Driving back in a car is one of the most difficult and rather dangerous maneuvers for drivers. Of course, moving back allows you to conveniently park, and rear-view mirrors make it possible to assess the situation and the distance to the nearest objects, cars, but in any case, such a maneuver is complicated and has several disadvantages:
- When driving back, the driver must let all pedestrians and all vehicles pass.
- Not in all sections of the carriageway (we will talk about this in more detail) backward movement is allowed.
- There is a high probability of an accident when moving backward, so this maneuver requires vigilance from the driver.
Let us dwell in more detail on the second point and determine where reversing is prohibited. What does the SDA say about this, what can be the fines for violation?
Where is reverse movement prohibited in traffic rules?
Clauses 8.12 and 8.11 of the SDA clearly state that moving backward is prohibited at intersections and in places where U-turns are not permitted. But in the same paragraph of the Rules it is indicated that reversing a car is allowed if the car does not interfere with other cars, pedestrians, etc. That is, this paragraph indicates that backward movement by car is not allowed even in places where there are prohibition signs.
However, there are places where reversing is prohibited:
- Pedestrian areas.
- Tunnels.
- Railroad crossings.
- Crossroads.
- Motorways.
- Flyovers, bridges, overpasses.
- Road sections where visibility within a radius of 100 meters is limited.
- Parking spots for trolleybuses and buses.
- One-way road sections.
Specifically, in these places where reversal and reversing are prohibited, even paragraph 8.12 does not apply, according to which backward movement can be carried out if it does not interfere with other drivers on the road.
At the pedestrian crossing
At a pedestrian crossing, backward movement is extremely rare and is completely illogical. But it happens that drivers miss the right turn. But even in the absence of pedestrians at the crossing and cars can not be taken back. This is one of those places where reversing is strictly prohibited. If the driver breaks the rule, then he faces a fine. Its size can be 500-2000 rubles.
At the crossroads
It is also prohibited to reverse the vehicle at the intersection. There are reasons for this. First of all, there is a limited visibility for the driver, as well as high traffic intensity. There is a high probability of getting into an accident if you move back by car at the intersection. The blow can be struck from any side.
And although the intersection is one of those places where reversing is prohibited, not all intersections are considered intersections. For example, the adjoining of the secondary road to the main one and the exits to the courtyard are not crossroads. But even in this case, you should be very careful when moving backwards, as visibility for the driver will still be limited. In case of poor visibility, the driver should take the help of a third party, but this still will not serve as a reason for exemption from liability in the event of an accident.
Articles 12.13 and 12.14 of the Code of Administrative Procedure of the Russian Federation categorically prohibit reverse driving at intersections and entail administrative punishment. This is a fine of 500-1000 rubles.
At the railway crossing
Level crossings are areas where reversing is prohibited due to increased danger.It is also prohibited here to stop in the crossing zone, turning and driving during the prohibition signal.
This rule is governed by article 12.19 of the AP Code. Punishment for violation is possible in the form of a fine. Its size will be 1000 rubles. Also, the inspector of the traffic police has the opportunity to deprive the driver of his rights for 6 months, and in case of a repeat of this violation - for 12 months.
With one-way traffic
And although a one-way road is an area where it is forbidden to reverse in a car, in case of violation you can refer to paragraph 8.12 of the SDA, which states that backward movement is possible if this does not interfere with drivers on the road (or pedestrians).
If the obstacle for other participants in the movement occurred while driving backwards, a protocol will be drawn up for the driver and he will be forced to pay a fine of 500 rubles.
By motorway
Given the fact that the motorway is a high-speed traffic area, penalties for violations are tightened here. Reversing and turning on the motorway are also prohibited. In case of violation, the driver will have to pay a fine of 2500 rubles.
Where is allowed?
All prohibitions on reversing exist solely to ensure road safety. Due to the rapid development of the market and increasing the technical parameters of cars, tougher penalties for traffic violations are required. However, punishments and prohibitions do not protect a person from the danger of an accident in case of violation of the rules.
As for driving backwards on a car, this is allowed in almost all situations except those presented above. If strongly generalized, then reversing is regulated by two points of traffic rules. Therefore, even when driving in a one-way lane, drivers have the right to take back, but only if there are no other cars behind.
Many drivers have the impression that a list of prohibitions and fines for reversing a car generally prohibits backward movement. But actually it is not. When there is an objective need, then moving back is possible if it does not interfere with other drivers or pedestrians. However, the above described places where reversing is strictly prohibited in Russia, and paragraph 8.12 does not apply there, which permits movement in the absence of other cars.
Finally
Quite often, when driving in reverse, the traffic police inspector fines drivers. However, some car owners are quite savvy and can safely refer to paragraph 8.12, proving that their maneuver did not interfere with other drivers on the road.
Note that it was precisely in order to avoid abuse of the rules that a Decree was issued with reference to paragraph 8.12. In accordance with the Decree, vehicles are allowed to drive backwards if this does not interfere with drivers or pedestrians. However, if traffic police inspectors regard this as a violation, the driver will have to prove that he acted because of objective necessity, and that he did not interfere with other drivers. However, no rule or law stipulates the degree of objectivity, so quite often drivers manage to avoid fines for such an offense. Take note, but unless absolutely necessary, do not reverse the vehicle in places where this is prohibited.