Validity period of the “Working days”/”Weekends” sign
“Working hours” is an information designation that explains additional information under the main sign, indicating the time and days of the week. The following categories are distinguished:
Weekends and holidays.
The sign indicates a vehicle for which travel is prohibited during this time period. For example: January 2 from 00:00 to 04:00.
The sign is only active on specific weekdays.
It is indicated on what day the ban or permit operates.
Sign 5.15.7 “Direction of traffic along lanes”
Sign 5.15.7 “Direction of traffic along the lanes” is used to indicate the number of lanes and the direction of traffic along them, when the number of lanes in a given direction is greater than in the oncoming direction. The sign is installed BEHIND every intersection on a section of road with such traffic organization.
If sign 5.15.7 on one of the lanes shows another sign prohibiting the movement of any vehicles, then the movement of these vehicles in the corresponding lane is prohibited. Later, the same prohibitory sign with the sign 8.14 “Traffic Lane” will be located above this lane.
It is allowed to install a sign with two arrows (two arrows: forward and two: forward and towards) on sections of two-lane roads (roadways) when the organization of one-way or two-way traffic may be perceived ambiguously by drivers.
The sign may be used to organize reverse traffic. In this case, the sign is installed behind each intersection along the entire section of the road.
Sign area
Sign 8.2.1 “Area of Action” occupies a special place. The plate is colored yellow if you need to temporarily limit the activity of other notifications. Types of signs:
1 Maintain a minimum distance and maximum speed.
2 Overtaking for trucks is prohibited.
3 Overtaking is prohibited for all vehicles.
4 Prohibition of the use of a sound signal.
Penalty for violation
Violation of traffic rules provides for both administrative and criminal liability, regulated by the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code. The degree of liability depends on the severity of the offense.
This obligation rests with the driver of the vehicle, and penalties are regulated by relevant codes.
For ignoring the “working hours” signs, a payment of 500 rubles is provided. If the motorist turned around in the wrong place or stopped, then the cost of the fine will be from 1000 to 1500 rubles.
Who can drive on this lane
Motorized vehicles (with the exception of mopeds) are not allowed to travel in the area reserved for cyclists. It should be taken into account that not everyone can ride on a bicycle path - the age limit is clearly indicated in the traffic rules. Persons over 14 years of age can ride a bicycle and move in specially designated areas. Children under this age cannot drive independently in a specially designated lane, but can travel accompanied by an adult.
What if I need to turn right across a bus lane?
If at a given moment in time on a given section of the road you are prohibited from moving along the lane for buses, but exiting to the right into the adjacent territory is allowed only through it, then you are allowed to enter it to turn, but only in the place where the markings are not continuous, but either intermittent, or continuous with intermittent (where intermittent is on your side), or there are no markings at all.
This is allowed to us, in fact, by the second paragraph of clause 18.2 of the 2019 Traffic Regulations:
If this lane is separated from the rest of the roadway by a broken marking line, then when turning, vehicles must change lanes to it. It is also permitted in such places to enter this lane when entering the road and for boarding and disembarking passengers at the right edge of the roadway, provided that this does not interfere with route vehicles.
Who is allowed to drive under general traffic rules?
So, now let’s move on to finding out who, in fact, will be subject to the above fine according to the law in 2021. And let's go from the opposite - we will determine which vehicles can drive along the bus lane.
And there are many such types of transport. Of course, the opinion that follows from the very name of the “bus” lane is erroneous - that only buses can travel along it. Of course no.
And who is allowed? This rule is regulated by clause 18.2 of the Traffic Regulations. Let's list it.
- The bus lane can be used primarily by those for whom it is actually intended. This includes all route buses and trolleybuses, including intercity ones - the main thing is that they have an approved route.
- Any vehicles that are designed to carry passengers, have more than 8 seats, and weigh more than 5 tons are also allowed to travel through the designated area. However, the list of such transport is approved by the authorities of Moscow, St. Petersburg or Sevastopol. Accordingly, this paragraph is valid only for these cities.
- Recently, taxis can also use the bus lane.
- The possibility is also provided for school buses.
- And finally, cyclists have the right to ride on it, but only if it is located at the right edge of the roadway.
Please note that for taxis we are talking specifically about legal work in this service - that is, for cars that have a license to carry out this activity and checkers.
What about car sharing?
Car sharing vehicles are prohibited from entering the bus lane. They are not formally taxi cars, they do not carry out regular route transportation, and therefore the dedicated service does not apply to them.
Moreover, many car sharing services provide for a separate contractual fine from the aggregator itself for entering such a lane. And this is in addition to the traffic police fine for driving on a dedicated road.
