Fine for not having a “Beginner Driver” sign. What does the “Beginner Driver” sign look like and where to put it?

For the first time without an instructor, keep everything under control

So, this is your first time driving a car without an instructor.
Not surprisingly, you will most likely feel fear. This is a normal feeling that accompanies every novice driver, because driving a car is not so easy. If you feel that you are not yet ready to drive independently, it is better to save your first trip for later. Only drive yourself for the first time when you are ready. If you want to move safely and efficiently on the road and not become an obstacle to other road users, you need to constantly think about what you are doing. You must be focused on driving, keep your eyes open and anticipate what you will do in the next minutes.

Video about how inexperienced drivers should behave on the road:

Take your time. A lower speed will give you more time to react to unexpected circumstances. Don't be upset if other drivers pass you. Even if you are driving too slowly, in their opinion, you have the right to do so. This speed is especially important when performing any maneuvers. Keep in mind that some obstacles are so low that they cannot be seen through the car window.
Be determined and confident along the way. You cannot afford a moment of hesitation. If it takes a long time to overtake or turn today, over time you will learn to judge the distance correctly.

And remember, when you get behind the wheel of a car, you take on great responsibility not only for yourself, but also for other road users who happen to be next to you on the road.

How do indicators work differently in cars with and without ABS?

If the car has the named system, then the warning lamp (also called the indicator icon) should normally light up when the ignition is turned on and the parking brake is applied, and go out after starting the engine and when the parking brake is released. This is how the system is tested. And if the light goes out, it means the system is working properly. An indicator signal that glows longer than expected indicates a malfunction in the vehicle's systems. If ABS is not installed, then when the ignition is turned on, the icon appears only if problems arise, which we will discuss in more detail below.

What does an exclamation mark on a car mean?

Tips for novice drivers

A yellow sticker with an exclamation mark is used to attract special attention to a car driven by an inexperienced driver. It warns all road users that they must be prepared to respond quickly in case of inappropriate behavior of a newcomer on the road

Better yet, increase the distance between your car and his.

For the most novice driver, this sign should provide some advantages and comfort when driving: they will miss him somewhere, they won’t drive too close on a hill, they won’t stop him in the parking lot. However, in practice, in many large cities with aggressive driving habits, it becomes even more uncomfortable for beginners with this familiarity. For example, drivers in Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Moscow, Magadan do not favor newcomers on the road, do not give any concessions, and treat them with extreme disrespect. And what’s most interesting is that they are not afraid of them, but they are worth it.

An exclamation mark is a warning about the inexperience of the driver, who can create an emergency situation due to his poor driving skills. For this purpose, the sign is made in a bright yellow color to especially attract attention.

Before the start of the journey

Useful tips for car enthusiasts How to choose the right parking sensors for a car

Tips for a novice driver will be useful even before you hit the road. Before you start, check that:

Is it comfortable for you to sit
Do you have properly configured mirrors?
You're wearing your seat belt
Light and sound signals are working properly
The brake system is working properly

Adjust your mirrors

Mirrors are very important elements of any car. It is thanks to them that the driver has eyes in the rear of the car. Proper installation is absolutely necessary and very important. Remember, you need to install them while you are sitting in the driver's seat!

It is very important to adjust your mirrors before driving

Rear view mirrors (center)

They should be located so that the largest area is visible. This will allow the driver to appreciate what is happening in the center behind him. The interior mirror should show what you cannot see using the right and left mirror.

Use seat belts

This is another tip that may seem extremely obvious, but many people don't take it into account. Any advice from experienced drivers indicates the mandatory use of seat belts

They have been scientifically proven to help prevent accident injuries. Secondly, not using a seat belt is a crime on the roads of our country and entails a fine. Remember, it can save your life.

All drivers should wear seat belts

Get behind the wheel correctly

Sit up straight but relaxed. Place your left hand on the steering wheel at 10 o'clock and your right hand at 2 o'clock. Hold the steering wheel with all your fingers. Avoid a very tight grip because your palms are not as sensitive as your fingers.

You need to get behind the wheel comfortably and correctly

Check the effectiveness of the brakes

Before leaving, be sure to check the effectiveness of the brakes. Start the engine and start driving slowly. Then press the brakes until you come to a complete stop - you should feel some friction. This procedure should not take much time.

