In an effort to facilitate urban traffic and make public transport as attractive as possible, local authorities are increasingly deciding on the allocation of separate lanes for buses.
But not all drivers of personal vehicles are happy with this undertaking, some think that this way their rights are violated and they ignore the ban on driving on the bus lane. We will give answers to whom and when it is possible to drive in such lanes, what liability awaits the offender and whether it can be avoided.
○ Who can and cannot ride the bus lane?
You should start by defining the bus lane itself. It can be understood as one or several lanes of the road intended for exceptional public transport traffic, including trolleybuses and fixed-route taxis.
It is indicated by signs 5.11.1 and 5.12.1, to indicate a road with a lane of public transport moving towards the main stream. Signs 5.14 and 5.14.1 indicate the beginning and end of such a lane, and signs 5.13.1 and 5.13.2 indicate an intersection with such a road. In addition, a special marking in the form of the letter "A" is applied to the road.
As a general rule, other drivers are not allowed to use the public transport lane, but of course there are exceptions.
Exit to such a section of the road is possible only if it is not separated from the rest of the solid marking, so further we will only talk about crossing the broken line. Exceptions are directly spelled out in clause 18.2 of the SDA:
- "On roads with a lane for route vehicles, marked with signs 5.11, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, 5.14" Road with a lane for route vehicles ", it is prohibited to move and stop other vehicles (except for school buses and vehicles used as a passenger taxi, as well as cyclists - if the lane for route vehicles is located on the right) on this lane.
- “If this lane is separated from the rest of the carriageway by a dashed line marking, then when turning, vehicles must rebuild on it. It is also allowed in such places to enter this lane when entering the road and for embarking and disembarking passengers at the right edge of the carriageway, provided that this does not interfere with route vehicles. "
That is, you can change to the lane for public transport if it is separated by an intermittent lane:
- For a U-turn.
- Making a right turn with a change to the right lane for public transport.
- To stop for the purpose of embarking and disembarking passengers or loading / unloading, provided that there are no obstacles to the movement of public transport.
Additionally, signs can be installed informing the driver about the possibility of driving along the lane for public transport at night and at any time on weekends, holidays.
○ Taxi on the route lane.
Until 2012, the passage of passenger taxis on bus lanes was prohibited. But now, the corresponding changes have been made to the traffic rules, according to clause 18.2 of the traffic rules, which allow yellow cars with checkers, a taximeter and a light device on the roof such a passage.
In addition, passenger taxis stand out from the mass of cars with special yellow numbers, so those who like to give a ride to a passenger for a fee without proper registration will quickly be noticed by a vigilant traffic police officer.
○ Bus lane fines.
Those who want to get to their destination faster are often ready to go around traffic jams in the bus lane and risk getting a fine under Art. 12.17 of the Administrative Code 1500 rub, if the violation occurred in Moscow or St.Petersburg, you will have to part with 3000 rubles... But this is provided that you drove in the same direction.
Driving in the opposite lane is punishable by a fine in the amount of 1000 to 1500 r... provided that the solid line did not intersect. In this case, Part 3 of Art. 12.15 Administrative Code:
- "Leaving in violation of the Traffic Regulations on the lane intended for oncoming traffic, when bypassing an obstacle, or on tram tracks in the opposite direction when bypassing an obstacle, shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of one thousand to one thousand five hundred rubles."
If there was no need to overcome the obstacle, then the responsibility will become higher in part 4 of this article:
- "Departure in violation of the Traffic Rules on the lane intended for oncoming traffic, or on tram tracks in the opposite direction, except for the cases provided for in part 3 of this article, - entails the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five thousand rubles or deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period four to six months. "
In addition to a 5,000 fine, you can part with a driver's license for 4 - 6 months... A repeated violation will cost more under Part 5 of Article 12.15 of the Administrative Code, namely 5000 r provided that it was recorded by video recording.
On April 13, 2012, in accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, amendments to Art. We have published an overview of the changes in the article ““. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the most significant changes - this is the permit for taxi movement in the lane for route vehicles.
It would seem that they added a few lines to the Rules of the Road and all the privileges of route vehicles will also apply to a passenger taxi. But this is not the case, and this article is devoted to the main situations related to the movement of taxis.
