The design features of almost any power-driven vehicle provide for the possibility of reversing. Such a maneuver, due to the limited view, is considered one of the most difficult, and requires maximum concentration of attention from the driver.
There are no signs prohibiting reverse movement in the Road Traffic Rules, as well as special road markings, however, there are requirements that regulate a dangerous maneuver.
When reversing is permitted
According to clause 12 of section 8 of the Rules, reverse movement of vehicles is allowed if the car backing up does not interfere with the movement of other vehicles, does not change the order of their maneuvering, and also gives way to pedestrians.
The same paragraph states that, if necessary, the driver of the car must seek help from third parties to correct the maneuver. Both a passenger and a pedestrian passing by can provide assistance: make sure that the car does not touch other people's parked cars or ask the passing vehicles to slow down with a gesture and allow the maneuvering car to go onto the road.
NOTE: Using the assistance of third parties does not relieve the vehicle operator of responsibility for the safety of the maneuver. In the event of an accident, the driver reversing will be recognized as the culprit.
As for driving in reverse on public roads, this type of vehicle movement is possible only outside intersections and where a U-turn is not prohibited. It should be borne in mind that exits from courtyards and other adjacent territories do not belong to intersections, respectively, in these places you can move in reverse.
NOTE: Traffic rules do not regulate the process of reversing in terms of such parameters as distance and time interval - so you can go as long as you like and for any distance, provided that there are no places prohibited for reversing on the way.
The list of places where there is a ban on turning the vehicle (and, therefore, on reversing) is contained in clause 8.11 of the SDA. But this paragraph does not indicate all the places where the reversal falls into the category of illegal. However, other cases do not affect reversing, that is, turning is prohibited there, but reversing is not. You should be guided only by clause 8.11 of the Rules.
NOTE: Sign 4.1.1 applies to exceptional cases. “Straight ahead” and sign 5.5 “One-way traffic”. The established criteria for the movement of vehicles prohibit turning on these sections of the road, but reversing is allowed.
Where reversing is prohibited
Territory prohibited for making a dangerous maneuver - intersections of roads and places prohibited for turning, in accordance with clause 8.11:
- On a zebra crossing, within the width of the designated pedestrian crossing.
- In places where public transport stops (for the entire length of the stopping pocket and no closer than 15 meters on each side).
- At level crossings.
- On road sections where visibility in the opposite direction or in the same direction is less than 100 meters.
- On overpasses, bridges, in tunnels, on overpasses and under these engineering structures.
Also, you must not drive in reverse on motorways and on roads marked with sign 5.3 "Road for cars" (only for buses, cars and motorcycles).
The nuances of reversing on a one-way road
A lot of motorists faced a situation when the inclusion of a reverse speed on a one-way road was interpreted by traffic police inspectors as movement in the opposite direction, with all the ensuing consequences.
In this regard, there are 2 decisions of the Supreme Court, formalized by a special Resolution for judges:
If we switch from legal language to universal, then, according to the first decision, entering a one-way road from an intersection and under a “brick” in reverse or in the usual manner is interpreted as driving in the opposite direction and punished in accordance with the stipulated measure of responsibility.
According to the second decision: Reversing is not prohibited if this is due to the need to maneuver. What is meant by "necessity" and who defines it is not specified.
Penalties
- Reversing, from an intersection, under the sign "No entry" into a street where one-way traffic is established, is punishable by either deprivation of rights for a period of 4 months to six months, or a fine of 5,000 rubles.
- Reversing on a motorway marked with a corresponding sign - 2,500 rubles.
- Reversing in a designated lane (sign 5.3) - 1,500 rubles. In cities of federal significance - Moscow, St. Petersburg - 3000 rubles.
- Reversing under the "No entry" sign installed in the adjacent territory and violations in the area of the "No traffic" sign - a fine of 500 rubles.
In general, the procedure for maneuvering using reverse gear is quite simple, but sometimes controversial situations arise, especially in terms of driving "against the grain" on one-way streets. If such a problem has arisen, the issue can be resolved by filing a statement of claim in court.