If the brake resistance is too weak or the car continues to roll despite braking, this may indicate that the brake system is faulty. It is prohibited to travel in such a vehicle.

The braking system is one of the most important safety elements

The meaning of the exclamation mark

Useful tips for car enthusiastsReplacing the timing belt

The sticker has been around since 2009 and shows that the car is being driven by an inexperienced driver (as in: be careful!). By the way, less than 2 years of experience is considered a lack of experience. The officially recognized design is a black punctuation mark in a yellow square, although triangular stickers have also been seen. The following features are notable:

There seems to be no requirement for beginners to stick a badge on glass. There are no fines for their absence; their presence is not stipulated by regulations

The presence of the sign on board is purely advisory; Moreover, if a new driver is stopped by a traffic police officer and notices that there is no sticker, he can point this out to the driver and strongly advise him to purchase one. And a person who has been driving for less than 2 years will not pass a technical inspection without the specified sticker.

It was assumed that such a sticker, firstly, would be applied by newcomers out of a sense of civic responsibility, and secondly, it would warn others that they should not always expect correct actions and mistakes in driving from a car with a sign.

Speed limit for beginners - is it true?

No. Despite the fact that the authorities have repeatedly tried to introduce a draft new law on speed limits for novice drivers, as of May 28, 2021, no official innovations have come into force, and regardless of experience, the permissible speed is the same for all drivers.

Previously, the Duma wanted to introduce restrictions for novice car enthusiasts. What would their top speed be if this came into effect?

On highways (outside populated areas) it would be possible to drive at speeds of up to 70 km/h,
in the city - no more than 50 km/h.

Is it necessary to put a novice driver sign on your car?

Having received the long-awaited license to drive a car, newly minted drivers are in a hurry to get behind the wheel. The first attempts to drive independently can be awkward and chaotic, because even after a driving course at a driving school, everyone, without exception, lacks banal experience.

Many people ask: “What does an exclamation mark on a car mean?” and “Beginner driver - how many years do you need to drive with an exclamation point?”

In order to warn other drivers about the danger in the form of an inexperienced colleague, an appropriate sign was introduced. Many people do not know why they need to install it on their car and what liability is provided for its absence. Let's figure it out.

Who needs a “novice driver” sign?

Paragraph 8 of the appendices to the Road Traffic Rules for the approval of vehicles for use on the road tells us that various identification marks must be installed on vehicles. For example: spikes, deaf or novice driver, doctor, disabled person.

The novice driver sign looks like a yellow square with an exclamation point drawn in the center and is attached to the rear window of any vehicle except:

Motorcycle;
Tractors;
Self-propelled machine.

The reason for installing the young driver sign is clear from its name: the sticker must be present on the car of inexperienced drivers. According to the rules, a novice driver is considered to be a person who received his license less than 2 years ago.

Please note the description of the sign: a black exclamation mark on a yellow background. Many people hang the wrong stickers:

The white triangle with an exclamation point is a road sign called "other hazards." It may mean that there is some kind of threat on the road ahead, for example, a cliff or fog. But such a sign is not suitable for a novice driver.
Triangle with the letter "U". It can only be used on training vehicles, for example in a driving school. Once you have received your driver's license, you are no longer a student and such a sticker will be out of place.

The designation “novice driver” was introduced by the rules so that more experienced road users understand that the driver is a person who has very little experience in driving a car. Such drivers can behave unpredictably on the road: change lanes without making sure that their maneuver is safe; confusing the gas and brake pedals; stall at an intersection.

Having seen the warning sign of an inexperienced driver, a normal person will try to support an inexperienced colleague who is experiencing difficulties in a difficult situation. For example, it will help him change lanes by reducing speed, or even stop, giving the newcomer the opportunity to change lanes.

Although, of course, there are people who quickly forgot that they were once also inexperienced and bad drivers. Such drivers become irritated at the sight of an exclamation mark and often cut off newcomers and honk at them. It is because of such boors on the road that novice drivers often remove the identification mark from the car window before the required two-year period.

Fine for not having an exclamation mark on a car

How long do you need to drive with a novice driver sign? So, beginners often want to get rid of the sticker earlier than the traffic rules dictate. The only thing stopping drivers is the fear of getting a fine if stopped by a traffic police inspector.