Changes in traffic rules
The changes affected paragraph 18.2 of the Road Traffic Regulations and the description of signs 5.11 and 5.14 of Appendix 1 to the Road Traffic Regulations
18.2. On roads with a lane for route vehicles, marked with signs 5.11, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, 5.14, the movement and stopping of other vehicles in this lane are prohibited.
18.2. On roads with a lane for route vehicles, marked with signs 5.11, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, 5.14, it is prohibited to move and stop other vehicles (except for vehicles used as a light taxi) on this strip.
The road along which the movement of route vehicles is carried out in a specially designated lane towards the general flow of vehicles.
Sign 5.11 "Road with a lane for route vehicles".
The road on which the movement of route vehicles and vehicles used as light taxis, carried out along a specially designated lane towards the general flow of vehicles.
A lane intended for the movement of only route vehicles moving along the way with the general flow of vehicles. The sign applies to the strip above which it is located. The action of the sign installed to the right of the road applies to the right lane.
Sign 5.14 "Lane for route vehicles".
Lane intended for the movement of route vehicles only and vehicles used as light taxismoving along the way with the general flow of vehicles. The sign applies to the strip above which it is located. The action of the sign installed to the right of the road applies to the right lane.
We see that the lane for route vehicles can now be used for the movement of a passenger taxi.
Thus, at first glance, a passenger taxi has a great advantage over all other vehicles, because, unlike route vehicles, taxi traffic can pass both in public lanes and in the lane for route vehicles.
But is everything really that smooth?
Benefits of a light taxi
Taxi movement can be carried out in the lane for route vehicles (hereinafter referred to as MTS) both in the same direction and in the opposite direction.
If there is a traffic jam, you can bypass it along the lane for MTS
and vice versa, if the MTS stops at a stop, it can be bypassed on the public lane.
But please note that in order to receive all these benefits, all traffic management conditions must be met to take advantage of these privileges. Signs and markings must allow these maneuvers to be carried out, otherwise there will be a violation of the Traffic Rules and punishment for this, up to and including deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle. About this in the continuation of the article.
Passenger taxi restrictions
If the lane for MTS is marked with sign 3.1, then taxi traffic in this lane is prohibited.
3.1 "No entry".
Entry of all vehicles in this direction is prohibited.The validity of the signs does not apply:
3.1 - 3.3, 3.18.1, 3.18.2, 3.19, 3.27 - for route vehicles;
As you can see, in this part, the changes in the Taxi Road Traffic Regulations did not affect, accordingly, the requirement of sign 3.1, taxi drivers are obliged to comply.
For this violation, liability is provided for: 1. Failure to comply with the requirements prescribed by road signs or markings of the carriageway, with the exception of cases provided for by parts 2 and 3 of this article and other articles of this chapter, -
shall entail a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of three hundred rubles) of part 1 of Article 12.16 and shall entail the imposition of a fine in the amount of 300 rubles. From July 1, 2012 the penalty for this violation will be changed.
In addition, there are no changes in the part of the prescriptive signs:
Signs 4.1.1-4.1.6 do not apply to route vehicles.
Thus, the requirements of signs 3.1-3.3, 3.18.1, 3.18.2, 3.19, 3.27, 4.1.1-4.1.6 taxi drivers must comply
Also, taxi drivers do not get an advantage when leaving the bus stop.
18.3. In settlements, drivers must give way to trolleybuses and buses starting from the designated stopping point. Trolleybus and bus drivers can only start moving after they are sure that they are given way.
When driving along the MTS lane towards the general flow, it is prohibited to overtake route vehicles. For violation, liability is provided for: 4. Departure in violation of the Traffic Regulations on the lane intended for oncoming traffic, or on tram tracks in the opposite direction, except for the cases provided for in part 3 of this article, - entails deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of four to six months, and in the case of fixing administrative offense by special technical means operating in automatic mode that have the functions of photographing and filming, video recording, or by means of photographing and filming, video recording - the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five thousand rubles.) Part 4 of Article 12.15 and entails the deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for term from 4 to 6 months
When driving along the MTS lane separated from the general traffic by a solid marking line 1.1 in the same direction, it is prohibited to leave this lane. For violation, liability is provided for in part 1 of Article 12.16 and entails the imposition of a fine in the amount of 300 rubles
When driving along the lane in the general traffic, it is prohibited to enter the MTS lane if it is separated by a solid marking line 1.1. For violation, liability is provided for in part 1 of Article 12.16 and entails the imposition of a fine in the amount of 300 rubles
Outcome
Thus, now the taxi drivers have a difficult choice if the MTS lane is separated by a solid marking line 1.1. In the case when a route vehicle will move in front of the taxi, the taxi driver will have to go with all the stops, whether he will win in speed in this case or not, only the experience of a particular driver will tell you.
