Traffic regulations are the bible for motorists, but sometimes simple and understandable warnings can cause a lot of controversy and difficulties while the car is moving. Let's talk about a sign that everyone, even a child, knows, but do not underestimate its importance and simplicity; perhaps the most common one on the road, the “Main Road” road sign, contains many pitfalls.
It is classified as a priority designation, which regulates the priority of a vehicle’s entry into an intersection that is not additionally regulated (by a traffic light or a traffic controller).
It is important and raises many questions for both beginners and experienced drivers. A seemingly simple meaning can be controversial in certain circumstances. The most difficult thing to understand is the effect of the rule in places where the roadway changes direction or the zone of its validity ceases. Let's try to figure out these and many other questions.
How is the Main Road sign depicted?
The sign is a diamond-shaped plate yellow color, framed by a white frame. He is the only one with a similar shape and this is not without reason. It can be recognized from afar only by visually observing its outline, even from oncoming traffic.
As a supplement, they use signs indicating the direction and turn of movement, there are several of them, as well as other explanatory marks.
On a white background, a black outline schematically depicts a mini-model of an intersection, where a thick line indicates the main direction, and a regular line indicates the secondary direction.
Typically, such explanatory boards are not used independently; they always cooperate with the main road sign and nothing else.
Which roadway is given priority?
The mark is installed along the traffic, which has priority over other crossing roadways. This type of sign is usually located at unregulated intersections or entrances to adjacent territories. Its task is to regulate the order of entry or crossing of an unregulated intersection.
If the junction is equipped with a traffic light or a traffic controller is assigned to it, the priority action is canceled. A sign (8.13) may be installed under the sign, which indicates the direction of movement. This information is necessary so that the vehicle driver can easily determine the order of entry to the intersection.
Experienced motorists are advised to slow down when approaching an intersection and pay attention to the right angle in relation to the traffic. If there is no sign, then you need to look at the opposite left corner, then to the corner after the roadway. These manipulations will help you accurately understand the situation in this area and understand which routes you need to take in turn. If we talk in simple language, then it is worth assessing the situation at the entire intersection and paying attention to the priority of each of the traffic participants at this intersection.
If there is no main road sign
In populated areas, the “Main Road” priority sign is installed before each intersection. But what to do if this is not installed? Markings directly on the roadway (on the surface), as well as the location and order of roads adjacent to the main one, will come to the rescue.
You need to pay attention to the coating. So, for example, the main roadway will be with asphalt pavement in relation to a dirt or gravel road or any roadway in relation to adjacent exits from the territories. The entrance to the territory or residential area will never be the main roadway.
Important ! Even if the surface of the road, which is a secondary one or an exit from the territory, is made of hard material: asphalt or concrete, it will still not have the status of the main one or be equated to it.
Features of choosing an installation location
The structure is installed in advance on a stationary pole or above the roadway on an overpass or arch, that is, a warning is installed before entering the intersection, taking into account the necessary distance for the driver to take measures and decisions while driving along the roadway. An alert is placed at every intersection, i.e. intersection. This precaution is used to ensure that the motorist is not misled by other warnings.
You may encounter the following signs along the way:
- "Give Way";
- “Adjoining and crossing a secondary road.”
They are installed at the intersection of main and secondary roads. However, these signs indicate only a temporary action that applies only to this interchange. If, for example, there is a give way sign on the corner, then this means only one thing - you should not interfere with traffic traveling along a secondary road, but in no case is it the end main road.
The action does not apply to pedestrians and in residential areas, despite the fact that people are also participants traffic. There are also cases when a driver, after an accident, complains that the pedestrian did not give way.
As a replacement for "Main Road", one form of the "Main Road Junction" sign can sometimes be seen. It is installed in advance, so in city conditions it is difficult for motorists to navigate in this case. This combination is more often used outside the populated area.
Outside the city, the main road sign is not duplicated and is only canceled by the corresponding signal. Outside the city, a similar priority is given in areas of complex junctions.
It is also worth remembering that if the road is designated as the main one in a suburb, then parking on this section of the road on the roadway is strictly prohibited. Permission to act is a cancel sign or valid sign parking and rest areas.
Area of operation of the Main Road sign
In fact, the combination has no certain area actions: it only sets priority in the place where it is located. That is why it is duplicated at every intersection. To cancel priority, a main road cancellation sign is used. However, this does not mean at all that, while the roadway is not the main one, such a sign states the fact that there is an intersection of roads of equal status ahead.
The traffic rules state that priority applies to the place where it is canceled, but in practice this is not always the case.
There are often signs placed under the sign informing the driver of the change in direction of the priority road. If this sign is absent, then the main direction is straight.
As a rule, it is those intersections where the priority changes direction that cause difficulties. The peculiarity of the situation lies in the combination of two problems: entering an intersection with equivalent and unequal directions. By the way, the rules for driving through an equivalent intersection can be seen in this video.
In this case, it is worth considering not only the signs located directly in front of the car, but also those installed at the intersection as a whole, at all its corners and directions. As mentioned above, only a complete analysis will help to accept correct solution. Don’t forget about the driver’s “golden rule” - obstacles on the right.
