Overtaking on tram tracks is one of the most controversial maneuvers in city traffic. On the one hand, the rails seem like a free strip that can help out in a traffic jam. On the other hand - tram tracks have a special status in Traffic rules (traffic rules), and violation of the rules for their use threatens not only a fine, but also the creation of an emergency situation. In 2026, clarifications appeared in the legislation, which many drivers have not yet taken into account.
In this article we will look at:
- 📜 When overtaking on tram tracks allowed according to traffic rules (with links to paragraphs).
- ❌ In what cases is driving on the rails strictly prohibited - even if they are empty.
- 💰 Current fines for violations (including regional specifics).
- 🚦 How to behave at intersections and in tram stop areas.
- 🔍 Controversial situations: when an inspector can be wrong, and you can defend your rightness.
We will pay special attention 2026 innovation on priority of trams at uncontrolled intersections — this rule directly affects the safety of overtaking. We will also look at real cases from judicial practice, where drivers challenged fines for driving on tram tracks.
Traffic rules 2026: basic rules for overtaking on tram tracks
The main document regulating traffic on tram tracks is Clause 9.6 of the Russian Traffic Regulations. It clearly states when travel on the rails is allowed:
⚠️ Attention! Departure to the tram tracks in the opposite direction is always prohibited - even if they are empty and separated by a solid line. This is one of the most serious violations, which is equivalent to driving into oncoming traffic.
Permitted cases of overtaking on tram tracks in the same direction:
- 🚗 Paths are located on the same level with the roadway (not separated by a curb or lawn).
- 🛣️ No signs
5.15.1or5.15.2(“Lane Directions”) prohibiting movement on rails. - 🚦 No trams in sight (including those approaching from behind).
- 🅿️ Paths are not dedicated lane for public transport (indicated by markings
1.1or signs).
Important: even if all conditions are met, overtaking on tram tracks should not interfere with trams. Priority always goes to rail transport - this is stated in Clause 18.1 of the traffic rules.
When overtaking on tram tracks is prohibited: 5 critical cases
Invisible traps await drivers even on empty rails. Here are the situations when overtaking on tram tracks is guaranteed to result in a fine:
| Situation | Punishment (2026) | Article of the Administrative Code |
|---|---|---|
| Departure to counter tram tracks | 5,000 ₽ or deprivation of rights for 4–6 months | 12.15.4 |
| Overtaking on separated paths border/lawn | 1,500 ₽ (in Moscow/St. Petersburg - 3,000 ₽) | 12.16.1 |
Ignoring the sign 3.1 (“No Entry”) in front of the tracks |
500 ₽ (or warning) | 12.16.1 |
| Overtaking on the tracks 100 m before the tram stop | 1 500 ₽ | 12.17.1 |
| Interfering with a tram (even if the tracks are clear) | 500 ₽ | 12.17.1 |
Life hack for drivers: if the tram tracks are separated from the road solid line marking (even intermittent on your part), driving on them is equivalent to crossing a continuous road. This is fraught with a fine 1 500 ₽ or deprivation of rights for six months in case of repeated violation.
What to do if the inspector accuses you of driving onto oncoming roads?
If the tracks are physically separated (for example, by a lawn) but the inspector states that it is "counter-direction", request a road marking diagram. According to Resolution of the Plenum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation No. 20 of 2016, only traffic on tracks intended for trams in the opposite direction is considered to be oncoming traffic.
Overtaking at intersections: why are the rules stricter here?
Intersections are a high-risk area when overtaking on tram tracks. Act here additional restrictions:
- 🚥 On regulated At intersections, overtaking on the tracks is always prohibited (Section 11.4 of the Traffic Regulations).
- 🛑 On unregulated Trams have priority, even if they leave the secondary road (Section 13.11 of the Traffic Regulations).
- 🔄 If the tram tracks turn at an intersection, entering them to overtake is equivalent to driving in the oncoming lane.
Case study: In 2023 in Yekaterinburg the driver Toyota Camry overtook a car on tram tracks at an uncontrolled intersection, without giving way to the tram. The court upheld the fine of 1,500 rubles, despite the driver’s arguments about “empty rails.” Court's argument: tram tracks at an intersection are always considered occupied if a tram approaches within a radius of 50 meters.
