What you need to know about the “Ш” sign and the new traffic rules

Sticker "Ш" and the law

Update: the obligation to install the “Spikes” sign was canceled on December 8, 2021 due to relevant amendments to the traffic rules.

We offer an article with questions and detailed answers about the “Spikes” (“Sh”) sign, relevant for 2021. From this article you will learn what the fine is for the absence of this sign, where to attach it correctly, what loopholes there are to drive without this sticker, what size the “Spikes” sign should be, the requirements for it and all the subtleties of the car law about this notorious triangle. And at the end of the article you can listen to its text in the video (the very first video).

So, recently, traffic police inspectors began to actively find fault with the absence of the “Ш” sticker, to the point of intimidating drivers about guilt in the event of an accident when a moving car drives into it from behind, and the first one does not have this sign. However, the authors of this “tale” are not the traffic police. In 2021, a fine was introduced for the absence of this sign, although even before that, the formal absence of punishment did not prevent traffic police officers from “divorcing” drivers from getting a fine for the “Spikes” sign.

However, let's talk about everything in order!

Is the "Spikes" sign required for 2019?

Yes, required. At the same time, the obligation to glue it is directly prescribed by the traffic rules, which we must know. To be more precise, the appendix to this regulatory act called “Basic provisions for vehicle approval,” paragraph 8 of which instructs you and me to do the following:

8. The following identification marks must be installed on vehicles: . “Spikes” - in the form of an equilateral triangle of white color with the top up with a red border, into which the letter “Ш” is inscribed in black (the side of the triangle is at least 200 mm, the width of the border is 1/10 of the side) - on the back of motor vehicles with studded tires tires;

We are required to install winter tires in the winter months: December, January and February (regions have the right to change the obligatory period). This is already bequeathed to us by the Technical Regulations. There is also a fine for not having winter tires. Accordingly, if we install studded tires during these months, we are required to stick on the “Spikes” sign.

Is a sign required if Velcro is installed?

As can be seen from the quote above, the obligation to stick a sign is provided only for owners of studded tires. If you install Velcro for the winter, then you have no responsibility for the “Spikes” sticker.

The “L” sign or similar, which would oblige the owners of the Velcro to put up the corresponding sign, has also not yet been invented.

Is the "Sh" sign necessary if the spikes have come out?

It’s a strange situation, but it’s impossible to formally issue a fine if the tires were essentially studded at one point, but the studs have all fallen off, because in this case the car is not classified as “having studded tires.” There is also no separate marking for studded tires, so the driver is not actually required to affix the “Spikes” sign.

Has the Thorns sign been cancelled? Is it needed on a car? Answer from official sources

The automobile sign “Spikes” denotes the timely use by motorists of winter tires on wheels, which are equipped with a special tread surface - studs.

The anti-slip system allows cars to brake normally on snowy or icy roads. The length of inertial movement during braking using such wheels is reduced.

Three types of winter tires:

Studded - metal studs are built into the rubber, allowing the wheel to stop moving much faster, given the difficulties of the road surface in winter.
Corrugated rubber - deep tread “patterns” allow the wheels to “stick” a little to icy or snowy surfaces. This makes braking faster.
Combined - deep grooves on the treads are combined with spikes.

In addition to these options, there is also universal rubber, which is suitable for demi-season use. But it is suitable only for regions where there is no severe and long winter.

The designation itself, which drivers attach to the back of the car itself, is designed to inform other road users about the presence of:

there are studs on the tires;
shortened braking distance;
the likelihood of a spike hitting the windshield if it flies off a ramp made of poor-quality material, and the rear car drives too close.

Such a notification allows other motorists to correctly determine the moment of braking of their car because the braking distance of the car in front will be much shorter.

Timely awareness of road users can prevent accidents on winter roads.

The orientation is to keep a decent distance from those cars that signal with a sign that they have studded tires on their wheels.

Due to ice conditions in the winter, motorists are required to use studded tires. It forgives driving on slippery roads.

According to paragraph 8 of the regulations on the admission of vehicles to operation, on a car equipped with studded tires, the driver is required to place a “Ш” sign that meets the requirements of GOST.

The shape of the sticker is an equilateral triangle. The dimensions of the sign are 20x20x20 cm. Inside the triangle there is a red outline (the width of the strip is 2 cm) and a large letter in the middle. Background – white.