You are dear to you without obstacles!
According to the Road Traffic Regulations, the lane marked with the markings 1.23.1 (the large letter "A" in the middle of the lane) is intended exclusively for public transport. Other types of transport are prohibited from entering the bus lane.
What penalty for driving on the bus lane will the violator have to pay? In what cases is it permissible to move along this lane? Read the article.
Who is allowed to move in the bus lane?
The lane for public transport (or bus lane) is intended for movement on it by such types of transport as:
- Buses;
- Trolleybuses;
- Route taxis;
- Private taxis;
At the same time, they must meet the following standards: the color set for this type of transport, a "brick" on the roof of a taxi, a taximeter, yellow numbers, documents confirming the legality of work;
- Bicycles (if the bus lane is located on the right side of the carriageway);
By using bus lanes, public transport gets an advantage in traffic and gets rid of the need to stand idle in the general stream of everyday traffic jams and congestion.
The prohibition of leaving the bus lane for other types of transport is stated in clause 18.2 of the Russian Federation. According to this paragraph, "On roads with a lane for route vehicles ... it is prohibited to move and stop other vehicles ...".
However, it also talks about the possibility of using the bus lane by other modes of transport in some cases. So, if the bus lane is separated from other lanes by intermittent markings, then:
- When making a turn, a temporary exit to the bus lane is allowed;
- It is allowed to make a temporary exit to the bus lane if the driver leaves the secondary road on the main road, and it is impossible to do this without crossing the bus lane;
- It is also allowed to make a temporary exit to the bus lane in case of boarding / disembarking passengers at the stop;
When boarding / disembarking passengers on the bus lane, make sure that there is no obstacle to the movement of public transport;
Penalty for driving on bus lanes
The penalties for driving on the bus lane are spelled out in the Code of Administrative Offenses of December 30, 2001. So, for crossing and driving on a bus lane (if it is a lane in the opposite direction), it is provided:
- from one to one and a half thousand rubles, if leaving the bus lane is associated with the need to bypass some obstacle (paragraph 3, article 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation);
- A fine of five thousand rubles (or deprivation of a driver's license for a period of four to six months), if the exit to the bus lane (of oncoming traffic) was made without a good reason and is not associated with a detour of something (paragraph 4, article 12.15 of the Administrative Code). offenses of the Russian Federation);
- Deprivation of a driver's license for up to one year, if the exit to the bus lane for no reason is recorded by the road inspector again;
However, if a secondary violation is recorded by a road radar, the driver will have to pay only a fine of five thousand rubles (without losing the right to drive a vehicle).
Somewhat different penalties are provided for driving on a bus lane in the same direction. So:
- A fine of one and a half thousand rubles is provided for deliberately entering the bus lane of passing traffic (Article 12.17 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation);
- A fine of three thousand rubles is provided for deliberately leaving the bus lane of passing traffic in the city of Moscow and St. Petersburg (Article 12.17 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation);
- A fine of five hundred rubles is provided if, when entering the bus lane, you are not inferior to the public transport going along it (paragraph 1, article 12.17 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation);
Is it possible to use the dedicated bus lane on weekends? In many large cities of Russia, dedicated bus lanes have appeared for a long time, along which all types of route vehicles are officially allowed to travel. In the traffic rules of the Russian Federation there is no norm, contrary to the opinion widespread among ordinary car drivers that would allow driving on this dedicated lane on weekends.
What does the law say?
At the same time, you can often drive your car along the dedicated lane, without violating anything and without fear of getting a fine for it. Each case is worth considering.
