What traffic faults do not prohibit driving a car: complete list

You get behind the wheel and the check light lights up on the dashboard, or you notice that one headlight is dimmer than the other. A question immediately arises in my head: is it possible to go further, or risk getting a fine from an inspector? B Road Rules 2026 it is clearly stated under which malfunctions the operation of the vehicle (vehicle) is prohibited, and which are not grounds for stopping traffic. But the wording is often interpreted in two ways - and this becomes the cause of disputes with the traffic police.

In this article we will analyze all malfunctions for which traffic regulations do not prohibit participation in road traffic, taking into account recent changes in legislation. We will analyze List of faults (Appendix to the traffic rules), judicial practice and clarifications of the Supreme Court, so that you know exactly when you can continue your journey and when it is better to call a tow truck. We will pay special attention to “gray areas” - situations where inspectors often abuse their powers by issuing illegal orders.

Official list: what is allowed and what is not

The main document regulating this issue is Appendix to the traffic regulations “List of faults and conditions under which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited” (approved by Government Resolution No. 1090). It is important to understand: if a malfunction not included in this list, then it will automatically is not a basis for a traffic ban. However, there are nuances here:

• 🔧 Technical problemsthat do not affect safety (for example, heated seats not working).
• ⚡ Electrics, not related to lighting or signaling (except for brake lights and turn signals).
• 🎨 Body damagethat do not restrict visibility and do not create a danger for other road users.
• 📱 Multimedia systems, if their failure does not interfere with control (for example, a broken radio screen).

But there is also exceptions to the rules. For example, if it doesn't work speedometer, then according to the letter of the law, operation is permitted, but in the event of an accident this can be regarded as deliberate concealment of the speed limit - and the blame will fall on the driver. Same with faulty tachometer: There is no direct prohibition, but if the engine overheats, you may be accused of violating it clause 2.3.1 of traffic rules (“the driver is obliged to check the technical condition of the vehicle before leaving”).

Lighting faults: when you can drive without a fine

The most “popular” category of violations are problems with headlights, parking lights and brake lights. Traffic police inspectors often stop for dim headlights or unlit light bulb in PTF, although not all of these cases are a violation. Let's look at it in detail:

• 💡 One burnt-out lamp in a two-headlight system (for example, the left headlight does not light up, but the right one works). Allowedif it's not fog lights (both of them should work or neither of them should work).
• 🔦 The headlights do not comply with GOST standards in color or brightness. If the lamps not blue or red, but just a little yellower/whiter than standard - this is not a violation. But if the inspector measures color temperature and it goes beyond 4300–6000K, a fine is possible.
• 🚦 Daytime running lights (DRL) do not work. If they burn instead low beam or fog lights - this is not a violation (clause 19.5 of the traffic rules).
• 🔴 Dim brake light. If the lamp is lit, but weakly, it is not prohibited. But if she completely doesn't work - fine 500 ₽ (part 1 of article 12.5 of the Administrative Code).

Special attention - xenon and LED headlights. If they are installed abnormal (without a mark in the PTS), then even with the system running autocorrector and washer the inspector may issue a fine for inconsistency of the vehicle design (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code - 500 ₽). But if the headlights regular (for example, on BMW 5-series F10 with factory xenon), then their malfunction is interpreted according to the general rules.

Braking system: what is acceptable and what is not

Any problem with the brakes is direct basis for prohibiting operation (clause 1.1 List of faults). But in practice, not everything is so simple. For example:

• 🚗 Brake pads squeak. If the braking distance is not increased and the pedal does not “fall”, this is not a violation. Creaking is often caused poor quality pads (for example, Ferodo Premier or TRW may squeak for the first 500 km).
• 🔧 Brake fluid leaks. If the level in the tank does not drop, and the marks on the caliper are old (not fresh), this is not a reason for a fine. But if the inspector sees active leak, he has the right to prohibit movement.
• ⚠️ ABS light is on. The fault itself ABS does not prohibit driving if the main braking system is working. But if it turns off along with ABS ESP, this may be regarded as a violation (clause 1.5 of the List).

Critical moment: if when braking the car leads astray, this is a clear violation (clause 1.2 of the List). Same thing if parking brake does not hold the car on a slope of 16% (for passenger cars). The inspector can only check this by stationary post with the help brake tester — “by sight” such claims are easy to dispute.

How to check the braking distance yourself?

For a rough test, accelerate to 40 km/h on a flat, dry road and brake sharply. The normal braking distance for a passenger car is no more than 12–15 meters. If more, diagnostics is required.

Tires and wheels: when can you drive on “bald” tires?

The rules here are strict: remaining tread depth must be at least:

• 1.6 mm for summer tires;
• 4 mm for winter (with marking M+S, 3PMSF or “winter”).

But there is exceptionsthat many people don't know about:

Situation	Is traffic allowed?	Comment
Tire with a hernia (bump on the sidewall)	❌ No	It is considered cord damage (clause 5.1 of the List).
Different tread patterns on the same axle	❌ No	Clause 5.5 of the List is prohibited, even if the depth is the same.
Summer tires in winter (or vice versa)	✅ Yes	There is no fine, but the insurance company may refuse to pay in case of an accident.
Retreaded tire	✅ Yes	If the marking RETREAD and tread depth is normal.
Wheel bolt missing	❌ No	It is considered fastening malfunction (clause 5.3 of the List).