However, there is no penalty for not having an exclamation mark on the rear window of a car. Although there are traffic police officers who are trying to make a mistake based on the driver’s violation of Article 12.5.1, this is unlawful.

This article provides for a fine of 500 rubles or a warning for operating a car in the presence of malfunctions for which driving the car is prohibited.

The list of such defects is indicated in the appendices to the road rules.

For the absence of a “novice driver” sign, a fine of 500 rubles is provided. According to the rules, an exclamation mark on a car is required for all persons who received a license less than 2 years ago.

Restrictions for inexperienced drivers

Not long ago, the authorities proposed an initiative that would introduce restrictions for inexperienced drivers:

Prohibition on driving at speeds exceeding 70 km/h;
Carrying no more than one passenger in a car;
Restriction of movement at night.

Such norms were once in force in the USSR and were abolished a long time ago. But due to the high number of accidents on the roads, including those caused by novice drivers, it was proposed to return these restrictions.

However, this initiative has not yet found support. Today, driving school graduates have exactly the same rights as their experienced comrades, without any prohibitions.

Novice driver according to traffic rules - who is it?

In the Road Traffic Rules, current for 2021, there are 2 concepts that define car owners with little experience:

"novice driver" car sign
several points of the Rules that apply only to driving by drivers with less than 2 years of experience.

And there is also an Instruction from the Bank of Russia on the maximum amounts of insurance tariffs, according to which, when calculating the cost of a compulsory motor liability insurance policy, different coefficients are applied for different length of service - the younger the driver, the more expensive the insurance will be.

Recommendations from psychologists

Experienced psychologists specializing in driver training strongly recommend overcoming phobias associated with “newbie syndrome.” They argue that a new driver taking to the road will cope much more quickly with uncertainty if he recognizes himself as an inexperienced driver. Moreover, those around him will give him certain privileges in the movement. After all, all people and nothing human is alien. Many of the experienced ones will try to help a novice colleague and warn him against an emergency situation, realizing that he cannot always adequately react to a sudden danger while driving

They will also behave more carefully with him, which, in turn, will make the driving process easier for the youngster. Of course, there will be those who will simply mock the newcomer and try to show themselves as an ace on the track, there are also quite a few of them

But the road, as a rule, puts everything in its place. And an experienced person who behaves impudently with a beginner sooner or later realizes the absurdity of his behavior. In addition, according to psychologists, recognizing the problem is the first step to overcoming it.

With increasing driving experience and driving time, the “newbie syndrome” will stop tormenting the novice driver and he will get used to his status.

This sign represents a training vehicle

And when yesterday’s novice driver takes to the track as an experienced driver, he will remember his first years behind the wheel and will begin to be condescending towards his colleagues who have recently gotten behind the wheel. After a certain time, such relationships will serve to significantly reduce the accident rate on Russian roads. It became known that it is planned to make changes to the very process of training future drivers. In particular, the training course will include several hours of lectures from professional psychologists. At the moment, it is not known exactly when exactly such an innovation will become the rule. But work in this direction is already underway. By the way, the participation of a psychologist in preparation is commonplace in European countries. Some of them even have a special specialty - autopsychologist.

Sticker controversy

At one time, the introduction of such a badge caused heated debate in the automotive environment. And we cannot say that they were so groundless. One of the outrages was caused by the selected image. It is clear that the exclamation mark warns of increased danger. However, which one exactly? What troubles can you expect from a car with a sticker? For example, the sticker-shoe, which has taken root, albeit unofficially, has become generally accepted because it clearly shows that the driver is a woman (or, according to another interpretation, a blonde). Here the signal is uninformative, so it is often missed by consciousness. Experience is a rather relative concept.

. A person can get a license and not drive after 10 years. In this case, he is more dangerous than a driver who passed the test a year ago, but at the same time did not get out of the car all this time. However, he will not have any warning signs on board. So what's the point of putting stickers on those considered newbies?

