You get behind the wheel of a car, put it in gear, and suddenly realize that you’re not entirely sure where exactly you’re going. allowed to move in this situation. On the left there is a sign “Go straight”, but the required turn to the right is possible? But what about a dedicated lane for public transport if it is free? Such questions arise even among experienced drivers, not to mention beginners. A mistake in choosing a direction threatens not only a fine, but also creating an emergency situation - especially at intersections with heavy traffic.
In this article we will look at all possible scenarios, which the driver of a passenger car encounters: from standard signs to controversial issues such as driving through “allocated areas” or courtyard areas. We use current Road Rules 2026, diagrams and examples from the traffic police practice. And at the end, test your knowledge in an interactive quiz!
1. Basic signs regulating the direction of movement
Let's start with the basics: road signs that directly indicate where you can drive a car. Ignoring them is the most common violation recorded by cameras.
The most “problematic” signs:
- 🔹 4.1.1 "Move straight"** - only allows straight ahead, even if you are at an intersection. Exception: route vehicles.
- 🔹 4.1.2 “Move to the right”** - only to the right, turning around is prohibited (a common mistake!).
- 🔹 4.1.4 “Move straight or right”** — turning around is also prohibited.
- 🔹 5.15.1 “Traffic directions along lanes”** — indicates permitted maneuvers for each lane.
Important: these signs are valid only for that intersection of roadways, in front of which they are installed. After the intersection, their effect ends - unless there are repeated signs. For example, after the “Go straight” sign at the next intersection, you can turn in any direction if there are no other restrictions.
If the sign is installed after intersection, it extends to the nearest section of the road to the next intersection. This is often used in high traffic areas to prohibit left turns for an entire block.
2. Markup: what it allows and prohibits
Horizontal markings are the second most important source of information about permitted directions. Most often, drivers pay attention to:
- 🔸 1.18 — shows the permitted directions of movement along the lanes (arrows). If there is no arrow, you can only move straight ahead.
- 🔸 1.1 (solid line) - you cannot cross, even to turn. Fine - 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.16 of the Administrative Code).
- 🔸 1.7 (broken line) - allows changing lanes, but only if the maneuver does not create interference.
Key Point: markings take precedence over signs, if they contradict each other (clause 1.25 of the Traffic Regulations). For example, if a sign allows a left turn, but the markings only show straight ahead, you need to go straight. However, in practice such conflicts are rare: usually the markings duplicate signs.
Always, this is a priority|Only if there are no signs|Rarely, I focus on the situation|Never, I trust the navigator-->
3. Driving in lanes: general rules and exceptions
On multi-lane roads, the direction of travel depends on what lane are you in. General rule (clause 9.4 of traffic rules):
- 🚗 Far right lane - to move straight, turn right and make a U-turn (if allowed).
- 🚗 Mid lanes - only directly, if there are no other instructions.
- 🚗 Leftmost lane - for driving straight, turning left and making a U-turn.
Exceptions:
- 🔹 If the sign 5.15.2 “Lane directions”** indicates other rules (for example, only turning left is allowed from the left lane).
- 🔹On the roads with reverse movement (sign 5.8) direction depends on reverse traffic light signals.
- 🔹 In populated areas with one way traffic (sign 5.5) all lanes allow traffic in one direction only.
What happens if you turn left not from the leftmost lane?
Violation of clause 8.5 of the traffic rules, fine 500 rubles (part 1.1 of article 12.14 of the Administrative Code). In some cases, the inspector may qualify this as “failure to provide an advantage” (for example, if because of your maneuver the other driver was forced to brake), then the fine will increase to 1,500 rubles.
| Road type | Allowed directions from the far right lane | Allowed directions from the leftmost lane |
|---|---|---|
| Two-lane (one in each direction) | Straight, right, turn (if allowed) | Straight, left, turn |
| Three-lane (middle - for overtaking) | Straight, right | Straight, left, turn |
| Multi-lane (4+ lanes in one direction) | Straight ahead, right (if there are no signs) | Straight, left, turn (if there are no signs) |
| Road with tram tracks in the middle | Straight, right | Straight ahead, left, turn (if there are no lane signs) |
4. Controversial situations: dedicated lanes and courtyard areas
The two most controversial issues for car drivers are dedicated lanes for public transport and movement through courtyard areas. Let's look at them in detail.
Dedicated lanes (“dedicated lanes”)
As a general rule (clause 18.2 of the traffic rules), prohibited move along the lanes marked with the sign 5.14 (“Lane for route vehicles”) or markings 1.23.1 (letter "A"). Exceptions:
- 🚌 For school buses and taxi (if permitted by local authorities).
- 🚗 For passenger cars, if the lane is separated broken line and there are no route vehicles on it (clause 18.2 of the traffic rules).
- 🚘 For turning right, if the stripe is located on the right and is not separated by a solid line.
⚠️ Attention! In Moscow and St. Petersburg, additional restrictions apply: in some areas, traffic on “separate lanes” is prohibited for everyone except public transport, regardless of the markings. Fine - 3,000 rubles (Part 1.2 of Article 12.17 of the Administrative Code).
Yard areas
In the courtyards of residential buildings (sign 5.21) special rules apply (clause 17 of the traffic rules):
- 🏘️ Pedestrians have priority — the driver must give way even outside a pedestrian crossing.