Are mopeds and motorcycles allowed?
We found out above that cyclists can ride on bus lines. Also, many motorists know that many traffic regulations equate mopeds with bicycles. However, in our case this is not the case - mopeds and scooters, and especially motorcycles, are prohibited from driving in the bus lane.
What is the fine for driving in a bus lane?
But the amount of fines for driving into a designated lane for minibuses on weekends, if this is not permitted by special signs, varies for regions and for Moscow and St. Petersburg. For prohibited movement or stopping in such a lane, if the offense was committed in Moscow or St. Petersburg, you will be given a fine of 3,000 rubles, and in other cities - 1,500 rubles under parts 1.1 and 1.3 of article 12.17, respectively.
In addition, for stopping in the bus lane and not being there when this violation is detected, evacuation to the impound lot is also provided.
In large cities of the country, the problem of automobile traffic is acute. During rush hour, traffic on the roadway literally freezes in place. And only public transport partially avoids this fate by moving along dedicated bus lanes.
There are often drivers on the roads who ignore the regulations and travel together with public transport vehicles. This is done more often on weekends, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Also confusing is the sign known as crossed hammers. Many motorists are confident that it allows driving in a dedicated lane on weekends. In this article, we will figure out in what cases you can travel on a bus line, based on current traffic regulations.
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How to appeal a fine for a dedicated lane 2021
You can appeal a fine for a dedicated lane in three ways: by contacting the center for automatic recording of traffic violations, the traffic police, or directly to the court. If there is an obvious incident and a technical failure occurs, the fine will be removed even if you apply via the Internet. In more subtle cases, you will have to waste time in traffic police queues or courts.
There are a lot of rumors and speculations about dedicated lanes and whether taxi drivers can drive on them. Drivers have the same questions when they are looking for a parking space. After all, the fines for both of these violations are severe. Let's try to figure this out together. To close these questions once and for all.
According to the Moscow Department of Transport, the information that you have been issued is sent to the Center for Automated Recording of Administrative Offenses in the Field of Traffic (CAFAP) within one working day. And this seems to be true. After all, for more than 4 years in Moscow, permits have been issued only for cars that are painted yellow.
Taxi drivers from other regions with whom the Moscow government has entered into a special agreement can also travel on dedicated lanes. I know for sure that there is such an agreement with the government of the Moscow region. Therefore, with Moscow region licenses, you can drive on Moscow dedicated roads.
Where did it all start?
The Soviet Union did not think about such a large number of cars on the streets of our cities in the future. Just like they didn’t think about it in any other country in the mid-20th century. The streets were built narrow, pedestrian, and the area around the houses was not equipped with parking. Therefore, cities with historical centers and buildings dating from the first half of the twentieth century are particularly affected by increased traffic.
The situation is complicated by the introduction of bus lanes. The roads have become even narrower. Drivers are forced to stand in traffic jams for hours. This gives rise to traffic violations and leads to fines.
Whether it’s good or bad, the allocated band exists in our physical objective world, which means it needs to be accepted and understood in what legal way to get out of the current situation.
Who is allowed to enter the lane?
To understand when driving in a dedicated lane is allowed, let's start from the beginning. Let's look at the traffic rules, turn to paragraph 18.2. It states that other vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the public transport road.
However, every rule has an exception. Here is a list of vehicles that move freely along the bus line:
- route transport: buses or trolleybuses;
- school buses;
- taxis and minibuses;
- cyclists.
At the same time, the last three groups can use the bus only if it is not marked with a “brick” sign. If this sign still hangs above the dedicated lane, then only buses are allowed to travel on it. Also, vehicles of this category can only drive along the line with the letter “A” if it is in the same direction as their movement.
The rules do not provide for the appearance of other vehicles on the minibus line, even if it is a car sharing, two-wheeler or intercity bus. In general, this category includes any buses that are not designed to transport children attending school. It is worth saying a few words about taxis. A taxi is considered to be a car that has the appropriate attributes: taximeter, checkers, white or yellow color. In Moscow, taxi drivers generally must drive vehicles with special yellow license plates. Therefore, Uber drivers and private owners are fined on the same basis as ordinary motorists.
What signs indicate a dedicated lane for cyclists?
There are two signs indicating the presence of a designated lane: the beginning and the end of the bike lane. Most often this is a circle with a blue background, on which is a schematic image of a cyclist. May have an arrow pointing up or down. If the symbol is located in the middle of the road, then the designated area is intended for two-wheeled vehicles. If the sign is on the right, the bike lane will also be on the right.
When can other vehicles use the bus lane?