Is it legal to reverse drive on one-way roads in 2020? Many drivers are simply sure that it is possible to drive backwards on such road sections, and they argue this with paragraph 8.12 of the SDA, where it is clearly indicated where it is possible and where it is not. But not everything is so simple, and there are a number of subtleties here - even if you have driven the required turn.
Is it possible or not?
To answer this question, let's first read paragraph 8.12 of the Rules:
8.12. Reversing the vehicle allowed provided that this maneuver is safe and does not interfere with other road users... If necessary, the driver must seek the assistance of others.
Reversing is prohibited at intersections and in places where a U-turn is prohibited in accordance with paragraph 8.11 of the Rules.
What does paragraph 8.11 say? And he prohibits on the following road sections:
- on bridges and similar road structures,
- on railway tracks and crossings,
- if the road has limited visibility at a distance of less than 100 meters,
- at public transport stops.
As you can see, there is no one-way road here. No joke, but according to the letter of the traffic rules, really, nothing prohibits making a U-turn. After all, logically, this is not yet a movement "against the grain". This movement does not include a reversal and exists on its own. You can, for example, turn around just to park, and the traffic rules in force for 2020 do not prohibit this.
But there is a subtlety
It lies in the very purpose of reversing. As a rule, such drivers have driven the required turn on a one-way and pursue only one actual goal - to leave this road back to the required turn. And if it is realized precisely by driving back, so as not to violate the Rules, then such a driver will violate them in any case:
- moving in reverse on a one-way, in order to leave it, you get to, on which it is also forbidden to take backwards (clause 8.12 of the SDA),
- or you reach the place where you can turn into the adjacent territory, but through traffic is prohibited on the adjacent territory (clause 1.2 of the SDA),
- sooner or later you may also come across a pedestrian crossing, but you cannot go backwards on it either, according to 8.12.
But does this mean that you can directly reverse on a one-way road, and if you are not seen at crossings, adjacent or intersections by the valiant traffic police inspectors, but you can get away with it? Not at all.
Here, by the same logic, the direction of movement of the vehicle should be distinguished. That is, if you are driving, basically, in reverse for a long distance, then something should tell you that you are breaking the Rules by doing so. However, no such ban is directly spelled out anywhere. But there is a resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, which answers this question quite clearly.
What does the Supreme Court say?
This decree was issued back in 2012, and the corresponding text in it unambiguously interprets when it is possible to move in reverse on a one-way road, and when not. It is still the very last one, and no other decisions have been made to correct or supplement it.
With this plenary session, the court explained, referring to the same paragraph 8.12 of the SDA, that everything depends on objective circumstances. This means that if you are moving in reverse for objective reasons, then you can. The court named only 2 of them:
- for parking purposes,
- if the obstacle does not allow you to go further forward.
In other cases, driving backwards on one-way streets is prohibited.
In addition, the court clarified that it is also impossible to take back to the one-way road through the brick. And for this you will be charged not as for violating the sign (500 rubles), but for moving against the move (until the deprivation of rights). But more on that below.
Here is a quote from the Plenum of the RF Armed Forces:
It should be borne in mind that, based on the content of paragraph 8.12 of the SDA, Reversing on a one-way road is not prohibited, provided that this maneuver is safe for road users and, taking into account the current traffic situation, is caused by an objective necessity (for example, bypassing an obstacle, parking)...
What objective necessity permits to go in reverse?
According to the letter of the legal act, the Supreme Court listed only 2 such needs: parking and the presence of an obstacle. But he gave them as examples. This means that another objective necessity is also possible.
Here it is logical to assume that such a necessity is the impossibility of performing the required permitted maneuver without resorting to reverse gear. For example, if you have passed the required exit from a one-way road or turn, then this need to go back in reverse is not objective, because you can drive further forward, make a circle and thus return to the desired turn or exit. Be careful, many drivers are disqualified for this delusion.
Likewise, you cannot drive backwards to a passenger drop-off point or parking space unless you stop immediately behind it to the extent necessary for parallel parking, for example. What distance is allowed, 2 meters, 3 or 20, is not specified anywhere, and this is the ambiguity of even Clause 8.12 of the SDA, clarified by the Supreme Court, regarding our question.
In general, the very reference to the objective necessity when explaining is, in principle, incorrect, since no clear definition of such a necessity is given in any normative legislative act.
