Overtaking a truck at an intersection: when is it possible, and when - a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights

You are driving a slow-moving vehicle by truck, which barely picks up speed, and there is an intersection ahead. Is it possible to overtake him without breaking Traffic rules? The answer depends on the type of intersection, markings, signs, and even the time of day. A mistake here is costly: according to the article 12.15.4 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation There is a fine for illegal overtaking at an intersection. 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months.

In this article, we will look at all the nuances: where overtaking a truck at an intersection is allowed, and where it is strictly prohibited. Let's analyze controlled and unregulated intersections, the role of road signs and markings, and we will also tell you how to prove your case to a traffic police inspector if you have been fined illegally. At the end there is a checklist for drivers and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Basic rule: overtaking at an intersection according to traffic rules 2026

The main document that regulates overtaking at intersections is clause 11.4 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations. It reads:

“Overtaking is prohibited at signalized intersections, as well as at uncontrolled intersections when driving on a road that is not the main one.”

This means that overtaking a truck at an intersection allowed only in two cases:

• 🚦 You are moving along main road on unregulated crossroads
• 🚥 Crossroads adjustable (with a traffic light or traffic controller), but you are overtaking to green signal, and the truck is moving slowly (for example, turning).

Important: even if the intersection is unregulated, you are driving along on a minor road, overtaking a truck is prohibited! This is a common cause of disputes with inspectors.

2. Controlled vs unregulated intersection: what is the difference?

The type of intersection determines whether you can overtake a truck without a fine. Let's look at both options.

🔴 Adjustable intersection (with traffic lights or traffic controller)

Overtaking here always prohibited, if:

• 🚥 Burning red or yellow traffic light signals.
• 👮 The traffic controller prohibits movement (the hand is raised up or the palm is facing you).
• 🚛 The truck has already started a maneuver (for example, turning left).

Exception: if the truck moving too slow (for example, due to a breakdown) and does not create interference, and you manage to complete overtaking before the signal changes; inspectors usually do not punish you. But legally it is violation!

🟢 Unregulated intersection (no traffic lights)

Overtaking a truck is allowed here only if you are on the main road. How to determine it?

• 🛣️ By signs 2.1 ("Main Road"), 2.3.1–2.3.7 (“Intersection with a minor road”).
• 🟨 By marking 1.2 (solid line) - if it demarcates the lanes on your side, you are not on the main side.
• 🏞️ By surface: if your road is asphalted and the road you are crossing is dirt, you are on the main road.

If the main road changes direction (sign 2.1 with a sign 8.13), overtaking is allowed just before the turn. After it, you are already moving along the secondary route!

3. When is overtaking a truck at an intersection allowed?

Even if the intersection is unregulated and you are on the main road, overtaking a truck must be safe. Here are the conditions under which the maneuver does not violate traffic rules:

Condition	Is overtaking allowed?	Comment
Main road, no continuous markings	✅ Yes	Overtake if there are no oncoming cars or pedestrians.
Main road but there is a sign 3.20 ("Overtaking is prohibited")	❌ No	The ban is valid until canceled sign 3.21.
Signalized intersection, green signal, truck turning	⚠️ Conditional	Technically prohibited, but fines are rarely issued.
Unregulated, equivalent roads	❌ No	Overtaking is always prohibited (Section 11.4 of the Traffic Regulations).
Main road, but there is a sign 3.22 ("Overtaking by freight is prohibited")	✅ Yes	The sign restricts trucks only; cars are allowed to overtake.

Special case: if the truck moves at a speed of less than 30 km/h and creates interference, it can be overtaken even at an unregulated intersection of equivalent roads (Section 11.5 of the Traffic Regulations). But it will be difficult to prove this to the inspector - records from the registrar are needed.

What to do if the truck itself starts overtaking at the intersection?

If a truck is overtaking another vehicle at an intersection and you are driving behind, do not try to overtake it with a “double” maneuver. This is a violation of clause 11.2 of the traffic rules (“Overtaking can only be done on the left”). It is better to slow down and wait for his maneuver to complete.

4. Fines for overtaking a truck at an intersection in 2026

The punishment depends on type of violation and consequences. Here are the current fines for Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

• 🚨 Overtaking at a controlled intersection or on a secondary road: fine 5000₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months (Part 4, Article 12.15).
• 🛑 Overtaking through a continuous road at an intersection: fine 5,000 rubles or imprisonment for 4–6 months (part 4 of article 12.15).
• ⚠️ Overtaking by driving into the oncoming lane on the main road, but causing interference: fine 1500 RUR (part 3 of article 12.15).
• 🚛 Overtaking a slow-moving vehicle (at a speed < 30 km/h) without violations: there is no fine, but it is difficult to prove the speed of the truck.

If overtaking a truck resulted in Road accident, in addition to the fine there may be:

• 🚑 Deprivation of rights for 1–2 years (if people were injured).
• 💸 Civil liability (compensation for damages).

⚠️ Attention: If the inspector has drawn up a protocol under Part 4 of Art. 12.15, but you are sure that you were on the main road, demand that a diagram of the intersection and testimony of witnesses be included in the protocol. Without them, the court often cancels the punishment.

