Overtaking on bridges, overpasses, overpasses

Traffic rules, first published in the original version on November 22, 1993 in the 47th issue of the “Collection of Acts of the President and the Government of the Russian Federation” and approved by Decree of the Russian Government No. 1090 of October 23, 1993 “On the Rules...” (hereinafter referred to as the Rules), regulate the traffic order on Russian roads.

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The rules are mandatory for all motorists, vehicle passengers and pedestrians. Violation of regulations results in administrative and even criminal liability.

Definition

Despite the fact that such artificial objects as bridges are found quite often on highways, the definitions in clause 1.2. and is not presented in other paragraphs of the Rules.

But the definition is contained in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia: a bridge is an artificial structure that makes a path over some obstacle (usually water).

The bridge can be laid across any water body - be it an artificial or natural reservoir (rivers, lakes, ponds, etc.).

Objects such as overpasses and overpasses are similar in functionality:

• an overpass is a structure that, unlike a bridge, lays a road not through a water barrier, but through another road (road or railway - it doesn’t matter);

• An overpass is also an artificial structure through which a ravine or gorge can be driven.

The main difference between an overpass and an overpass is the possibility of access to other roads through the overpass and the lack of such access when driving along an overpass.

Despite the fact that the Rules do not contain definitions of a bridge, an overpass, or an overpass, they are still mentioned. In addition, the Rules clearly prohibit certain types of maneuvers at these facilities, and the Code of Administrative Offenses regulates liability for violation of these requirements.

Overtaking on a bridge in the Rules of the Road

Paragraph 11.4 of the current Traffic Rules specifically lists all sections of the route where overtaking is strictly prohibited. This list includes a bridge and an overpass (a type of bridge structure). Violation of this rule entails certain liability.

Signs

Appendix 1 to the Rules contains a list of absolutely all signs used on Russian roads. However, this list does not include any sign indicating the presence of a bridge or the driver’s approach to it.

The only sign that somehow signals the presence of a bridge is 1.9. "Drawbridge". The presence of this sign indicates that the driver is soon approaching a drawbridge or ferry crossing.

“Ordinary” bridges are not indicated by any signs, so a motorist can determine whether it is a bridge or not only by indirect signs:

• by the presence of an information sign 6.11. “Name of object” - as a rule, the names of rivers, lakes or other water bodies are written on such signs, accordingly, there is a high probability that there is a bridge somewhere nearby;

• by the presence of markings 2.1.1., 2.1.2. or 2.1.3. – applied to overpass supports if such supports pose a danger to vehicles that have undergone technical inspection in the prescribed manner;

• by the presence of markings 2.2., which indicate the lower edge of the span of bridges and overpasses;
• visually - as a rule, all bridges are equipped with railings or metal bumpers.

Which maneuvers are prohibited and which are allowed?

Artificial road structures, including bridges, overpasses and overpasses, are quite expensive to construct and operate. Therefore, during their construction, unnecessary costs are avoided in every possible way - in particular, they make the roadway narrow.

Because of this, motorists do not have the necessary space to maneuver, which entails a ban in the Rules on the implementation of most of them.

Stop

As stated in paragraph 1.2. Rules, stopping means stopping the movement of the vehicle:

• in general - for a period of no more than 5 minutes;
• or for any period at all, if the cessation of traffic is associated with the embarkation, disembarkation of citizens or the unloading (loading) of a vehicle.

In ab. 3 clause 12.4. The rules clearly state that stopping on bridges, overpasses and overpasses is prohibited. In addition, stopping under the bridge is also prohibited according to traffic regulations.

There is one exception - if there are 3 or more lanes for traffic in any direction, then stopping is permitted, but subject to the other provisions of Section 12 of the Rules.

In other words, if there are 3 lanes on an overpass or overpass, you can park the car on the right side of the road, and if there is no shoulder on the bridge, then at the edge of the roadway in one row. Only motorcycles without a side trailer can be parked in 2 rows.

Stopping on the left side is prohibited in any case, since vehicles can be parked there on roads with one lane, and if there is 1 lane on the bridge, then stopping is prohibited in any case in accordance with paragraph. 3 clause 12.4. Rules

Parking

Based on clause 12.5. The rules state that parking is not allowed in all those places where stopping is prohibited.

Thus, the above procedure also applies to parking - that is, parking on an overpass or overpass will be prohibited in the same cases as stopping (and, accordingly, permitted in cases where stopping is permitted).

Overtaking

Leading is considered to be the movement of a vehicle at a speed greater than the speed of the vehicle moving in the same direction.

By virtue of clause 1.2. According to the rules, overtaking means getting ahead of one or several cars at once, associated with driving into the oncoming lane, with a further return to the previously occupied lane.

According to ab. 5 clause 11.4. According to the rules, overtaking cannot be done under any circumstances, not only at signalized intersections and pedestrian crossings, but also on bridges, overpasses and under them.

