Tram and car on green: who gives way when driving straight?

The situation on the road when you are driving straight on green traffic light, and next to you there is a tram leaving in the same direction, causing confusion even for experienced drivers. Who should give in? Why does the tram often have priority, despite the equal signal? And how not to run into a fine for violation Traffic rules 13.6?

In this article we will analyze specific rules, exceptions and nuances that will help avoid accidents and disputes with inspectors. We will also analyze real road scenarios where drivers of cars and trams make mistakes in interpreting priority.

Arguing with a tram on the road is like trying to shout over thunder. Even if you are sure that you are right, the consequences can be dire: from fine 500 rubles before a serious accident. Therefore, it is important not just to know the rule, but to understand its logic. For example, why in some cases the tram yields, but in others it does not, although the traffic light signal is the same.

We will also touch on changes in traffic rules 2026, which indirectly affect this issue, and we will analyze typical mistakes drivers who cause accidents at intersections with tram tracks. At the end of the article there is a checklist that will help you quickly make the right decision in a stressful situation.

Traffic rules 13.6: what does the law say about tram priority?

The basic rule regulating the movement of trams and trackless vehicles (cars, motorcycles) is stated in clause 13.6 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. Its wording goes like this:

13.6. If traffic lights or traffic controller signals allow the movement of a tram and trackless vehicles at the same time, then the tram has priority regardless of the direction of its movement.

At first glance, everything is simple: a tram always has priority over a car if both are moving when the traffic light is green, even if their trajectories intersect. But there are several pitfalls here:

• 🚦 Equivalent signal: the rule applies only if both road users have received a permitting signal (green for a car and a tram). If the tram, for example, has additional signal (arrow in a traffic light), and yours is the main green one, the priority may change.
• 🔄 Direction of movement: tram has priority regardless of direction, that is, even if he turns left and you move straight, you must yield.
• 🚧 Exceptions: the rule does not work if the tram leaves the depot or moves along on a minor road (for example, at an intersection with priority signs).

Important: if the tram is moving on additional traffic light section (green arrow on a black background), and your main green light is on, priority is determined by clause 13.5 of the traffic rules - whoever occupied the intersection first passes through.

Why is the tram always more important? Rule logic

Many drivers are indignant: why does the tram have priority if the signals are equal? The answer lies in technical and organizational features tram traffic:

1. Braking distance. A tram cannot brake sharply - its braking distance is several times longer than that of a car. If the driver of the car decides to “pass” first, the tram will not physically have time to stop.
2. Passenger capacity. During rush hour, one tram carries up to 200–300 passengers. A tram delay due to a conflict with a car leads to traffic jams along the entire line.
3. Rail track. The tram cannot go around an obstacle or change its trajectory. If a car blocks the tracks, it will paralyze traffic for a long time.

In addition, tram tracks often pass along dedicated band, and their crossing by cars creates additional risks. For example, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, cameras are installed in such areas to record entry onto tram tracks.

Typical situations on the road: who is to blame?

Let's look at real scenarios where drivers of cars and trams often make mistakes. For clarity, here is a table with a breakdown of priorities:

Situation	Car signal	Signal for tram	Who gives in?	Penalty for violation
Going straight vs. tram straight ahead	Green	Green	Car	500 rub. (Article 12.13 of the Administrative Code)
Auto straight vs. tram to the left	Green	Green + left arrow	Car	500 rub.
Auto left vs. tram straight ahead	Green + left arrow	Green	Car (tram has priority)	500–1500 rub.
Tram for an additional section	Green	Black left arrow (enabled)	Depends on who occupied the intersection first	500 rub. (if you didn't give in)

Note the third case: even if you turn left at green arrow, and the tram moves straight to the main green, you must give in. This is one of the most common mistakes!

What to do if the tram is standing at an intersection and not moving?

If the tram is stopped (for example, due to a breakdown or congestion) and your traffic signal allows movement, you can proceed only if you do not interfere with other road users. However, it is better to wait until the tram begins its maneuver - its driver may not see your car due to its dimensions.

Exceptions: when the tram does NOT have priority

There are situations when the tram is not "main", even if it moves to green. There are few of them, but they are critically important:

• 🚧 Departure from the depot: if a tram leaves the adjacent territory (depot, parking), it must give way everyone road users, including cars.
• 🛑 Driving on a secondary road: if a tram approaches an intersection on a road with a sign 2.4 "Give way" or 2.5 "Driving without stopping is prohibited", he is obliged to let cars moving along the main road pass.
• 🔴 Signal disruption: if the tram started moving at red or yellow signal, but yours is green - its driver is violating traffic rules, and it is not necessary to yield (but it is better to give way in order to avoid an accident).

Example: there is a sign at an intersection 2.1 "Main Road" for cars and 2.4 "Give way" for tram tracks. In this case the tram must allow all cars to pass, even if it is green.

Fines and liability for violation

Failure to give way to a tram is classified as Article 12.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and is punishable by a fine 500 rubles. However, in some cases the amount may be higher:

• 💰 1000–1500 rubles: if failure to give way resulted in interference (for example, a tram was forced to brake sharply).
• 🚨 Deprivation of rights up to 6 months: if your maneuver caused an accident with injuries.

Important: traffic police inspectors often record such violations using camera footage. For example, in Moscow and Kazan, complexes have been installed at intersections with tram tracks "AutoHurricane", which automatically detect failure to yield.

⚠️ Attention: if you did not miss the tram, but at the same time you were moving on yellow or red signal, you can be fined under two articles at once: 12.12 (driving through a prohibiting signal) and 12.13 (failure to give way).

How to avoid mistakes: checklist for the driver

To avoid getting into an accident and getting a fine, follow this algorithm:

When approaching an intersection, check for tram tracks and priority signs

If the tram moves to green (equivalent signal) - give way to it, even if it is turning

If the tram's additional section (black arrow) is on, and yours is on the main green one, let it pass if it has already started the maneuver

Do not go on tram tracks, even if they are free - this is a fine of 1,500 rubles (Article 12.17 of the Administrative Code)

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Additional advice: if you see a tram approaching an intersection at high speed, better slow down in advance and prepare to stop. The tram cannot brake sharply, and its driver may not have time to react to your maneuver.

Frequently asked questions about tram priority

The tram moves to green, but mine is green with an additional arrow to the right. Who passes first?

If you have basic green with an additional arrow to the right, and the tram is just green, you must give way. The tram has priority regardless of the direction of travel (Section 13.6 of the Traffic Regulations).

Can I pass first if the tram is stationary and not moving?

If the tram is stopped (for example, due to a breakdown or waiting for passengers), and your signal allows movement, you can proceed, but only if you don't interfere. However, it is better to wait until the tram begins its maneuver - its driver may not see your car.

The tram leaves the depot on green. Should I skip it?

No. If a tram leaves the adjacent territory (depot, parking lot), it must give way everyone traffic participants, including cars (clause 8.3 of the traffic rules).

Do cameras record failure to give way to a tram?

Yes, in large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan) cameras are installed at intersections with tram tracks "AutoHurricane" and "Strelka-ST", which record non-yielding of the road. Fine - 500 rubles.

What to do if a tram and a car simultaneously start moving to green?

In this situation, the advantage remains with the tram (clause 13.6 of the traffic rules). You should slow down or stopto skip it. If an accident does occur, the driver of the car will be at fault.