The requirements of the law are determined by ensuring safety when driving on the road - tires with studs can provoke an accident: the braking distance of a vehicle equipped with studded wheels is less than that of cars of the same configuration and model, but without studs. A driver walking behind a car may not have time to brake while maintaining the average distance.

The legislation defines the exact dimensions of the warning signal, but according to the rules, where to glue the “Ш” sign is not established. The main condition is that the sticker must be attached to the back of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible to other motorists driving behind.

Most often, the studded tire sign is placed on the rear window. But, if for some reason it is impossible to install a sign in this place, you can place the sticker on the back of the vehicle so that it is clearly visible.

This sign must be attached exclusively in accordance with established norms and rules. Since establishing it otherwise will not give the desired result, simply put, the sign will not be able to fulfill its function - to inform about the danger in connection with studded tires.

The location of the sign is not clearly indicated in the regulatory documentation; it only says: “behind” the vehicle. Therefore, the car owner has the right to independently choose the most appropriate place to place the sign.

Among other things, this sign does not have to be a sticker: today in stores you can find it in the form of a magnet or plastic with a suction cup. Such designs of the sign are even more convenient for use, since in the summer they can be easily removed and put aside until the next winter season. The sign can be placed both inside and outside the car.

As a rule, vehicle owners stick the sign on the rear window, however, if it interferes with visibility, you can place it on the bumper or trunk.

When installing the “Ш” sign, the driver must be guided by considerations of safety and good visibility; pedestrians and drivers of cars behind must see the sign from at least 20 meters.

It should be remembered that a sign located on the bumper is less noticeable to other road users than one placed on the rear window.

To indicate the presence of studded wheels on a car, you can:

buy in a specialized store;
make it yourself;
download for printing using the Internet.

The cost of a sign in a car accessories store can range from 20 to 100 rubles.

The “Spikes” sign was part of all road warning information signs back in 1993, when the traffic rules were finally formed.

Back in 2021, such a sign was required to be present on cars equipped with ramps with spikes on wheels. Such regulations were introduced into the Rules by Government Decree No. 333 of March 24, 2017, which came into force on April 4 of the same year.

This means that the car could easily be towed to an impound lot and the driver prohibited from driving it until the problem is fixed. A fine for such offense was also determined - 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

As of June 1, 2021, this sign has already been removed from the Rules - clause 8. This was done by excluding a paragraph from the text of paragraph 8 of the traffic rules.

Now the presence of this signal “display” on the back of the car body or glass is not an obligation for motorists.

In 2021, according to the traffic rules, the absence of a “Spikes” warning sign was equated to vehicle malfunctions, and a financial penalty was established. The fine for not having a Spikes sticker is 500 rubles (Russia); if you’re lucky, the driver can only get by with a warning from a traffic police officer. In any case, you don’t want to get into an unpleasant situation over such trifles, so take care to comply with a simple requirement. Let us remind you that the “Spikes” sign on Velcro is not needed.

What is the fine for the "Spikes" sign?

But a duty does not always mean a sanction for violating this duty. So, there is a violation for exceeding the speed by 5 km/h, for example, but there is no punishment. This was the case with the “Spikes” sticker until recently. The fact is that Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which provided for penalties for violations of appendices to traffic rules, referred only to the conditions prohibiting the operation of vehicles (Appendix No. 2). And the obligation to put up the “Spikes” sign is provided for in Appendix No. 1 (Basic provisions for vehicle approval).

Responsibility of the car owner for failure to comply with the rules for using the vehicle

For driving on studded wheels without a sign warning other drivers about this, the car owner bears administrative responsibility. Changes to the DD rules, effective from April 4, 2017, provide for the imposition of a fine in the amount of 500 rubles (Article 12.5, paragraph 1). Correct and permissible operation of vehicles involves the mandatory use of special tires in winter - driving on wheels with spikes. One of the best, as the experience of car enthusiasts shows, is European-style tires. You can purchase and install such tires at any popular car dealership.

Is it possible to be guilty of an accident if there is no “Spikes” sign?

What happens if you don’t have a “Spikes” sticker, provided you have studded tires, and another car drives into you from behind? Can he refer to your guilt (at least partial) since the sign was missing?

Hardly ever. But mutual guilt cannot be ruled out. In general, there will be no last one with a 99.9% probability. The reason here is simple, although there are violations of both participants in the accident. When identifying the culprit, the person examining the case (an official - a traffic police officer or a judge) determines the cause-and-effect relationship between the violations and the accident.