In other words, drive into oncoming traffic on the bridge even if there is no sign 3.20. “Overtaking is prohibited” or continuous, strictly prohibited.

But with regard to advance, no prohibitions have been established. That is, a driver who has compulsory motor insurance can easily move in his lane at a speed higher than the speed of another vehicle moving in the same lane.

Features of overtaking at intersections according to traffic rules are discussed in the article: overtaking in traffic rules. Read about mandatory traffic rules signs here.

Rebuilding

Based on the same paragraph 1.2. According to the rules, changing lanes means leaving the originally occupied lane while maintaining the direction of movement.

In other words, changing lanes is changing lanes, for example, from the far right to the middle (if there are 3 lanes for driving in one direction).

If a bridge has several lanes for traffic in one direction, the driver can easily change lanes. There are no prohibitions on performing this maneuver in the Rules.

The procedure for rebuilding is the same as in other cases:

• giving the appropriate turn signal or making a hand gesture (clause 8.1 of the Rules);
• looking in the rearview mirror to make sure there are cars behind;
• the beginning of the maneuver, with the preliminary provision of priority to those vehicles moving in the lane that the driver with CASCO plans to occupy;
• If drivers change lanes at the same time, it is necessary to use the “right hand” rule - that is, give way to the vehicle on the right.

When changing lanes, the driver must also take into account the requirements presented in Section 9 of the Rules. Thus, if the bridge is located outside a populated area, it is prohibited to occupy the left lane if there are free right lanes (clause 9.4 of the Rules).

In addition, when there is heavy traffic on the bridge, changing lanes is allowed only for the following purposes:

• stops
• turning left or making a U-turn;
• around obstacles.

In addition, vehicles that, in accordance with technical capabilities, cannot reach a speed higher than 40 km/h (clause 9.6 of the Rules) are prohibited from changing lanes into any lane other than the far right lane.

U-turn

Based on ab. 4 clause 8.11. The rules are that you cannot make a U-turn on overpasses, overpasses, or in places located underneath them.

In addition, by virtue of ab. 2 clause 8.12. According to the rules, it is also prohibited to drive in reverse on bridges.

Are there any special features or exceptions regarding overtaking on a bridge?

If the driver has realized his guilt, is not seen as a malicious “reckless driver” who constantly ignores the rules, or if there were objective reasons (for example, the markings were worn out), then you can count on a fine for overtaking on a bridge, and not deprivation of driving privileges. Also, the presence on a given section of the road of a slow-moving vehicle traveling at a speed of 30 km per hour and creating a traffic jam (car jam) cannot be considered as an objective reason; at least a fine for overtaking it is provided.

There are no exceptions to this rule; driving a vehicle into the oncoming lane on the bridge is prohibited and no special conditions or restrictions are provided by law.

Permissible speed

Regulations regarding speed limits are given in Section 10 of the Rules.

There is no mention in this Section that drivers must adhere to a certain speed limit on bridges.

This means that the general order applies:

• if the bridge is located within a populated area, it is allowed to move along it at a speed not exceeding 60 km/h (clause 10.2 of the Rules);
• if the overpass or overpass is located outside the city boundaries, then the speed depends on the type of vehicle and the type of road - for example, on an overpass located on a highway, passenger cars can move at a speed of no more than 110 km/h, and on a bridge located on other roads outside cities - no more than 90 km/h.

Please note that the above permitted speeds are valid only in the absence of indicator 3.24. Its effect extends from its location to:

• or 1st intersection;
• or reaching the boundaries of a populated area.

The operation area of ​​a speed limit sign may be limited to:

• plate 8.2.2.;

• or sign 3.25.;

• or a repeated sign 3.24., ordering to move at a different permitted maximum speed.

As we can see, if together with 3.24. 8.2.2 does not apply, then its operation on the bridge is not interrupted. So, if 3.24. installed before the overpass, the driver must drive at a speed no higher than that indicated on the sign.

Features of the convention

After leaving the bridge, the driver will be allowed to perform all maneuvers that were previously prohibited, namely overtaking, turning around, driving in reverse, stopping on the right side of the road, regardless of the number of lanes.

If, when exiting, oncoming traffic is difficult, the driver should be guided by the requirements of clause 11.7. Rules - that is, give way to an oncoming car if there is an obstacle on the driver’s side.

If immediately after the bridge there is a steep descent or ascent, indicated, respectively, by signs 1.13. and 1.14., the one who is moving downhill must yield.

Fines for violating traffic rules

Depending on which paragraph of the Rules is violated by the motorist, one or another sanction will follow in accordance with the current edition of the Administrative Code:

1. Turning around on an overpass or overpass, or in places located under them. Failure to comply with clause 8.11. of the Rules will entail a sanction in the form of a fine of 500 rubles in accordance with Part 2 of Art. 12.14. Code of Administrative Offences. The fine will be 250 rubles if paid within 20 days after the decision is issued.

