presence of markings and road signs. In some cases, the driver of a car duty slow down and stop by passing a passenger vehicle. In others, the bus must wait until a lane is free or a safe gap appears. Understanding these subtleties is necessary not only to avoid fines, but also to ensure the safety of all participants in the movement, as blind adherence to erroneous stereotypes can lead to an accident.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all scenarios of interaction with public transport at stops. We will analyze traffic regulations regulating traffic in residential areas, on ordinary roads and in places with artificial irregularities. Exceptions where priority changes and the consequences of ignoring the rules for drivers of both vehicles will also be considered.
Basic priority rules at stops
The fundamental principle of interaction with public transport is laid down in paragraph 18.3 of the Rules of the road. Under this section, drivers of all vehicles are required to give way to buses, trolleybuses and trams starting from the designated stopping place. However, this rule does not apply unconditionally, but only under certain conditions. The key factor here is the presence of stop-mark, which must be marked with appropriate signs or markings.
It is important to understand that the obligation to give way arises at the moment of the start of the bus movement out of pocket. If the bus has already left the lane and just continues to go, there are no general rules of priority for it - it obeys the general rules of reconstruction. The bus driver, leaving the pocket, is also obliged to make sure the safety of the maneuver, but drivers of other vehicles have a clear requirement to miss it. This is done so that public transport can comply with the traffic schedule and not be delayed at each stop for too long.
⚠️ Attention: The rule of concession of the road is valid only in populated areas. If the public transport stop is located outside the city or town, there is no formal obligation to give way to the leaving bus for drivers of passenger cars, unless otherwise established by road signs.
There is also a nuance associated with the trajectory of movement. Give way is necessary only when the bus starts moving from the stop located to the left of the driver. If the stop is on the right and you are moving in a passing direction, the rules may be interpreted differently depending on the number of lanes. In multilane traffic, drivers often ignore buses, which can formally be a violation if the bus signals a left turn and begins a rearrangement.
Road signs and markings: when to give in necessarily
Road infrastructure plays a crucial role in prioritizing. Presence of a sign 5.16 The bus and/or trolleybus stop is the main indicator of the special rules. In the area of this sign, as well as immediately before it, drivers must be especially careful. Often, special markings or priority signs are placed in front of such signs, which can change the overall picture.
Particular attention should be paid to sections of roads where a dedicated lane for public transport is organized. In this case, passenger cars are often prohibited from entering such a lane, except in cases of turning or boarding and disembarking passengers (if allowed). If the bus is rebuilt from a dedicated lane to a regular one, drivers are obliged to skip it. Ignorance of this requirement is regarded as a violation of the rules of reconstruction and failure to give an advantage to the vehicle that enjoys priority.
There are also situations where signs such as “Give way” or “No stops” are installed directly for departing buses, but this is rare. The opposite situation is much more common: signs obliging the main stream to slow down. For example, in front of school stops or crowded places, artificial irregularities ("lying policemen") can be installed, which oblige all drivers to reduce speed to 20 km / h.
Pay attention to the flashing yellow lights on the roof of the bus. Although traffic rules do not give them the status of a special signal, they warn that the vehicle is maneuvering or standing with open doors. The manifestation of driver solidarity and the passing of such a bus will reduce the risk of an accident.
Features of traffic in residential areas
Traffic in residential areas is regulated by a separate section of traffic rules (paragraph 17.1), which sets strict restrictions for all traffic participants. In such an area marked with signs 5.21 and 5.22Pedestrians have priority over vehicles and can cross the road anywhere, not just at pedestrian crossings. This also directly affects the movement of public transport.
In the residential area, drivers are obliged to give way not only to pedestrians, but also to any vehicles moving along the main road, if any. However, the specificity of residential areas is such that there may be no clear separation into the main and secondary roads. In this case, the rule of "interference on the right" applies. But there is an important nuance: buses carrying out regular passenger transportation in residential areas often have actual priority because of the dimensions and frequency of stops, although legally this is not always prescribed as an unconditional right of priority over cars moving in its lane.
Nevertheless, maneuvering large-sized vehicles in narrow passages of residential areas requires maximum concentration from drivers of passenger cars. If the bus starts to bypass parked cars or out of pocket, it is wiser and safer to skip it, even if you formally have the advantage. Dimensions LiAZ or MAZE They occupy a significant part of the carriageway, and an attempt to slip “back-to-back” can end in a side touch.
Why are there stricter rules in residential areas?
In residential areas, the speed is limited to 20 km / h, as there is a high probability of children and animals. Any maneuver of large transport creates blind spots, which in conditions of dense development and parked cars become critically dangerous.
The situation with artificial irregularities
Special attention is required when the public transport stop is equipped with artificial irregularity, known popularly as a “slow cop”. According to the new changes in traffic rules, drivers are obliged to slow down before such elements. If the bus stops in front of the “reclining policeman” or immediately behind him, he is forced to make a move from a place, often with a stop in the middle of the road, if the dimensions of the stop do not allow you to completely leave in your pocket.
In such places, public transport becomes almost absolute in terms of safety. The driver approaching artificial irregularity is obliged to slow down. If at this point the bus starts moving, an attempt to overtake or abruptly rebuild through the "recurring cop" is prohibited. Moreover, in many of these areas, a continuous line of markings is applied, prohibiting overtaking.
It should be remembered that artificial irregularities are often installed in places with heavy pedestrian traffic. A sharp braking or maneuvering near the bus, which can cause pedestrians to exit, creates an emergency situation. Therefore, in the zone of the sign 6.21.1 (artificial irregularity) and near stops it is better to take a wait-and-see position.
☑️ Safe passage of a stop with artificial irregularity
Table: Comparison of road situations
A comparative table is convenient for systematizing knowledge of priorities. It will help you quickly navigate various road scenarios and understand who should give way to whom at a particular time.
Paragraph 18.3 is valid only in built-up areas
| Situation | Action of the passenger car driver | Justification (RDA) |
|---|---|---|
| The bus pulls away from a stop in town | Must give way. | Paragraph 18.3 of the RF SDA |
| The bus is at a stop (not moving) | You can drive around with the rules. | General rules for manoeuvring |
| The bus leaves from a dedicated lane | Must give way. | Restructuring rules and priority of OTs |
| Bus outside the city (outside the village) | No obligation to give up (if there are no signs) | |
| Bus with flashing lights on (not a special signal) | Recommended to give in | Paragraph 10.1. (Road safety) |
Fines and liability for breach of rules
Failure to comply with the requirement to give way to a vehicle that enjoys an advantage in traffic entails administrative responsibility. For the case of a bus leaving a stop, part 2 of article 12.18 of the administrative code of the Russian Federation is applied. The amount of the fine is from 1000 to 1500 rubles. This is a significant amount that can be easily avoided by showing elementary care.
Financial punishment is not the only problem. If an accident occurs as a result of a violation of the road concession rule, the perpetrator of the accident will be fully responsible for the damage. Insurance company (OSAGO) will pay the victims, but then apply the right of recourse to the perpetrator, if it is proved gross traffic violation. In addition, participation in an accident takes a lot of time for paperwork, calling the traffic police and waiting for the tow truck.
It is important to note that the fixation of such violations is increasingly made by video cameras with the function of recognizing maneuvers. The cameras can record the fact of crossing a solid line when detouring a stop or the fact of not passing a vehicle. Therefore, the hope of “maybe carry” in modern traffic is becoming less and less justified.