You must first refer to clause 18.2 of the SDA, which states that it is forbidden for any cars to move and stop on them along the dedicated bus lanes, which are marked with signs 5.11.1, 5.13.1, 5.13.2, 5.14. The movement is allowed for passenger taxis and cyclists.
In addition to these signs, before entering the designated lane, a "Brick" will also hang, which imposes a complete ban on the use of this lane by any vehicles that are not route vehicles.
Therefore, regardless of the day of the week, cars and trucks that are not route vehicles cannot move or stop in the dedicated bus lane. At the same time, there is a myth that has long been rooted in the minds of many St. Petersburg and Moscow car owners - you can ride on the dedicated bus lanes on weekends and on holidays. It is not known where this delusion came from.
According to the law, driving along such lanes is indeed possible for ordinary motorists if a "Brick" hangs before entering the lane along with signs that indicate on which days or times sign 3.1 is valid. If "Brick" is not supplemented with any signs, then entry to the designated lane is prohibited for all except route vehicles. Traffic rules apply throughout Russia, St. Petersburg and Moscow are not distinguished in them in any way, so you should not think that for the two capitals there are some separate norms and regulations that permit something there.
When can I?
Driving along a dedicated bus lane, as already mentioned, is allowed in cases where the "Brick" is supplemented with special signs, which are usually located under or near it. Such signs can be:
- Sign 8.5.2. The ban on the movement of ordinary vehicles on the dedicated bus lane is prohibited only on weekdays (on Saturdays and Sundays, everyone can drive along the lane).
- Sign. 8.5.6. The ban on the movement of ordinary vehicles on the dedicated bus lane is prohibited only on weekdays at certain hours (for example, from 7.00 to 19.00). Riding is allowed on weekdays from 19.00 to 7.00, as well as on Saturday and Sunday without time limits.
- Sign. 8.5.3. Regulates the period during which traffic on the dedicated bus lane is prohibited. The sign can be written: "Wednesday-Friday", "Monday-Thursday", etc. It is forbidden to enter the lane on these days; on any other days, no restrictions apply.
- Sign 8.5.7. Prohibits entry to the designated lane only on a specific day and time. For example: "Monday", "9.00-17.00". In other words, driving on the lane is allowed on any day except for one prohibited day and only during the specified period of time.
In the absence of any additional signs and plates on the "Brick", it will be prohibited to travel along the dedicated lane on any days and at any time, regardless of holidays and weekends. It is possible to distinguish and other additional signs:
- 8.5.1. Prohibits entry to the designated lane only during a certain period of time, regardless of the day of the week (for example, "7.00-18.00").
- 8.5.4. It prohibits entry to the dedicated lane only on Saturday and Sunday, on weekdays, passage is allowed for all cars.
- 8.5.5. Prohibits entry to the designated lane on Saturday and Sunday, but only during a certain period of time (for example, "8.00-16.00").
What if you need to make a turn through the designated lane?
Drivers of any vehicle have the right to turn when crossing the designated bus lane, if a:
- There is a corresponding exit and this is indicated by signs.
- There is discontinuous or continuous with discontinuous markings (you cannot cross a solid when turning, this will be considered a full-fledged violation).
- No markup is marked.
If there are also intermittent markings in the places of turns in front of them or after them, then car owners have the right to exit to a dedicated bus lane, stop on it and disembark / disembark passengers, if such actions do not interfere with the movement of route vehicles.
Are there any fines for entering a dedicated bus lane?
If in the traffic rules of Russia there are no differences and special applications that would apply to Myska and St. Petersburg, as well as other regions of the country, then in terms of fines for leaving the bus lane, such differences have been around for a long time:
- If in one of the capitals you go to the bus lane and continue to move along it, or stop there, then the amount of the fine for these actions will be 3000 rubles.
- If you do this in any other city or village of the country, then the fine will be exactly two times less - 1,500 rubles.
More serious sanctions are imposed on motorists who not only entered the bus lane and stopped there, but also left their car. In this case, if the traffic police find an abandoned car in the designated lane, then a tow truck will be called immediately.
