The rule “When driving straight” in traffic rules: analysis of situations, fines and exam secrets

Phrase "while driving straight" In traffic tickets and on real roads it raises more questions than it seems. Driving school students often confuse priorities at intersections, and experienced drivers argue about who should give way - the one who is driving straight or the one who is turning. Let's look at the rule clause 13.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, typical mistakes in the exam and nuances that are not taught in driving schools.

In this article you will find not only a theoretical analysis, but also practical advice, how to act in controversial situations to avoid accidents and fines. We will analyze real intersection diagrams and analyze common pitfalls in exam papers and we will explain why even traffic police inspectors sometimes interpret this rule differently.

What does “while driving straight” mean in traffic rules?

Phrase "while driving straight" found in clause 13.4 of the Traffic Rules, which regulates the passage of uncontrolled intersections of equivalent roads. The full wording is:

Traffic rules 13.4: “When turning left or making a U-turn, the driver of a trackless vehicle is obliged to give way to vehicles moving on an equivalent road from the opposite direction straight or to the right».

Key points:

• 🔹 The rule works only at equivalent intersections (no priority signs, traffic lights or traffic controller).
• 🔹 The obligation to yield arises from the one who turns left or turns around.
• 🔹 “Right” here is any movement without changing direction, including driving through an intersection in the forward direction or turning right (since the trajectory does not intersect with oncoming traffic).

Important: rule doesn't work, if:

• 🚦 The intersection is adjustable (there is a traffic light or traffic controller).
• 🛣️ The roads are uneven (there are signs “Main Road”, “Give Way”, etc.).
• 🚗 One of the participants moves along tram tracks (different rules apply for trams).

Who should give in: analysis of situations in the diagram

Let's consider a classic situation: two cars approach an unregulated intersection of equal roads from different directions. One is traveling straight, second - turns left. Who passes first?

According to traffic rules, the answer is clear: the one who turns left yields. But in practice, drivers are often confused. Here's why:

• 🤔 Myth 1: “Straight” is always the most important. In fact, the most important thing is the one who does not change trajectory (goes straight or to the right).
• 🤔 Myth 2: If both are driving straight, you need to give way to the right. This is true, but only if the paths intersect (for example, at a T-junction).
• 🤔 Myth 3: The same rules apply at roundabouts. No - in “circles” priority goes to those who are already moving in a circle (if there are no signs).

Let's look at the diagram:

Special case - simultaneous reversal. If both drivers decide to make a U-turn at an equivalent intersection, they must pass on starboard sides (Traffic Regulations 13.4 do not regulate this point, but this is generally accepted practice).

Typical mistakes in the traffic police exam

There is a question in traffic tickets "while driving straight" found in several variations. Cadets often make mistakes due to misunderstanding of terms or inattention. Here are the most “insidious” questions:

1. Ticket 5, question 13: “You intend to drive through the intersection in the forward direction. Who do you have to give way to?"
   Error: They choose “no one”, although a car is driving on the right (interference on the right).
2. Ticket 12, question 13: “Who has the right of way when driving through an uncontrolled intersection of equal roads?”
   Error: People confuse “straight” and “to the right”, although both options are equal in priority.
3. Ticket 20, question 13: “You intend to turn left. Who do you have to give in to?"
   Error: They forget that they need to give in both to the oncoming person “straight” and to pedestrians.

Secrets on how not to make mistakes:

• 📌 Look carefully at type of intersection (equal/unequal).
• 📌 If there is a “Main Road” sign, rule 13.4 not applicable - look at the signs.
• 📌 In questions with by trams remember: the tram always has priority on roads of equal importance (traffic regulations 13.11).

1. Determine the type of intersection (equal/unequal)

2. Check if there are priority signs or traffic lights

3. If the intersection is equal, look who is turning left

4. The one who changes the trajectory (left/turn) yields

5. Don’t forget about the obstacle on the right (traffic rules 13.11)-->

Penalties for violating the “direct” rule

If you fail to give way to a driver moving "straight" or "to the right"when he had the advantage, you may be fined Article 12.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The size of the fine depends on the consequences:

• 💰 1,000 rubles — if the violation was recorded by a camera or an inspector without an accident.
• 💰 1,500 rubles - if you didn’t give in pedestrian or cyclist when driving straight.
• 🚨 Deprivation of rights for 1–2 years - if the violation led to an accident with victims (according to Part 2 Art. 12.24 Code of Administrative Offenses).

Case Study: Driver Toyota Camry was driving straight at an equivalent intersection, and the oncoming Kia Rio turned left and did not yield. There was a collision. The driver was found to be at fault Kia Rio, since he violated traffic rules 13.4. However, the insurance company exacted recourse from the culprit, since he had comprehensive insurance with franchise.

⚠️ Attention: If you are driving straight, but didn't slow down before an intersection, and as a result another driver (for example, turning left) did not have time to let you pass, the blame may be shared. The court often sides with the one who moved without changing trajectory, but this is not a guarantee.

How to avoid a fine:

• 📹 Install DVR with a trajectory recording (shows that you were driving straight).
• 🚗 At the crossroads reduce speed, even if you have an advantage.
• 📄 If you have been fined unfairly, appeal via traffic police portal within 10 days.

Nuances that are not discussed in driving schools

Even experienced drivers do not know some of the subtleties of the rule. "while driving straight". Here's what's important to remember:

1. Turn right ≠ go straight, but according to traffic rules 13.4 they equivalent in terms of priority. That is, if you are turning right and the oncoming person is turning left, he must yield to you.
2. Trams at equal intersections have priority always, even if they drive to the left (traffic rules 13.11).
3. Cyclists, moving straight along a bicycle path, are treated as vehicles (Traffic Rules 13.1). They also need to yield if they are on a main or equivalent road.
4. Reversing at an intersection is equivalent to a U-turn (Traffic Regulations 8.12). If you are backing up and someone is going straight, you obliged to give in.

One more hidden nuance: if there is a sign at the intersection "Only straight", it doesn't give you an advantage. Rule 13.4 applies regardless of markings or signs, if the roads are equal.

How to act in controversial situations?

Things are not always clear on the road. Here algorithm of actionsif you are not sure who should concede:

1. Assess the type of intersection:
   • Are there Main Road/Give Way signs?
   • Is the traffic light on?
   • Is there a traffic controller?