Obviously, it was the failure of the person driving behind to maintain the required distance that led to the accident, and not the lack of a “Spikes” sign for the person in front. This is obvious for two reasons:

be that as it may, the distance according to traffic rules is a precedent concept, which means that until an accident occurs, it is safe; and if an accident occurred, then the distance was unsafe;
and most importantly, nothing would have changed if the driver had a “Spikes” sign in front.

However, if the potential culprit nevertheless proves during an appeal that he would have kept a greater distance if the driver in front had the appropriate identification mark, then mutual guilt is not logically excluded. However, this has not yet happened in judicial practice until 2019 and is unlikely to happen in the future.

What if I have Velcro and in the warm season?

If you do not use studded tires, then the presence of this identification mark on your car is not necessary. As for the seasonal factor, the only rule you need to remember is that the corresponding sign on the car must appear simultaneously with the installation of studded wheels on it.

Related links: How to appeal a traffic police decision on a fine?

It is worth remembering that the use of summer tires in the Russian Federation is prohibited by law in the winter season, as is driving on studded tires in the summer. The rest of the year is left to the discretion of the drivers themselves, who must be guided by local weather conditions. In addition, regional officials, taking into account the climatic conditions of the area, can, by their local laws, increase or shorten the period of operation of summer and winter tires. After all, everyone understands that the duration of winter in the Stavropol Territory and in Chukotka is completely different.

Changes in the rules for transporting children in a car from July 2017

What if you put a sign behind tinted glass?

Formally, and this is not prohibited. Literally, traffic rules require sticking a “Spikes” sign on the glass at the back of the car. But nowhere is it indicated that it should be glued only from the outside (moreover, stickers are sold, the adhesive side of which is intended for gluing from the inside), that it should be visible at all.

But such a loophole as hiding the “Spikes” sign from the traffic police and other road users will suit you if you really want problems with the former, since in fact, the only purpose of the “Sh” sign is to ensure road safety by warning other participants that you have studded tires (you can debate for a long time why you should warn them, but alas, this is an obligation).

Below on the page you can download an image of the “Spikes” sign so that you can print it yourself.

About “download and print the “Spikes” sign

Thinking out loud…

Well, let’s say you find somewhere on the Internet a suitable (corresponding to GOST in size and color) “Spikes” sign. Let's say you download it.
Let's say you have a color printer to print it.
Let's say you even find scissors and can cut it evenly.
But I would like to understand how you are going to attach it to the car. Scotch tape? Glue? Nails? How?!
And I would like to know the following. Do you really need this headache (searching, printing, cutting, somehow sculpting it on your car) when you can buy a self-adhesive “Spikes” sign at the nearest store for ridiculous pennies?
One problem is that not every place has the correct size "Spikes" sign. But every day you drive past at least a dozen retail outlets where it is sold.
Maybe you’ll still go and buy a self-adhesive “Spikes” sign at the nearest counter?

With the “Ш” sign, everything is clear - we go to the store, buy a self-adhesive sticker of a standard size and stick it on the outside of the car. But there are other interesting things in nature.

Did you know that in many cases you are legally entitled to a tax deduction? That is, the state will return part of the taxes paid to you. And to do this, you just need to correctly fill out and submit the declaration to the tax office.

Deductions are due in the following cases.

When selling a car and other property.
When selling and buying real estate.
If you paid money for treatment or training.
If you just have children.
And also in many other cases.

Anyone from any city in Russia, without making any trips anywhere, without filling out any papers, can apply for a deduction (fill out a declaration)

➫ here

Description, dimensions and parameters of the “Spikes” sign according to GOST

The sign is in the form of an equilateral triangle with the letter “Ш” inside in the center. Red border and black and white inner area. According to GOST, the parameters and dimensions of the “Spikes” sign should be as follows:

1. The border of the triangle should be red, the inner area should be white, the letter “W” should be black;
2. The side of the triangle is at least 20 centimeters;
3. The width of the red border is 1/10 of the length of the side of the triangle. (That is, for example, 2 centimeters with a triangle side length of 20 centimeters)

Has the “Spikes” sign been canceled or not?

In May 2021, a draft law was initiated to abolish the mandatory placement of a sign on vehicles. This was motivated by the fact that the requirement itself has long been morally outdated, since both the cars themselves and their technical characteristics have changed greatly over the past decades. However, despite the fact that many members of the press perceived this bill as already approved, as of the end of November 2021, it was still pending and was pending. And only on December 8, 2018, the “Spikes” sign was officially canceled after the relevant resolution came into force.