Fines and sanctions for leaving and stopping on the bus lane will be the same regardless of whether there are additional signs under the “Brick” sign or not. If the departure and stop are made at a time prohibited for this, then you need to prepare to pay 1500-3000 rubles, depending on the region.
In this article, you learned if you can ride the dedicated bus lane on weekends? If you have any questions or problems that require the participation of lawyers, then you can ask for help from the specialists of the information and legal portal "Sherlock".
Editor: Igor Reshetov
The concept of "dedicated lane" appeared in the lexicon of residents and guests of megacities of our country relatively recently. The dedicated lane was originally created as a special part of the road for traffic with special priority, including for route vehicles. Most often, the dedicated line is on the right in case of right-hand traffic, however, regulations allow it to be found anywhere on the carriageway.
The creation of such a special lane is aimed at unloading the road, preventing traffic jams, congestion, which made it possible to increase the speed of public transport by 15-30%. In Moscow, at the beginning of 2016, the length of the dedicated lanes was more than 240 km. It is estimated that in the capital, the total passenger traffic on such lanes is from 1.5 million people per day. The metro has ceased to be the only transport preferred by Muscovites and guests of the capital, so in 2014 the rate of passenger transportation by ground transport became 30% higher than a year earlier.
The city authorities have calculated that some companies offering taxi services can also be allowed on the dedicated lane. It was in this, 2016, that legal taxis were able to move along such lanes that were previously intended only for public transport, school buses.
Initially, however, this decision was controversial. "Bricks", prohibiting signs were not dismantled, so taxi drivers were threatened with a large fine for leaving the designated lane. So, in November 2015, yellow taxi drivers began to receive quite impressive fines for driving under a brick. The owners of the companies have banned their taxi drivers from driving along such lanes. It was after the proceedings, requests to the relevant authorities that the situation shifted. Explanations were needed, a special decree and an operational, complete dismantling of signs along the entire length of the allocated lanes.
Details about the ability to drive on dedicated lanes
So, in 2016, about 14 km of dedicated lanes will be introduced in Moscow by the end of the year. Currently, there are 20 dedicated offices in the capital. This year, legal taxis were able to move along such lanes that were previously intended only for public transport, school buses.
For this, the city authorities promptly dismantled prohibition signs indicating "No entry". The opportunity to travel on a dedicated taxi lane was provided so that licensed taxis that pay taxes to the state were able to provide their passengers with additional fast travel services. Definitely, taxi services are more expensive than using public transport. The passenger wants to get for his money not only the possibility of convenient transportation and baggage transportation, but also efficiency. Driving on a dedicated lane significantly reduces the risk of delays at important events, to the train station, to the airport, etc.
Which taxis are legal?
Legal taxis are required to receive a special package of permits. This can be done individually, or you can turn to the services of a legal taxi service, which is engaged in the employment of employees. Such cars are provided with special identification marks (checkers, lanterns on the roof), with drivers who want to get a license without opening an IP, the company concludes contracts.
As a reminder, since 2011, taxi drivers and taxi companies must obtain appropriate transportation licenses issued by local authorities. Thus, the city fights against illegal carriers, who often cannot provide a safe ride for their passengers, do not undergo a mandatory medical examination. Using the services of "bomb" passengers put their lives in danger.
Therefore, if you want your trip to be enjoyable, safe, and you have the opportunity to bypass traffic jams and congestion in a dedicated lane, then order a legal taxi. If necessary, such a car has the right to drive along a dedicated lane, and you will certainly be on time to your destination at the right time. Legal taxis declare their status on their own resources, release mobile versions, they are honest with fares and do their best to make the passenger a regular customer of their company.
reference: At the end of the 2015 calendar period in Moscow, more than 50 thousand companies and individuals had a taxi license. Over the past three years, this figure has grown significantly (in 2012, only 8 thousand such permits were issued). This is the largest "collective" of taxi drivers in Europe, which was assembled thanks to the adoption in 2012 of the Federal Taxi Law. According to the Moscow authorities, taxis in the capital carry 200,000 passengers every day, and it is estimated that more than 75 million people have used taxi services. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, a developed navigation system, a quick search for the right cars in a specific area, a legal taxi will, on average, come to you in just 8 minutes. Such a car will promptly take the passenger to the destination, using a dedicated lane if necessary.