As for the usefulness of the sticker for inexperienced drivers, opinions are divided. Some new drivers believe that the presence of a sticker on board has greatly simplified their life. Fellow travelers were more patient with low speed, uncertain maneuvering, and slow reactions. There were fewer nervous screams and signals from behind, and there was less aggression in cases of indecision in making a choice or taking action. And more experienced drivers maintained a greater distance, fearing an accidental rollback. However, approximately the same number of beginners faced the exact opposite reaction. They were deliberately cut off, overtaken at risk, blowing their horn at full fanfare at the slightest delay, and even colorfully describing their driving skills in pure Russian. According to people with such experience, the exclamation mark acts on some like a red rag on an already enraged bull. Many, after driving with it for a couple of months, removed the badge from the glass out of harm’s way. In principle, if you understand what the exclamation mark on the car means, the idea should be considered sound and useful. The execution may have let us down, but the idea itself is good and correct. We can only regret that the culture of communication among some representatives of the driver tribe leaves much to be desired. And hope that the vast majority of drivers with experience will get into the situation, and will not complicate the acquisition of driving skills by beginners with stupid jokes and incorrect behavior on the road.

Psychological indicators

The novice motorist is responsible for installing the Inexperienced Driver sign. By sticking the symbols, the driver is doing the right thing and law-abidingly.

Professional car owners, when they see this sign, do not accompany the slow maneuvers and turns of a novice at an intersection with signals, but show attentiveness and understanding. After all, each of them was the same inexperienced amateur in the past. Sticking an exclamation mark on a car helps reduce the number of dangerous situations on the road.

Beginners are often embarrassed to put a sign on glass. They are afraid of the ridicule of acquaintances or experienced fellow motorists. Driving school teachers in such situations recommend not to doubt your actions, not to stroke your pride, but to use this sticker.

Reactive tactics

Try to drive not only in the evening or morning hours. Defensive driving skills are especially important to demonstrate during rush hour traffic.

Try to avoid sudden use of the brakes or steering. A sudden stop or change of lane, jerking the steering wheel to the right and left, or pressing the brake pedal can lead to the car skidding, which can then actually end up in oncoming traffic or in a ditch. You can avoid unpleasant surprises if your driving is smooth and all maneuvers are consistent.

It is important to ask noisy passengers to be quiet, as this will make it difficult for you to concentrate on the road. This advice especially applies to children in the car.

If your anxiety level is really high, look for a safe place to stop.

During rush hour, an inexperienced driver should be especially careful

General recommendations

It is necessary to be vigilant at uncontrolled intersections, as they are one of the most dangerous areas on the highway. Accidents occur on them for various reasons:

violation of maneuvering rules;
inattention to road signs or markings;
safe distance is not maintained, etc.

When driving a car, you need to take into account that not all road users will comply with traffic rules.

This can happen either deliberately by violators or due to inattention by other drivers.

Therefore, you should not reduce your attention even if your car has the right of way to pass on the main road or exit at a green light. At any moment you need to have time to react to a rapidly changing situation

Particularly dangerous objects are parked cars on the side of the road. They can hide any pedestrian behind them at any time. In some cases, its shadow can be seen under the car or a silhouette can be seen behind the windows. In any case, it is advisable to slow down before driving near such a car.

There are proven and generally accepted factors that reduce the driver’s attention to the surrounding environment or slow down the reaction to events:

smoking while driving;
prior use of medications containing painkillers or sedatives;
driver fatigue or poor health;
reduced rigidity of the brake pedal or increased rigidity of the steering wheel;
wet or slippery track;
reduced visibility on the road;
excessive excitement or excitement while driving;
congestion of the route.

Be sure to keep your distance when the speed limit is set. In the city, you must adhere to a safe interval of 20 m, and outside of it, on dry surfaces, it is enough to drive no closer than 40 m. For slippery surfaces, the distance must be increased.

You should not maintain an unreasonably large distance in order to avoid provoking other vehicles to make an unreasonable maneuver.

It is undesirable to keep the clutch depressed for a long time, as this negatively affects the duration of its operation. The release bearing is not designed for such conditions, so it can quickly fail. When coasting, you can turn on the neutral speed, and not press the clutch for a long time.

Reverse gear is engaged only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Otherwise, the gears in the gearbox will quickly wear out.

It is important to control the situation around your car. To do this, visual inspections are carried out regularly through the rear-view mirrors.