An important nuance: if you have winter tires with residual tread 3.9 mm, the inspector has no right to fine - the 4 mm threshold only applies to new tires. If the tires have already been used, wear is allowed up to 1.6 mm, but this extremely dangerous and is fraught aquaplaning.

⚠️ Attention! If there are tires with different degrees of wear on the same axle (for example, left 3 mm, right 1.8 mm), this equates to different tread patterns - fine 500 ₽.

Glass and visibility: cracks, tinting, stickers

The rules clearly state that prohibited:

• 🚫 Tinting windshield with light transmission less than 70%.
• 🚫 Cracks in wiper cleaning area (if they interfere with the view).
• 🚫 Stickers or applications covering more than 14% of the windshield area.

But there is acceptable loopholes:

• 🔍 Crack on the windshield, not in the wiper operating area - not a violation. The main thing is that she doesn't distorted the review (for example, it did not refract the headlights of oncoming cars).
• 🖼️ Stickers on the rear window. You can cover up to 100% of the area if there is rear view mirrors.
• 🌑 Side window tinting. Any is allowed if it does not interfere with the driver’s view (for example, athermal film with light transmission 15%).
• 🔄 Heated rear window, but not working. If the heating filaments are burnt out, but the glass is intact, this is not a violation.

Controversial point - atmospheric tinting (for example, LLumar Air 80). According to GOST, it has a light transmission of 78–80%, but inspectors often confuse it with prohibited film. In this case, require taumeter check — if the device shows ≥70%, the fine will be canceled.

Cracks in the wiper area (up to 20 cm from the edge of the glass)

Windshield light transmittance (must be ≥70%)

Windshield wiper performance (should clean ≥75% of area)

No stickers on the bottom of the windshield (no more than 14% of the area is allowed) -->

Engine and exhaust: when “smoke” is not a violation

Here the main complaints of inspectors are related to:

• 🔥 Exhaust color (black, blue smoke).
• 🔊 Noise level (especially for tuned cars).
• 🚗 Leaks of technical fluids (oil, antifreeze).

Let's figure out which of this is punishable and which is not.

Black smoke from the exhaust pipe (over-enriched mixture) is violation (clause 6.1 of the List), but only if it visible to the naked eye for more than 5 seconds. If smoke appears only when sharp pressure on the gas (for example, when overtaking), this is not considered a violation. Same with white steam in winter it is condensation, not a malfunction.

Exhaust noise standardized by GOST R 52230-2004:

• For passenger cars - no more 92 dB.
• For freight - no more 96 dB.

But inspectors rarely carry sound level meter, which is why fines for “loud exhaust” are often overturned in court. The exception is if you have forward flow without a certificate of conformity.

⚠️ Attention! If there is a leak from under the hood oil or antifreeze, but there are no puddles under the car (for example, liquid flows onto the protection), this does not count leakage according to clause 6.2 of the List. A fine is only possible if active dripping on the road.

Electronics and on-board computer: what you can ignore

Modern cars are crammed with sensors, and often errors appear on the panel that do not affect safety. For example:

• 🔋 Oxygen sensor error (P0130–P0167). If the engine runs smoothly and fuel consumption has not increased, you can drive. This is not a traffic violation.
• 🚪 Door sensor does not work. If the door physically closed, and the alarm does not go off falsely, this is not a reason for a fine.
• 🔦 The lamp is on ESP or ABS. As mentioned earlier, if the main brakes are working, driving is permitted.
• 📡 Doesn't work GPS-antenna or Bluetooth. This is not regulated by traffic rules.

But there is critical errors, which the inspector may interpret as a violation:

• P0300 (multiple misfires) - can be regarded as engine malfunction (clause 6.1 of the List).
• U0100 (loss of connection with ECU) - if this is why they don’t work brake lights or turn signals.

The main rule: if the error does not affect controllability, lighting or brakes, it can be ignored. But if the inspector insists on inspection, demand diagnostic card — without it, his claims are unfounded.

💡

Even if the “check” is lit on the panel, but the car behaves normally, the inspector does not have the right to prohibit movement without evidence that the fault relates to the List of Traffic Regulations.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about malfunctions and traffic rules

Is it possible to drive with a broken windshield wiper if it is raining?

❌ No. In rain or snow necessarily At least one wiper on the driver’s side must work (clause 4.1 of the List). If both windshield wipers are broken, driving is prohibited.

Is there a fine for the heated rear window not working?

✅ No, if the glass is not fogged up. Heating is not included mandatory equipment according to traffic rules. But if the visibility has deteriorated due to fogged glass, this may be regarded as a violation of clause 4.3 of the List.

Is it possible to drive with a cracked headlight if the bulb is intact?

⚠️ Depends on the situation. If the crack does not allow moisture to pass through and the lamp burns, this is not a violation. But if the lantern broken so that the light source is visible, the inspector may issue a fine for inconsistency with color or operating mode (clause 3.6 of the List).

What happens if you drive with faulty steering?

🚨 This one of the most dangerous violations. Steering play more 10° or tight rotation - basis for prohibition of exploitation (clause 2.1 of the List). The fine is 500 ₽, and in case of an accident, the blame will automatically fall on the driver.

Is it possible to drive without a license plate if it is lost?

❌ No. The absence of at least one number (front or rear) is a violation of clause 2 Basic provisions for vehicle approval. Fine - 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 1–3 months (Part 2 of Article 12.2 of the Administrative Code).