Every driver will have questions regarding lane changes, intersections and stops on the bus line. What to do in a situation when you need to turn right, but the public transport lane is in the way. Or if circumstances force you to stop on this section of the road.
Let's look at both situations.
Turning across a lane, changing lanes
The bus zone is separated from the main roadway in two ways:
- Continuous stripe marking. In this case, switching to a dedicated line is prohibited.
- Intermittent stripe. You can cross the line and enter the minibus lane.
That is, if turning right is only allowed from the bus line, which is marked with continuous markings, then according to the traffic rules you are not allowed to turn right. This also applies to bicycle holders and taxi drivers if a “no entry” sign is mounted above the road.
Also, modern means of fixation detect even the slightest deviation beyond the solid line. Of course, if there is an obstacle in front of you and a maneuver is required, you will appeal your fine. But it’s better to keep your distance and not go beyond the marking line.
Stopping in a dedicated lane
The solution follows from the previous rule. If you cannot cross a solid line, then you are not allowed to stop on a designated road.
However, if the highlighting line is dotted, then you can enter the lane. When crossing intermittent markings, you must make sure that your vehicle will not interfere with the movement of public vehicles. Only in this case, stop within the bus zone. Of course, you should also take into account the area of the “no stopping” or “no parking” signs.
Let us clarify that if the line is still solid, under no circumstances stop in the second lane of the road. This is also prohibited and may cause an accident.
Sign 5.15.2 “Lane directions”
Sign 5.15.2 “Driving directions along the lane” indicates the number of lanes and the permitted directions of movement along each of them.
The only difference between signs 5.15.1 and 5.15.2 is that the first signs look combined, and the second ones look separate, for each of the lanes. The function of these signs is the same.
Road signs 5.15.1 “Driving directions along the lanes” and 5.15.2 “Driving directions along the lane” are used to indicate the permitted directions of movement along each of the lanes at an intersection when it is necessary to ensure the use of lanes in accordance with the intensity of vehicle traffic in various directions.
Signs 5.15.1 and 5.15.2, which permit a left turn from the extreme left lane, also permit a U-turn from this lane. But before you turn around, you should make sure that turning around is not prohibited by sign 3.19.
The effect of signs 5.15.1 and 5.15.2 installed in front of the intersection extends to the intersection, unless signs 5.15.1 or 5.15.2 installed directly at the intersection provide other instructions. I recommend reading the series of articles Navigating intersections and the article Changing lanes (changing lanes) at an intersection.
These signs do not apply to route vehicles.
Drivers of route vehicles have the right to deviate from the requirements of the “Lane Directions” signs. This right is explained by the specific directions of the routes. In addition, public transport stops are located on the right side of the road. I recommend the article Driving past a bus stop.
Is it possible to travel on weekends?
Sometimes driving in a dedicated lane is actually allowed. So, you can move along it on weekends if there is a sign with two crossed hammers above the strip. It is found in two versions: the usual one with two hammers and the same hammers with time under them. The time in this case indicates when it is forbidden to stand in the bus zone.
If you drive a car in Moscow, you have probably seen such a sign. Perhaps they even secretly scolded those who brazenly drive in the traffic lane. Until now, not all motorists know how this sign works and what it means. Essentially, it prohibits traffic on the public transport lane on weekdays and allows it on weekends.
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But even with this sign there are some nuances of moving along the line for route vehicles:
- If there is a “no entry” sign above the area of route vehicles along with hammers, then you cannot change lanes there, even on weekends. This is due to the fact that the “brick” has priority over other signs. This feature also applies to the taxi category;
- Sometimes workdays are officially moved to weekends due to holidays. This means that on such days the public transport lane is not available to you. In order not to get confused and not get fined, always check the official holiday calendar from the Russian government. Every year the number and dates of holidays change. This is a really serious problem for drivers. There are many days off in our country, but there are even more people who work outside the standard five-day week;
- If you see the treasured hammers, do not rush to change lanes: first, take a look at the marking line separating you from the designated area. If it is solid, then by crossing it you will break the rule, although moving along the “marked road” is allowed. This is the paradox.
Also, permission to travel on the bus is shown by several more signs. A sign with the days of the week separated by a dash, for example “Monday–Friday”. Such a sign prescribes a ban on entry under it during the specified days. Its version contains the day of the week and time - “Tuesday 8.00-20.00”. This means that it is prohibited to drive under the sign at the specified time on the specified day.
In addition, signs numbered 8.5.1, 8.5.4 or 8.5.5 also indicate that driving on the transport line is prohibited. The first one indicates a ban on any day. The second and third are the ban on entry on weekends.