This must be done before any maneuver.

When you encounter an icy section on the way, for example, after some descent on the road in early spring or late autumn, you should not brake on it if possible. If the situation allows, then it must be passed at the same speed. Braking on it can lead to skidding, especially if the tires are not appropriate for the season.

A high-quality highway can create a misleading impression of the car’s current speed, so a speedometer will help you really assess the situation. Do not abuse the speed limit.

If there is a noticeable deterioration in your health while driving, you should try to press the hazard warning lights, notifying other motorists or pedestrians about the problem. Afterwards, if possible, you will need to turn to the right closer to the side of the road and stop.

Doors must be locked when transporting children. In many brands of cars there is a special lever for this, which is visible at the end of the door under the lock mechanism. If it is not there, then you need to press the blocking buttons.

Rating of basic tips for novice drivers

Driving on country roads

If most of your driving experience is in suburban or urban areas, you may be surprised how different driving on country roads makes.

Here are some recommendations that were included in the rating of tips for novice drivers on country roads:

Overtaking on country roads is very different from overtaking in the city - we are talking about high speeds and winding roads. If you decide to overtake, make sure that this maneuver is safe. If you have some doubts, it is better to stay where you are.
Remember, the left lane of a multi-lane highway is for overtaking only.
If you are driving on dirt roads, choose the optimal speed that will help you feel comfortable.
Driving on country roads usually covers long distances. Valuable advice for drivers on long journeys includes the rule of a rested driver and regular stops.
Be careful on country roads, especially if you see road signs warning that there are wild animals that may suddenly come onto the road.

Driving outside the city requires no less concentration

Driving at night

Night driving differs from daytime driving in some serious ways. Unfortunately, driving schools in our country do not oblige you to drive a minimum number of hours at night as a student, so advice from experienced drivers on driving at night will be necessary.

Below is a ranking of tips for a novice driver to improve visibility and ability to drive at night.

Before you hit the road at night, make sure all exterior lights are working properly (front and rear, brake lights, high beams) and make sure your windows and headlights are clean (inside and out). Dirty windows can add glare and reduce visibility on the road, and dirty headlights can significantly reduce efficiency.
Avoid using high beams - they reduce your ability to see the road and can blind other drivers.
Adjust your rearview mirrors to avoid reflecting headlights from behind moving vehicles.
Watch for flashes of light - at the top of the mountain, at road bends and intersections, which may indicate the headlights of other cars.
Driving at night requires a lot of concentration, which can quickly become tiring. To prevent fatigue, take frequent breaks for your eyes.

Using high beams at night can blind oncoming traffic.

For novice female drivers

The rating of advice for female novice drivers is, in principle, the same as for male novice drivers. First of all, before you get behind the wheel,

You need to have a good rest.
Have an idea about the car you want to drive - the gearbox (manual or automatic), how the clutch works, the brakes, how to change gears, especially reverse gear.
Even if you are sitting in the passenger seat, watch the driver's movements - his experience will be a good lesson in the future.
Practice moving smoothly.
Before starting the car, put it in neutral gear.
Before braking or turning, never fail to look in your rearview mirror to check your distance from other vehicles.
Follow traffic lights, rules and keep your distance. Do not change lanes frequently and do not make sharp turns with the steering wheel.
Don't try to change gears too often. Try to maintain the selected speed depending on the traffic conditions.

Woman driving

Just as you can't learn to swim by reading a book, you can't learn all the driving skills by reading these tips. But the compiled rating of tips for a novice driver will help you soon get real pleasure from driving. Are you a young driver or have extensive driving experience? Share your tips with us.

What are the requirements for inexperienced drivers in other countries?

Legislative documents in many countries around the world provide for certain rules regarding novice drivers. In these states, it is strictly forbidden for beginners to drive a car without using a sign. Otherwise, the car owner faces a considerable fine.

A Czech newcomer puts a hat on a vehicle, a Lithuanian driver puts a maple leaf on a white background.

Residents of the United States mark their inexperience with a red mark in the upper left corner of their state license plate. For Italian drivers, there is a sign in the form of a white square with a black letter “P”. In this country, a novice motorist is not allowed to drive on the highway at a speed exceeding 100 km/h for the first three years, or 90 km/h in the city.