5. How do inspectors catch trucks overtaking?

The traffic police actively uses hidden fixation methods overtaking at intersections. Here are the most common:

• 📹 Automatic cameras (for example, "Strelka" or "Auto Hurricane"). They recognize driving into the oncoming lane and issue a fine without the participation of an inspector.
• 👮 Ambushes on trucks. Inspectors ride in a van and record overtaking people on video, and then stop them.
• 🚔 Motorcycle patrols. They quickly catch up with the violators and draw up a report on the spot.
• 📡 Mobile complexes (for example, "Arena" or "Chris-P"). They are installed on trailers at intersections.

Most often caught on:

• 🔴 At intersections with poor visibility (around a bend, a hill).
• 🚦 Signalized intersections with the green light flashing (drivers are in a hurry to overtake).
• 🛣️ Roads with markings 1.11 (solid + intermittent), where overtaking is allowed only on one side.

If you are stopped, don't sign the protocoluntil you are sure that:

1. The inspector correctly indicated the type of intersection (controlled/unregulated).
2. The protocol contains a diagram indicating the main and secondary roads.
3. There is evidence of a violation (video, witness statements).

The type of intersection (controlled/unregulated) is correct|

Presence of priority signs on the diagram in the protocol|

Is there video footage or witness statements|

Does the date/time of the violation match your route|

-->

6. How to overtake a truck at an intersection without a fine?

If you are sure that overtaking is allowed, follow this algorithm:

1. Assess the type of intersection:
   • 🔍 Is there a traffic light or traffic controller? If yes, overtaking is prohibited.
   • 🛣️ Are you on the main road? Check the signs 2.1, 2.3.1–2.3.7.
2. Check the markup:
   • ➖ Solid line (1.1, 1.3) - overtaking is prohibited.
   • ⬜ Intermittent (1.5, 1.6) - you can overtake.
3. Make sure it's safe:
   • 👀 Are there any oncoming cars, pedestrians, or cyclists?
   • 🚗 The truck did not start the maneuver (the turn signal does not blink).
4. Overtake quickly:
   • ⚡ Increase your speed to stay as little as possible in the oncoming lane.
   • 🔙 Return to your lane immediately after overtaking.

If the truck slow-moving (for example, KAMAZ with trailer or MAZ with overload), but you are not sure of the permitting conditions, it is better not to risk it. Inspectors often interpret traffic rules in their favor.

7. Frequent driver mistakes when overtaking trucks

Many drivers get fined due to ignorance of the nuances of traffic rules. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🚫 Overtaking on a flashing green light. Many people think that if the traffic light is flashing, they can overtake. In fact it's already prohibited maneuver (clause 6.2 of the traffic rules).
• 🔄 Overtaking across a continuous road on the main road. Even if you are on the main page, continuous markings (1.1) prohibits driving into oncoming traffic.
• 🚚 Overtaking a truck that is overtaking itself. “Double overtaking” is prohibited by clause 11.2 of the traffic rules.
• 🛣️ Ignoring the "No Overtaking" sign (3.20). Many people don't notice it behind the truck.
• 👮 Signing a protocol without verification. Inspectors sometimes make mistakes in the intersection layout.

Another dangerous situation: overtaking a truck that turns left. Even if the intersection is uncontrolled and you are on the main road, the truck may not see you due to the “blind spot”. It's better to wait until he completes the maneuver.

⚠️ Attention: If the truck is carrying large or dangerous cargo (signs 4.8, 4.15), overtaking him is especially risky. Such vehicles often travel with an escort and have priority.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to overtake a truck at a roundabout intersection?

On the "ring" overtaking is allowed if:

• 🔄 There is no continuous marking.
• 🚦 No sign 3.20 (“Overtaking is prohibited”).
• 🚗 You do not interfere with other participants (clause 8.9 of the traffic rules).

But be careful: on roundabouts there are often blind spots where you may not be seen.

❓ What to do if the truck itself violates, blocking traffic?

If the truck is traveling at a speed less than 30 km/h and does not allow overtaking (for example, due to overload), you can:

1. Enable alarm and carefully overtake (section 11.5 of traffic rules).
2. Record the violation on the DVR and complain to the traffic police (via portal "Autocode" or "Government services").

But if the truck is moving faster than 30 km/h, overtaking at the intersection is prohibited.

❓ How to prove that I was on the main road?

If the inspector claims that you were on a secondary level, request:

• 📄 Intersection diagram from the protocol (priority signs must be indicated).
• 📹 Video from the recorder (yours or your truck).
• 🗺️ Screenshot from maps (Yandex.Maps, Google Maps), where signs are visible.

If there is no diagram or it is incorrect, the fine can be challenged in court.

❓ Is it possible to overtake a truck at a railway crossing before an intersection?

❌ No! Overtaking is prohibited at railway crossings and closer than 100 m in front of them (clause 11.4 of the traffic rules). Fine - 5000₽ or deprivation of rights.

❓ Which trucks should never be overtaken?

It is prohibited to overtake:

• 🚒 Special vehicles with flashing lights turned on (firefighters, ambulance, police).
• 🚛 Trucks with dangerous goods (signs 4.8, 4.15).
• 🚜 Low speed vehicles (if they are moving at a speed < 30 km/h, but overtaking is prohibited by a sign 3.20).