Please note that in these traffic rules there are no clauses allowing entry into a dedicated lane under “hammers”. This sign has no authorizing force from a legal point of view. However, you will not be given a fine in this situation, so feel free to avoid traffic jams on the weekend.
Is it possible for a taxi to drive in a dedicated lane?
Although passenger taxis have been allowed to move along the bus lane since 2012 (Section 5.14 of the Traffic Regulations), some taxi drivers are afraid to use it. The reason for this is fines. Let's figure it out.
The right to use the bus lane applies to taxis, provided that they operate legally. To do this, you need to obtain a license (permit for taxi transportation) and equip the car in accordance with the law.
You can drive on a bus lane in Moscow with a Moscow region license - it’s completely legal.
A taxi is distinguished from an ordinary car on the road by:
- orange lantern on the roof,
- tape in the form of black squares in a checkerboard pattern on the sides of the body (popularly “checker belt”),
- taximeter.
From July 1, 2021, in Moscow, licenses will be issued only for cars with a yellow body (according to the Moscow Law “On Passenger Taxi”; the last licenses issued before Article 2.1 came into force will expire at that time). For drivers from the Moscow region, this law does not apply; the car can be of any color and legally move in a dedicated lane.
If you are working illegally or your car does not meet all the requirements, you will face a fine for going to a designated area.
There are cases when a taxi, equipped according to all the rules, receives a fine. The reason may be hidden in the registry. If your license is not included there, you are illegal.
Taxi drivers with a Moscow region license often encounter this. To avoid getting into such situations, immediately after obtaining a permit, check whether it is in the registry.
It's easy to do:
- go to the website of the mayor of Moscow;
- Enter in the search form: vehicle number or license number, carrier name or several parameters at once.
The results can be printed and added to your travel documents just in case.
Checking fines for legal entities. persons
Fines for violations of regulations
If for some reason you drive into a bus lane or cross a solid marking, you will be fined for violating traffic rules. Of course, if you get caught by a security camera or traffic police officers.
Let's take a more specific look at the prices for fines for driving in a dedicated lane.
Departure to the public transport zone of passing traffic:
- in Moscow – 3,000 rubles, regions – 1,500 rubles.
Entering the oncoming road for minibuses:
- 5,000 rubles or withdrawal of driving license for up to 0.5 years, relapse – deprivation of a driver’s license for up to 1 year or 5,000 rubles.
At the same time, you can pay the fine with a 50% discount according to the 2021 resolution. This can be done if you pay the debt within the first 20 days after the fine was received.
In large cities, travel on bus lines is more often recorded using cameras. Thus, for traveling on a dedicated line on one street, several fines may be issued at once, recorded in different places. At the same time, there is no way to challenge them if everything is marked according to the law.
In other cases, if you do not agree with the fine, feel free to challenge the punishment. Often workers make incorrect markings and the public transport lane is located incorrectly. At the same time, it is literally impossible to drive through the area without breaking the rule. There are many examples where the authorities actually made mistakes when marking separate transport zones.
As a conclusion
If you are a licensed taxi driver and your car meets the requirements listed in the law, you can use public transport. If you receive a fine, appeal it.
In any controversial case, contact the traffic police at the location of the violation to appeal. In Moscow, this is the TsAFAP traffic police department of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for Moscow, located at st. Sadovaya-Samotechnaya, 1. We discussed appeal issues in detail in a separate article.
Have additional questions about traffic rules or appealing a fine for a bus lane? Ask them to a car lawyer. It's free.
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Conclusion
A separate lane for route vehicles still remains a controversial issue that raises questions. There are no statistics on how much such innovation has improved our lives and relieved traffic, especially automobile traffic. However, the government in any case needs to streamline the situation with roads and cars in big cities, so they use such exotic solutions.
Perhaps this is a reason to switch to public transport, but even buses sometimes get stuck in traffic jams. In cities where there is a metro network, this can save time spent in traffic jams, energy and, most importantly, money.
No matter how you feel about this idea, you should not break the rules and drive in the bus lane, forcing people who cannot afford personal vehicles to wait only for you.
Sign 5.15.8 “Number of lanes”
Sign 5.15.8 “Number of lanes” is used to indicate the number of lanes in a given direction and traffic modes along the lanes.
The “Number of Lanes” sign is installed in populated areas - at a distance of 50 - 150 meters, and outside populated areas at a distance of 150 - 300 meters from the beginning of the road section, on which lane traffic modes are introduced by appropriate signs with signs 8.14 "Traffic Lane".
Sign 5.15.8 is installed above the roadway. Outside populated areas, on roads that have no more than three lanes before an intersection, and in populated areas no more than two lanes in a given direction, the “Number of Lanes” sign can be installed to the right of the road.