Where can I get a standard “Spikes” sign for free (Voronezh only)

He put a ruler in the car and began to measure the signs that were pasted on the car windows. However, even without a ruler it was clear that all the signs were much smaller than required by the rules. It’s understandable - it’s cheaper. But those who stick them on cannot consider themselves to have fulfilled the requirements of the traffic rules with all that it entails... Also, a huge number of people, including myself, do not bother themselves at all by sticking this sign, even though they drive on spikes. Like this. And we already know that you can lose a lot of money this way.

What to do …? — I went and ordered self-adhesive “Spikes” signs of standard size. The cost of such a sign, with a small circulation, was 15 rubles. At this price you can purchase such a sign at the address: Truda Ave. - 39 (tires and wheels are sold there) during business hours.

To purchase this sign for 15 rubles
(they are sold to everyone else for 25 rubles) I must say that you are a reader of my blog.
To get the “Spikes” sticker for free
, you must be a subscriber to the “How to choose a car” mailing list or a buyer of studded tires.

Just click on this link

Location

Before explaining what the “Spikes” sign should be, let’s look at where the sticker should be placed. According to the rules, the paper sign must be stuck on the rear of the vehicle. There are no additional explanations in the traffic rules regarding whether it is inside or outside, from the side, from below or from above. That is, it is allowed to stick the badge on the back door, on the trunk lid, and on the bumper. According to statistics, most motorists prefer to place the “Ш” indicator on the outside of the rear window.

Sticker dimensions according to GOST

The state standard provides a clear explanation of what the “Spikes” sign should be according to GOST. Here are the main parameters:

the length of any side of the triangle is at least 20 cm;
the width of the red edging strip along the edge is 1/10 of the size of the equilateral figure, but not less than 2 cm;
background - only white, edging - only red;
the letter Ш in the middle is printed, only in black.

Any unauthorized deviation from the norm is unacceptable and is a gross violation. Even if the badge is stuck on, but turns out to be smaller, the inspector will count it as missing and issue a fine legally. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy stickers at gas stations or souvenir stalls if they do not appear to meet the stated requirements. However, it is not forbidden to make such a badge yourself, by printing it on a printer or drawing it by hand.

Answers on questions

Many car owners do not strive to comply with the requirements of inspectors, considering the purchase and sticking of a sign to be nonsense. Usually such thoughts disappear after the first fine of 500 rubles is issued, especially considering that the average price of a sign is about 50 rubles.

Here are some current questions regarding the placement of the “Spikes” sign on cars in 2017-2018.

Question No. 1. In what months should studded tires be installed?

Answer: During the winter months, starting from December and ending in February, studs must be installed on the vehicle. Deadlines may vary depending on the region; all provisions are specified in the Technical Regulations.

Question No. 2. If I don’t put up spikes in winter, I don’t need a sign, do I?

Answer. Penalties are also imposed for the absence of studded winter tires on a car in winter. It is necessary to “re-shoe” the wheels and stick the “Ш” badge on the rear window.

Question No. 3. I don't have spikes on my wheels at all, but Velcro. Will there be anything for me for this?

Answer: Only owners of winter spikes are required to attach the “Ш” sign. Legislators have not yet come up with the “L” badge.

Question No. 4. All my thorns have fallen out due to old age, should I put on a sticker too? Or pay fines?

Answer: In this situation, everything depends on the inspector. Essentially, if the studs have fallen out, the tire is not technically considered studded. This means there is no need to put a sticker on it. But the case is controversial, so it’s better to replace the tires with new ones, it’s safer and calmer.

Is it necessary to put up a thorn sign in 2017?

In 2021, the “Spikes” warning sign must be attached to the rear of a vehicle if it is driving on studded tires. Previously, the issue of using this sign raised a number of doubts, but this year the presence of the “Ш” sign is required at the legislative level.

Paragraph No. 8 of the “Basic Provisions for Permitting Vehicles to Operation” determines the need for such warning signs, including the “W” triangle. The dimensional characteristics and color scheme that the sign must correspond to are specified here.

The Road Traffic Regulations (2.3.1) outline the driver's responsibilities and clearly state that he must ensure that his vehicle complies with all licensing regulations.

Please note that in 2021, the absence of the “Spikes” sign on a car with studded tires is considered a malfunction, which means driving such a vehicle is prohibited. This information can be confirmed by reading the amended clause 7.15 (1) of the DD rules.