If there is a sign at the intersection 5.15.1 (“Driving directions along the lanes”) with a picture of a tram; overtaking on the tracks is prohibited even when the traffic light is green.
Fines for overtaking on tram tracks: current amounts in 2026
The amount of the fine depends on specific violation and region. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, sanctions are stricter:
| Violation | Fine (regions) | Fine (Moskva/St. Petersburg) |
|---|---|---|
| Departure on oncoming roads | 5 000 ₽ | 5,000 ₽ (or deprivation of rights) |
| Overtaking on passing roads with interference | 1 000 ₽ | 3 000 ₽ |
Ignoring markup 1.1 (solid) |
1 500 ₽ | 3 000 ₽ |
| Overtaking in a tram stop area | 1 500 ₽ | 3 000 ₽ |
Important: from 2026 repeated departure to oncoming tram tracks in Moscow and St. Petersburg provided deprivation of rights for 1 year (previously - only a fine). This change is associated with an increase in traffic accidents involving trams in metropolitan regions.
Are there any signs 3.1 or 5.15.1|Tracks are not separated by curb/lawn|No trams within 100 m radius|Markings allow exit (no solid line)|This is not an intersection or stopping area-->
Controversial situations: when the inspector is wrong
Not all fines for overtaking on tram tracks are legal. Here are the cases when you can challenge the decision:
- 📸 No markings or signs. If the paths are not designated as a dedicated lane (no markings
1.1or signs5.14), driving on them does not violate traffic rules. - 🚗 Overtaking on tracks of the same direction. If the rails are not oncoming traffic (for example, one-way traffic), the fine for “driving into oncoming traffic” is illegal.
- 📏 Inconsistency of road markings. Inspectors often make mistakes in determining the boundaries of lanes. Request an official diagram from the traffic police.
Real case: In 2023 in Nizhny Novgorod the driver Kia Rio challenged the fine for overtaking on tram tracks, proving that the markings on the road did not correspond to the scheme in the traffic police. The court overturned the decision because the inspector was unable to provide an up-to-date traffic management plan.
If you are stopped for overtaking on tram tracks, immediately take photographs of road markings, signs and the position of trams. This evidence will help in court.
Overtaking trams: separate rules
Overtaking himself tram has nuances:
- 🚋 Allowed only right (if there are no obstacles). Overtaking on the left is equivalent to driving in oncoming traffic.
- 🛑 Prohibited at tram stops if they are marked with signs
5.16or markup1.17. - 💨 In tunnels and on bridges, overtaking trams is prohibited regardless of direction.
Technical point: if the tram moves along dedicated band (indicated by markings 1.23.3), driving onto it to overtake is prohibited and punishable by a fine 1 500 ₽ (in Moscow - 3,000 ₽).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about overtaking on tram tracks
❓ Is it possible to overtake on tram tracks if they are separated by an intermittent line?
Yes, but only if:
- Line
1.5or1.6is located from your side. - The paths are not opposite.
- There are no signs prohibiting movement on the rails.
A broken line on the side of oncoming traffic (for example, 1.11) prohibits departure.
❓ What is the punishment for overtaking on tram tracks at a pedestrian crossing?
Fine 1 500 ₽ (in Moscow/St. Petersburg - 3,000 ₽) Article 12.18 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. If you interfere with the tram, you will receive an additional fine of 500 rubles.
❓ Is overtaking on tram tracks allowed at night or in fog?
The rules do not depend on the time of day, but in conditions poor visibility (less than 300 m) overtaking on rails is dangerous. The inspector may qualify the maneuver as “failure to ensure security” (fine 500 rubles under Article 12.14.1 of the Administrative Code).
❓ Is it possible to overtake a car on tram tracks if they are covered with snow?
No, if solid markings or signs are hidden under the snow. According to clause 1.2 of the traffic rules, the driver is obliged to anticipate hidden restrictions. Fine - up to 1,500 ₽.
❓ What to do if the tram tracks are occupied by parked cars?
Overtaking on such roads is prohibited (Section 9.6 of the Traffic Regulations). If the cars are standing illegal, call an inspector to evacuate - but don’t break the rules yourself.