Give way to a truck when turning: analysis of traffic rules for

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a truck is turning next to you at an intersection, and you are not sure whether you need to give way to it? According to traffic police statistics, more than 15% of accidents at intersections occurs due to incorrect determination of priority during maneuvers involving trucks. Questions arise especially often when turning left or right: when are you obliged to let a truck pass, and when do you have the right of way?

In this article we will analyze in detail clauses 8.9 and 13.12 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, which regulate the order of movement when turning, and also analyze real road situations involving trucks. You will learn how to act correctly T-junctions, within the sign's coverage area "Give way" and when driving on the main road. In addition, we will reveal hidden nuances that even experienced drivers do not take into account - for example, how does it affect priority vehicle overall length or having a trailer.

Traffic rules 2026: basic rules for turning left and right

Let's start with the basic norms. According to clause 8.9 of the traffic rules, when turning left or making a U-turn, the driver must give way to oncoming vehicles moving straight or to the right. This rule applies regardless of vehicle type - be it a car, truck or bus. However, there are important exceptions:

• 🚦 If you are moving along main road (indicated by 2.1), and the truck is in a secondary position, he is obliged to give way to you the road, even if you turn left.
• 🔄 On roundabouts priority is determined by the sign 4.3 ("Circular motion"). If the sign is missing, the “interference from the right” rule applies.
• 🚛 For trucks longer than 7 meters (for example, Scania R470 or Volvo FH16) additional space for maneuver may be required - this is taken into account when determining priority.

But when turn right general rules are different: according to clause 13.1 of the traffic rules, you must give way only to pedestrians and cyclists moving on the side of the road or bike path. Trucks There is no need to yield when turning right - if they don't move on the main road or have no other priority (for example, special signals).

When you must yield to a truck when turning left

Situations when you have to let the truck pass when turning left, several. Let's look at them in detail:

1. The truck is moving straight down the main road, and you turn left from the secondary road. Here the priority is clear: according to clause 13.9 of the traffic rules, you must yield.
2. The truck turns right, and you - to the left on the same level (for example, at the intersection of equivalent roads). In this case, the truck has an advantage since its trajectory does not intersect with yours.
3. Truck with special lights on (blue or red flashing light). According to clause 3.2 of the traffic rules, you must give way regardless of the direction you are moving.

Particular attention should be paid large trucks (for example, MAN TGS or DAF XF). Due to their length, they may start turning earlier than you expect. If the truck has already started a maneuver, it is dangerous to interrupt it - the braking distance of such a vehicle can reach 40–60 meters.

Situation	Your action	Basis (traffic rules clause)
The truck is moving straight on the main road, you turn left from the secondary road	Give way	13.9
The truck turns right, you turn left at the equivalent intersection	Give way	13.12
Truck with special lights on	Give way	3.2
The truck turns left, you turn right	Pass first	8.9

Turning right: when you don’t need to yield to the truck

When turning right, the rules are simpler: you must give way only pedestrians, cyclists and, in some cases, route vehicles (if they are leaving the stop). Trucks Concession is not required, except in three cases:

• 🚨 The truck is moving along main road, and you take the secondary road (even if you turn right).
• 🔴 The truck has priority according to the traffic light signal (for example, it has a green arrow, and you have a red one with a green arrow in an additional section).
• 🚜 Truck performs reversal along a short trajectory (through your lane). In this case he must yield to you, but in practice it is better to play it safe.

If you see that a truck is starting to maneuver, you should not cut it off - the driver may not have time to react to your sudden appearance in the blind spot.

What is a truck's blind spot?

This is the area around the car that the driver cannot see in the mirrors. For trucks, it can reach 5–7 meters in the front, 30 meters in the rear and 3 meters on the sides. It is especially dangerous to be in the right “dead zone” when turning right - the driver may simply not notice your car.

Exceptions and disputes

Not all cases are strictly regulated by traffic rules. Let's consider controversial issueswhich often cause accidents:

1. Turn left from tram tracks. If you are moving along tram tracks (in accordance with clause 9.6 of the traffic rules), and the truck is in the right lane, priority is determined according to the general rule: the one turning left gives way.
2. Truck with trailer on a narrow road. If the width of the roadway does not allow you to pass, and the truck has already begun to maneuver, you are obliged to yield - even if you formally have the advantage.
3. Roundabout intersection. If the sign 4.3 is absent, and the truck enters the circle, you must yield he. But if there is a sign, priority goes to those who are already moving in a circle.