What is the punishment?
According to the legislation in force for 2020, for driving in reverse on a one-way road, you will be prosecuted under Part 3 of Article 12.16 of the Administrative Code, and it provides for a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights at the discretion of the judge considering the case.
In addition, if within a year after the end of the period of deprivation or the full payment of the fine, depending on what you will be assigned, you fall for the same violation again, then you will be punished already under part 3.1 of the same article, which provides for one more deprivation right - already for 1 year, or a fine of 5,000 rubles, if this was recorded on camera.
Some motorists who study the Rules of the Road ask a fair question - if a U-turn is prohibited on a one-way road, then reversing (according to clause 8.12 of the SDA) will also be.
8.12. Reversing of the vehicle is permitted provided that this maneuver is safe and does not interfere with other road users. If necessary, the driver must seek the assistance of others.
Reversing is prohibited at intersections and in places where a U-turn is prohibited in accordance with paragraph 8.11 of the Rules.
How, in this case, should parking be carried out on a one-way road? If not "in parallel" - then how to drive off? It turns out that it remains only along the edge of the carriageway so that you drive in front, in front and drive off?
Let's dispel this delusion.
Reversing in one-way traffic is not prohibited, and here's why:
Clause 8.11 of the RF SDA states:
U-turn is prohibited:
- at pedestrian crossings;
- in tunnels;
- on bridges, overpasses, overpasses and under them;
- at level crossings;
- in places where the visibility of the road in at least one direction is less than 100 m;
- in places where route vehicles stop.
So, U-turns are not directly prohibited on one-way road sections.
Reversing of the vehicle is permitted provided that this maneuver is safe and does not interfere with other road users. If necessary, the driver must seek the assistance of others.
Reversing is prohibited at intersections and in places where a U-turn is prohibited in accordance with paragraph 8.11 of the Rules.
Obviously, it must be understood that reverse is a maneuver that is prohibited at intersections and in those places where the road conditions listed in the text of clause 8.11 are present.
There is not a word about a road or carriageway where traffic is organized in a one-way direction.
The movement of a vehicle against the direction of movement on the lane contradicts clause 1.4 of the SDA. At the same time, it should be noted that short-term reverse movement refers rather to maneuvering on the carriageway, for which Section 8 of the SDA is responsible. There is no prohibition on reversing on a one-way road.
Thus, reversing on a one-way road is permitted.
And not to become a "happy" owner of a fine for improperly reversing a car, every driver should be aware of those situations in which it is strictly forbidden to move in reverse. To do this, you do not need to look for articles on a certain topic on the Internet and study a bunch of additional material, a road user just needs to comply with the current traffic rules.
In the city, the driver sometimes has to move in reverse
Reversing the car is not the most difficult task, however, as practice shows, not only novice car enthusiasts may not be able to cope with it. Correctly reversing means mastering in practice a complex maneuver, which often requires certain skills and concentration of attention from the owner of the vehicle. The difficulty of such movement is mainly influenced by a limited view, therefore, before starting to perform such a manipulation, it is very important to make sure that there are no vehicles and pedestrians nearby. In a large metropolis, it is especially important to correctly assess the situation, since the ubiquitous pedestrians may unexpectedly appear from behind a vehicle that has started moving. If you have to leave at a late time of day or because of bad weather the visibility is too low, it will be wiser to ask for help from other people.
In the article below, we will consider the situations according to which reversing is allowed. A motorist who decides to make such a maneuver should know that he can warn other road users of his intention with a sound signal, which will clearly warn the pedestrian about the need to stop for a while. In addition, you can resort to the help of an emergency gang, its inclusion is considered an additional method of alerting other people who are not far from the car. True, reversing does not have to be accompanied by any signals, since most modern vehicles have specialized systems, the main function of which is to automatically turn on an intermittent sound signal, which the car emits immediately at the time of such an action.
Reverse driving ban
Those car owners who do not know whether reversing is allowed in this situation should, since it is in them that all the components of the road surface are described, on which reversing is prohibited, because in all other cases, the maneuver, of course, can be carried out.