1. Turn around on a bridge located within the highway marked with sign 5.1. The fine for this violation is already 5 times greater - 2500 rubles (Part 3 of Article 12.11 of the Administrative Code).

   

1. Moving backwards. The sanction is exactly the same as for a reversal - 500 rubles based on Part 2 of Art. 12.14. Code of Administrative Offences.

1. Overtaking. The penalty is the same as for overtaking across a continuous road on other sections of the road, if it (overtaking) is prohibited in accordance with any paragraph of the Rules:
   or a fine of 5,000 rubles;
2. or revocation of a driver's license for a period of 4 to 6 months.

If the traffic police inspector chooses deprivation of rights, the specific period of deprivation will be established by the court (Article 23.1 of the Administrative Code).

If you overtake on the bridge again (once again within 12 months - Article 4.6 of the Code of Administrative Offenses), then the sanctions will be much harsher - no alternative deprivation of rights for a period of 1 year. An exception is if repeated overtaking is recorded by a camera - then a fine of 5000 is imposed.

1. Stopping or parking on an overpass or overpass. The punishment depends on the offense:
   if stopping or parking resulted in interference with the driving of other vehicles, sanctions will be imposed under Part 4 of Art. 12.19. Administrative Code - 2,000 rubles, and stopping or parking on a bridge that creates interference, if the bridge is located within the boundaries of a city of federal significance, is punishable by an increased fine of 3,000 rubles (Part 6, Article 12.19 of the Administrative Code);
2. if the inspector did not notice the creation of obstacles to traffic, the punishment is imposed in accordance with Part 1 of Art. 12.19. Code of Administrative Offenses – warning or 500 rubles.

All traffic fines presented can be paid with a 50% discount.

1. Violation of the established speed limit on the bridge. Responsibility is the same as for speeding in other situations, that is:

1. Driving in an undesignated lane. If the driver takes, for example, outside a populated area on a bridge the left lane when the right one is free, sanctions will apply under Part 1 of Art. 12.15. Code of Administrative Offences—fine 1,500 rubles.

1. The turn signal does not turn on when changing lanes. Responsibility will be under Part 1 of Art. 12.14. Code of Administrative Offenses – warning or 500 rubles.

So, in the Rules there is no definition of such concepts as a bridge, overpass, overpass, although at various points there is a ban on performing certain maneuvers in these places.

A motorist can distinguish a bridge from other objects both visually and by the presence of vertical markings 2.1.1. – 2.1.3. and 2.2., as well as an information sign with the name of the river (lake, reservoir).

Where is stopping and parking of vehicles prohibited according to traffic regulations? Find the answer in the article: stopping and parking in traffic rules. Check out the traffic prohibition signs here.

Turning left according to traffic rules is discussed on this page.

Is it possible to overtake on a bridge?

All drivers are well aware that overtaking on bridges is prohibited, but still, there are exceptions to the rules.

Not fully understanding the rules of the road, drivers sometimes find themselves in awkward situations that can lead to unpleasant consequences in the form of fines or temporary revocation of a driver’s license.

Inspector feeders . Most often, all controversial places are considered good for additional income that can be obtained from confused drivers by unscrupulous law enforcement officers. That is why, as practice shows, they stop drivers where they believe that a traffic violation has been committed and try to issue a fine.

Not everyone can prove the opposite, given the excitement and confusion of motorists. Most often, young and inexperienced drivers who do not know how to communicate with representatives of the law fall into the trap.

Not all bridges are like this . The law states that overtaking on the bridge is prohibited. But according to certain information, not all structures across the river can be called a bridge, which means that the rules do not apply to all structures. As a rule, each bridge consists of a span, an outer support, an intermediate support and the road surface itself. If the listed elements are not present, then the constructed structure cannot be classified as a pavement, therefore, it may have intermittent markings and overtaking is allowed here!

Intermittent markings . Drivers must be able to recognize road lines and understand what they mean. So, if there are intermittent markings on the road, then regardless of whether they are located on a bridge or not, you can overtake, and do so legally and remain unpunished. Unless there are prohibiting signs.

Side guards. Note that side guards play a very important role during intermittent markings and you need to pay attention to them so as not to find yourself in uncomfortable and dangerous situations or to avoid becoming the culprit of a traffic accident.

There are GOST rules according to which it is unsafe to overtake on the bridge due to its small width. But you need to understand that bridge designs are different.

Conclusion. Law enforcement officials are confident that the length of a bridge is determined by its beginning and end. But according to current legislation, the length of the bridge is measured without taking into account the length of the transition slabs. It turns out that there should also be a broken line there, allowing you to overtake. In order to avoid getting into an uncomfortable situation, it is best to know and understand the rules of the road.