One of the most difficult cases is simultaneous left turn you and the truck at the intersection of equivalent roads. According to traffic rules, both drivers must pass each other starboard, but in practice trucks often occupy both lanes. In such a situation it is better freeze and miss — a conflict with a 40-ton truck will cost more.

Fines for failure to comply with traffic regulations

Violation of the rules for driving through intersections is punishable by Article 12.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Amounts of fines in 2026:

• 💰 Failure to give way truck having the advantage: 1,000–1,500 rubles.
• 🚦 Wrong turn (for example, not from the extreme position): 500 rubles.
• 🚨 Non-concession to special vehicles (firefighters, ambulances, police): 3,000–5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for 3–6 months.

If your violation resulted in creating an emergency situation (for example, the truck was forced to brake sharply), the inspector may qualify it for Part 2 of Article 12.14 of the Code of Administrative Offenses - fine 5,000 rubles. In the event of an accident, the culprit will also be required to compensate for damages, which in the event of a collision with a truck can be calculated at hundreds of thousands of rubles.

⚠️ Attention! If you did not give way to a truck, but an accident did not occur, the inspector may fine you based on the video recording. It is better to record controversial moments on your camera - this will help you challenge the fine.

Practical tips: how to avoid truck accidents

To minimize risks, follow these recommendations:

Maintain a distance of at least 5-7 meters when tailgating|

Don't stay in the truck's blind spot for more than 3 seconds|

Always turn on your turn signal in advance (50–100 meters before the maneuver)|

At an intersection, look not only at the traffic light, but also at the trajectory of the truck|-->

If you see that a truck is starting to turn left, but its dimensions do not allow you to complete the maneuver in one step (for example, van Mercedes-Benz Actros with long trailer), do not try to “slip” past. The driver can do "double turn" - first to the left, then to the right to fit into the radius. In this case, it is better to stop and wait until the maneuver is completed.

Another dangerous moment - turn the truck to the right with a wide spread. Many trucks first move to the left to avoid hitting the curb. If you're on the right side of a truck, don't think it's yielding to you—it's just getting ready to turn!

Analysis of real road accidents: who is to blame?

Let's look at two typical emergency situations and figure out who is responsible:

1. Situation 1: You turn left on a green light, and a truck goes straight on a red one (but the green arrow in the additional section is on for it).
   Who's to blame? You! According to clause 13.5 of the traffic rules, the green arrow in the additional section gives the truck priority.
2. Situation 2: At an intersection of equivalent roads, you turn right and the truck turns left. A collision occurs.
   Who's to blame? Truck driver! When turning left, he must yield to those moving to the right (clause 13.12 of traffic regulations).

If you are involved in an accident, be sure to:

• 📸 Take photos of the position of the vehicles up to how they will be removed from the roadway.
• 📋 Write down the contacts of witnesses (especially if the truck belongs to a transport company - their drivers often change their testimony).
• 🚔 Demand that an accident diagram be drawn up indicating traffic trajectories.

⚠️ Attention! If the truck belongs to a legal entity (for example, PJSC "Magnit" or "Business Lines"), the insurance company may delay payments. In this case, it makes sense to contact an auto lawyer for a pre-trial settlement.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Do I need to give way to a truck if it is turning left from the main road, and I am turning right from the secondary road?

No, it's not necessary. According to clause 13.9 of the traffic rules, you are obliged to yield only to those moving on the main road straight or to the right. A truck turning left should let you pass.

What should you do if the truck starts to turn left, but due to its dimensions it blocks traffic?

Stop and wait until the maneuver is completed. According to clause 1.5 of the traffic rules, drivers must not interfere with other road users. If you try to pass a truck, it may be considered a violation.

Is it possible to challenge a fine for failure to give way to a truck if there were no markings at the intersection?

Yes, but only if you can prove that you could not clearly determine the priority. For example, if the sign 2.1 ("Main Road") was blocked by branches or an advertising banner. In this case, a recording from the registrar or testimony of witnesses will help.

How can you tell if a truck is about to turn if you can't see its turn signal?

Focus on the position of the wheels and the trajectory of movement:

• If a truck moves to the left before turning right, it is preparing for a wide turn.
• If the front of the car “dives” down, the driver brakes before turning.
• If you hear a “squeaking” sound (the turn signal is often triggered on trucks), the turn signal is most likely on.

Which trucks have the right to priority even without special signals?

As a general rule, none. However there are exceptions:

• Trucks carrying large or heavy cargo (with identification mark "Large transport"), may have priority on certain sections of roads (this is stipulated in permitting documents).
• Road trains with a trailer longer than 20 meters (for example, trailers for transporting equipment) are sometimes accompanied by a traffic police car - in this case they have priority.