To begin with, before figuring out where you can move backwards on a car, and where not, you need to understand why such a maneuver is subject to a ban. Reversing at an intersection, for example, as in a number of other similar places (in a tunnel, on a zebra crossing, directly on a motorway or railway crossing), can provoke not only an emergency, but also. In addition to all of the above places, reverse driving is not allowed within public transport stops, on those sections of the road where visibility is poor, as well as on bridges, overpasses and overpasses.
Places of the road where reverse movement is prohibited are specified in paragraph 8.11 of the current Rules. The U-turn that occurs immediately after the driver of the vehicle begins to move backwards must always take place in accordance with the established norms, therefore, backward movement on a one-way road can be carried out in almost all places, that is, sections of roads where there is no tunnel, bridge or motorway. When performing various manipulations, it must be remembered that short-term maneuvering performed directly on the carriageway cannot be prohibited by the current rules.
Traffic rules, according to which reverse movement is prohibited, have a number of exceptions described in clause 8.12, where this kind of maneuvering can be allowed if it cannot interfere with the rest of the traffic participants. In addition, you should make sure that everything is completely safe.
Reversing areas
So, as mentioned above, any vehicle driver who, if necessary, while driving backwards on a section of the road where only one-way traffic is provided, can perform such a manipulation if the maneuver does not create inconvenience. If the car moves towards other cars, its owner must make sure that there are no foreign objects behind. In addition, when making a maneuver, you must not force other participants to reduce speed or change a previously planned route.
It should be noted that while driving backwards, the speed should be as low as possible, in addition, the view should be free and not limited by anything. It is important to see everything that happens behind the rest of the parked cars, if any, so that you do not have to resort to emergency braking. It is more expedient to resort to the help of other people who can correct movement.
Amount of penalties provided
It is very easy to create an obstacle with your car and provoke an emergency situation. Having got into an accident, most likely, with the exclusion of other more significant circumstances, the driver who was driving his vehicle backwards will be found guilty of the incident. For movement that is directed towards oncoming cars, a fine is provided (in case of an accident). Its value naturally depends on the severity of the offense being committed. For example, if unlawful maneuvering was noticed directly within the highway, a penalty in the amount of RUB 2500 will be imposed on the car owner.
The more loyal is the punishment for reversing, which was committed on the side of the road or within the dividing lines. In view of the fact that in clause 9.9 of the current Rules such movement is prohibited, a fine (500 rubles) is provided for a violation.
Signs prohibiting maneuver
The "No entry" sign can warn the car owner about the prohibition of certain maneuvering. As practice shows, this kind of designation can be found on those sections of the road where the entry of any cars is prohibited. It should be noted that public and shuttle cars do not obey this rule. For "disobedience" and deliberate violation of the rules, a car driver may lose his driver's license for 4 months or six months, an alternative solution is a fine of 5 thousand rubles.
If the car owner drives his car to the route lane located in Moscow and St. Petersburg, he will have to pay a monetary penalty of 3 thousand rubles. In smaller settlements, an identical violation will require payment of a fine equal to RUB 1,500.
While driving in reverse, which was committed "under a brick", the car owner receives a fine of 500 rubles.
A prohibiting sign warning the driver of a car about the impossibility of driving backwards in his vehicle is a sign "No traffic". A person who sees this prohibition should know that he cannot move in both directions. Violation is only threatened by a fine of 500 rubles.
How to behave
In order not to create an obstacle to other car owners and not to provoke an emergency situation once again, it is advisable to use a sound signal. If another car owner is driving in reverse, he should not be hindered in this. It will be better if the car enthusiast who started the maneuver finishes the intended manipulation and both vehicles can continue to move without hindrance.
When moving a car backwards, it is imperative to control the entire situation: monitor the location of all cars on both sides. Do not forget about the rear-view mirrors, make a maneuver at high speed or rush out of the parking lot. As practice shows, accidental accidents occur most often during the departure of the car from the parking lot near the store.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that every car owner learns how to drive in reverse while still at a driving school, learning the basics of correct driving, many experienced motorists may experience difficulties at the time of such a movement. Limited visibility and difficulty in driving can provoke an accident, so every car owner should be as careful and prudent as possible when driving.