- 🚗 Speed no more than 20 km/h (actually “step by step”).
- 🚫 Prohibited: through passage, parking with the engine running, training driving.
The direction of movement in the yard is not strictly regulated, but Priority is always given to those leaving the yard (clause 17.3 of the traffic rules). This means that if you drive into a yard and another car exits, you must yield.
5. Crossroads: how not to get confused in directions
Intersections are the hottest place for directional errors. There are three key rules here:
- Traffic controller priority → its signals cancel signs and traffic lights (clause 6.15 of the traffic rules).
- Traffic light priority → if it works, the “Driving in Lanes” signs do not work.
- Sign priority → if there is no traffic controller and the traffic light is turned off.
Typical mistakes:
- 🚦 Turn left at green traffic lightwhen the sign 4.1.1 ("Go straight") set before crossroads Only allowed directly!
- 🔄 U-turn from right lane, if markings or signs do not allow this.
- 🚗 Movement straight from left lanewhen the sign 5.15.2 instructs you to turn left.
Is there a “Go straight” sign|Am I in the far left lane|Do I give way to oncoming cars|Is the left turn signal on-->
⚠️ Attention! At intersections with in a circular motion (sign 4.3) from 2026 a new rule applies: priority goes to those who are already moving in a circle, if there are no other signs or markings. This change was introduced due to frequent accidents when entering the roundabout.
6. Fines for violating the direction of movement
The punishment depends on specific violation and its consequences. Here are the current fines for 2026:
| Violation | Fine (rub.) | Deprivation of rights | Article of the Administrative Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turning / U-turning in violation of signs or markings | 500 | — | Part 1 Art. 12.16 |
| Driving on a dedicated lane (except for permitted cases) | 1,500 (3,000 in Moscow/St. Petersburg) | — | Part 1.2 Art. 12.17 |
| Driving in the opposite direction on a one-way road | 5 000 | Yes (4 to 6 months) | Part 3 Art. 12.16 |
| Failure to yield the road when leaving a yard area | 1 500 | — | Part 3 Art. 12.14 |
Important: if a violation is detected automatic fixation camera, the fine will be sent by mail and can be paid with a 50% discount within 20 days. If you notice a violation traffic police inspector, he can issue a fine on the spot or draw up a protocol on deprivation of rights (in case of oncoming traffic).
The largest fine - 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights - is imposed for driving in the opposite direction on a one-way road. Even if you simply “cut” the corner when turning, this can be regarded as driving into oncoming traffic.
7. Special cases: cargo restrictions, one-way traffic and reversible lanes
Some situations require separate analysis, as they often become the cause of disputes with inspectors.
Restrictions for trucks
Signs 3.4 (“Truck traffic is prohibited”) and 5.3 (“Road for cars”) often raise questions among car drivers. Rules:
- 🚛 If the sign 3.4 installed without a sign 8.4.1–8.4.8 (indicating mass), it prohibits movement all trucks with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons. Passenger cars can drive.
- 🚗 Sign 5.3 (“Road for cars”) prohibits traffic pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles, but allows cars and trucks.
One way traffic
On one-way roads (sign 5.5) allowed:
- 🔁 U-turn for driving in the opposite direction (if there are no prohibiting signs).
- 🚗 Reversing, if this does not create interference (Section 8.12 of the Traffic Regulations).
- 🅿️ Stopping and parking with left side of the road (if there are no tram tracks).
⚠️ Attention! If you accidentally drive onto a one-way road against traffic, do not try to turn around immediately - this will aggravate the violation. It is better to carefully drive to the nearest turn or U-turn, observing all safety precautions.
Reversible stripes
On roads with reverse traffic (sign 5.8) direction depends on reversible traffic light:
- 🟢 Green arrow - movement is allowed.
- 🟡 yellow arrow — you need to change lanes to the right.
- 🔴 Red Cross - movement is prohibited.
- ⚫ The traffic light is off — Entry to the lane is prohibited.
Violation of the rules for driving in reverse lanes is punishable by a fine. 1,500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.12 of the Administrative Code).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to turn right if the “Go straight ahead” sign is installed after the intersection?
Yes, you can. Sign set after intersection, only applies to the next section of the road. There are no restrictions at the intersection itself (unless there are other signs).
Is it allowed to make a U-turn at an intersection if there is a “Go straight ahead” sign in front of it?
No, sign 4.1.1 prohibits any turns and reversals. Only straight movement is allowed.
Is it possible to drive on a “dedicated lane” if it is separated by a broken line and is free?
Yes, but only if you do not interfere with route vehicles (Section 18.2 of the Traffic Regulations). In Moscow and St. Petersburg, this is prohibited almost everywhere - a fine of 3,000 rubles.
What to do if the markings and the sign contradict each other?
According to traffic rules (clause 1.25), priority is given to time marking (orange color). If the marking is permanent and the sign is temporary (on a yellow background), the sign has priority.
Is it possible to turn left from tram tracks if they are level with the roadway?
Yes, but only if signs 5.15.1 or 5.15.2 they don't prohibit it. In this case, you must not interfere with the tram (Section 8.5 of the Traffic Regulations).