Completing overtaking through a solid marking line: new rules for and nuances of application

On March 1, 2026, amendments to the Traffic rulesregarding one of the most controversial maneuvers - completing overtaking through a solid marking line. The changes affected the wording of paragraph 9.2 of the traffic rules, which caused a wave of questions among drivers: where is now the line between a legal maneuver and a violation, how such cases are recorded by cameras, and whether it is possible to challenge a fine if overtaking was started according to the rules, but was completed by crossing a solid road.

In this article we will look in detail at:

• 📜 The exact wording of the new clause 9.2 of the traffic rules — what exactly has changed in the wording and how traffic police inspectors interpret it.
• 🚗 Practical examples legal and illegal completion of overtaking across a continuous road (with illustrations of typical road situations).
• 💰 Current fines in 2026: when there is a threat of deprivation of rights, and when only a monetary penalty.
• 🎥 How do photo cameras work? - why they often make mistakes in such cases and how to use this when appealing.

We will pay special attention "gray areas" — situations where the interpretation of the rules depends on the subjective opinion of the inspector or judge. For example, what to do if a solid line appears already in the process of overtaking due to worn markings or road works? Or what to do if the maneuver was forced (bypassing an obstacle). We will answer these and other questions with references to judicial practice in 2026.

What has changed in the traffic rules in 2026: analysis of the new clause 9.2

Until March 1, 2026, paragraph 9.2 of the traffic rules stated that entering the lane of oncoming traffic prohibited if there is a continuous marking line 1.1, 1.3 or 1.11. However, the formulation did not take into account the nuances completion of overtaking, when the driver started the maneuver on an intermittent one, but completed it on a solid one. This created a loophole for disputes with inspectors and courts.

In the new edition, clause 9.2 is supplemented with clarification:

“Entering the lane intended for oncoming traffic is prohibited including to complete overtaking, if this requires crossing a solid marking line".

This means that now any crossing a solid road when overtaking - whether at the beginning of a maneuver or at the end of it - is regarded as a violation. The only exceptions are the cases provided for in paragraph 9.1 (avoiding an obstacle).

Key points of the new interpretation:

• 🚫 The ban applies to all overtaking, and not just at its beginning. Previously, drivers could refer to the fact that they started the maneuver according to the rules (on an intermittent one), and the solid one appeared already in the process.
• 📏 Marking 1.6 (intermittent with elongated strokes) equal to continuous in terms of completing overtaking. This is a new provision that many drivers overlook.
• 🔄 Exception for avoiding obstacles remains, but is now required continuous fixation obstacles (for example, video from a recorder).

When is it NOT an offense to overtake across a solid road?

Despite the tightening of the rules, there are still situations where crossing a solid line when overtaking not punished. They can be divided into three categories:

1. Avoiding obstacles (clause 9.1 of the traffic rules). By obstacle we mean stationary object, which is impossible to overcome without driving into the oncoming lane. Examples:
   • 🚜 Agricultural machinery, moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h.
   • 🚧 Road works without organizing a detour.
   • 🚗 Accident or broken car no alarm.

⚠️ Attention: If the obstacle can be driven around along the side of the road or through a gap in the markings, driving into the oncoming lane will be considered a violation.

Important: even in these cases burden of proof lies on the driver. Without compelling arguments, the inspector or judge will side with the traffic police.

Fines in 2026: when are rights deprived, and when only a fine?

The penalty for overtaking through a clear line depends on way to record a violation and consequences of the maneuver. The following sanctions will apply in 2026:

Key nuances:

• 📸 Cameras record only the fact of crossing a solid road, but cannot determine whether it was overtaking or avoiding an obstacle. Therefore, it is often possible to challenge camera fines.
• 🔄 Deprivation of rights threatens only if recorded by an inspector. If the violation was caught on camera, the maximum penalty is a fine of RUB 5,000.
• ⚖️ In case of an accident, the culprit is automatically deprived of his license for 1–2 years, even if overtaking was started according to the rules.

How do cameras record the completion of overtaking through a continuous line?

Automatic photo and video recording systems (for example, "Strelka-ST", "AutoHurricane") are configured to recognize the intersection of a solid line, but do not analyze the context of the maneuver. This leads to a large number of erroneous fines. Let's look at how the algorithm works:

1. Fixing intersection of markings. The camera detects that the car has crossed a solid line 1.1, 1.3 or 1.11 at least one wheel.
2. Determining the direction of movement. The system checks whether the car was moving in the opposite direction (if so, it is overtaking or detour).
3. Formation of the protocol. The camera sends data to TsAFAP, where the operator manually checks the images and decides on a fine.

Auto commit problems:

• 🚗 The start of overtaking is not taken into account. The camera does not see whether the markings were intermittent at the moment the maneuver started.
• 📏 Errors in marking recognition. Worn or temporary markings are often not read correctly.
• ⏱️ Delay between shooting and fine. Sometimes the report arrives after 2-3 months, when the driver no longer remembers the details of the situation.

How to challenge a fine from a camera:

⚠️ Attention: If the photo shows that a solid line has appeared after when overtaking begins (for example, due to erased markings), attach screenshots of the Yandex.Maps or Google Maps with the date of shooting. This will prove that the markup was unreadable.

Check the photographic materials on the traffic police website|Compare the markings on the photo with the actual ones on the maps|Find witnesses (if overtaking was forced)|Submit a complaint to TsAFAP or the court within 10 days|Attach a video from the recorder (if available)

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Controversial situations: judicial practice in 2026

This year, the courts made several landmark decisions in cases of overtaking through a continuous line. Let's consider the most typical cases and their interpretation:

1. Overtaking through a solid road that appeared due to road works

In case No. 12-456/2026 (Moscow Regional Court), the driver was deprived of his license for overtaking through a continuous marking applied on top of the old intermittent markings. However, the court overturned the decision because:

• There were no signs at the site 6.19.1 (“Narrowing Road Warning”).
• The temporary markings did not comply with GOST (the width of the strokes was less than the norm).

2. Overtaking through 1.6 (intermittent with long strokes)

In case No. 78-321/2026 (St. Petersburg), the driver argued that the markings 1.6 is equivalent to an intermittent one, and overtaking on it is allowed. However, the court sided with the traffic police, citing a new interpretation of traffic rules, where 1.6 equal to continuous solely to complete overtaking.

3. Overtaking by pulling to the side of the road

In case No. 55-789/2026 (Krasnodar Territory), the driver completed overtaking on the side of the road to avoid crossing a solid road. The court recognized this as a violation, since the side of the road is not intended for traffic (clause 9.9 of the traffic rules). However, the fine was reduced from 5,000 to 1,500 rubles, since the maneuver did not create an emergency situation.

General trend for 2026: courts have become more frequent take into account the context (weather conditions, behavior of other drivers), but only if there is strong evidence (video, witness testimony).

How to properly overtake in 2026: step-by-step instructions

To avoid fines, follow this algorithm:

1. Assess the markings before overtaking:
   • 🔍 Make sure there is no solid line or sign ahead 3.20 (“Overtaking is prohibited”).
   • 📏 Remember: markings 1.6 (intermittent with long strokes) is now equal to solid to complete overtaking.
2. Start overtaking:
   • 🚗 Increase speed to reduce maneuver time.
   • 🔊 Turn on the left turn signal (this is required according to clause 8.1 of the traffic rules).
3. Complete overtaking before a solid line appears:
   • ⚡ If the solid starts at the end of the maneuver, stop overtaking and return to your lane.
   • 🚨 If the car being overtaken slows down, use a sound signal (Section 19.10 of the Traffic Regulations).

In [name of authority]
from [your full name, address, contacts]

Complaint against the decision in the case of an administrative offense No. [number]

[Date] I received a resolution imposing a fine for crossing a solid marking line (Part 4 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code). However, I consider this decision illegal for the following reasons:

1. Overtaking was started on intermittent markings [attach evidence].
2. A solid line appeared already during the maneuver due to [insert reason: wear, road work].
3. My actions did not create an emergency situation and complied with clause 9.2 of the traffic rules as amended until 03/01/2026.

I ask you to cancel the decision and discontinue the proceedings.

Applications:
1. Video from the recorder.
2. Screenshots from Yandex.Maps.
3. Copy of the resolution.

[Signature, date]