As practice shows, there are a number of signs that reduce the number of traffic accidents, one of such signs is “Main Road”. But, unfortunately, many motorists cannot determine the priority of certain areas of traffic or make mistakes. Such situations often end in emergency situations. In this regard, every road user must know where the main road is and how to identify it. But there are times when it is not always possible to find the corresponding signs at intersections, so even in difficult situations you need to know who has more priority.
Orientation on the road
Main adjustment signs
In rules 2.1 there is a sign indicating movement on the main road. This sign is quite rare; it can be recognized from any angle, even if it:
- covered with snow;
- covered in mud;
- burned out in the sun.
The sign has the shape of a rhombus, is colored lightly yellow and is surrounded by a white border around the edges. This coloring helps to recognize it in any weather, as well as in different situations happening on the road. In accordance with the terms of the current standards, it is necessary to install this kind of sign on a ready-made support, which should be located at the edge of the road on the right side. So, when you approach an intersection, the very first thing you do is look carefully at the right side. If for some reason the sign is not there, be sure to look forward, up, left and center, it could have been moved there except.
However, on some secondary roads you can see warning signs, which in the traffic rules belong to the designation 2.4. These symbols are very similar to the main road signs, both have the same shape of an equilateral triangle and are mounted with the apex down. This feature, in turn, also allows one to recognize a sign under different circumstances. The sign has a triangular shape, is painted white and has a wide border of bright red around the edges.
In many cases the sign 2.5 is still used. It has the shape of an octagon with the inscription STOP white. This sign, compared to the one mentioned above, not only determines priority, but also does not allow you to cross the intersection without reducing speed until you stop.
Additional designations
In accordance with the standards for organizing infrastructure, as well as RTS (road transport construction), the “Main Road” sign can sometimes be replaced with the following designations, which refer to numbers 2.3.1 - 2.3.7.
They inform motorists about the presence of secondary traffic on this route and make it possible to maintain priority while crossing a certain territory. There is no need to confuse the types of signs establishing the main road. The priority direction is always marked with a large stripe in the middle, but as for those adjacent to it, then with thin stripes on all sides.
Also under the main road sign you can often see a large white plate with black markings and referring to the number 8.13 in accordance with the rules. Using it, you can accurately determine the road, which is the main one in relation to the location of vehicles. It also helps to quickly determine the order of movement.
Always know that on the auxiliary sign, the main road is marked with a bold stripe, but on the auxiliary signs, which do not have the right of priority, with thin stripes. An auxiliary sign is required when three or more paths intersect and when the direction of travel on a main road changes.
Movement according to the rules
If there is such a sign in front of you, you must know that you have priority over vehicles traveling in the other direction. When there is such a sign at an intersection and there is no explanatory sign, you need to clearly understand that the road that leads exclusively straight is the main one. Having noticed the presence of sign 8.13, imagine it in the center of the intersection and evaluate your path, and think about whether you have priority over other vehicles.
It is also necessary to know that the influence of the “Main Road” sign concerns every motorist present on it. Very rarely, but unpleasant situations do occur due to misunderstandings. The reason for all this is the lack of desire on the part of a driver driving on the main road to give way to a person leaving it.
In this regard, in such situations, you should use other rules, and do not forget about the interference on the right. Priority is given to those who fall under this definition. This in no way applies to those drivers who enter the main road from a secondary one. Since they must let through all vehicles with priority, and only then continue their movement.
However, there are also situations when the sign loses its influence. For example, if there is a traffic light at the intersection or there is a traffic controller at it with all the appropriate insignia and in the required uniform. Then you should use only their signals to determine the degree of advantage of any transport. If the traffic light is not working, is turned off or the yellow lights are flashing, then adhere to the sign.
Don't think that a "Main Road" sign gives cars priority over pedestrians. Provided that the infrastructure has all the proper markings and, of course, designations, it is necessary to act in accordance with the rules. Often, at a controlled intersection, you should follow the traffic lights or the traffic controller, and all other signs oblige you to give way to the same motorists.
When a sign is located outside of town and designates a main road, it can determine both priority and restriction. In such areas, stopping is prohibited. First you need to wait for a road pocket or the first exit, which in any case is on the highways. However, there may be an exception, this is a stop due to an accident that occurred on the main road or another emergency. For such a violation, the traffic police inspector may issue you a fine, and to prevent this from happening, you will need to present him with strong evidence.
When the sign is missing
There are times when intersections are not provided with proper road signs, leading to confusion among novice motorists. It must always be remembered that the following have a secondary status:
1. Yard roads.
2. Access roads.
3. Technological paths of enterprises.
4. Driveways.
5. Lanes.
In addition to all this, a road that has a hard surface of any type has an advantage over dirt roads, and does not depend on their directions or sizes. The only exception can be an installed sign indicating the advantage of a dirt road as the main one.
Sometimes on country roads the “Main Road” sign is not placed at all intersections. And therefore, the road will be of paramount importance until you come across the required sign, described in the rules under numbers 2.2. The reason for the end of the influence of the sign may be the passage of populated areas, as well as changes in the road surface. If the road surface is the same, you should adhere to the rule - obstacles on the right.
Wishes before practice
As we all already know, among motorists there are those who do not know the traffic rules or regularly or unintentionally violate them for some reason. When you go out on the road, you should always remember that unexpected situations may arise along the way and you should always be prepared to solve them. Very often, the “Main Road” sign cannot guarantee safe driving, since there may be a motorist who wants to enter the road without having priority. There are situations when there is not a completed exit, but only non-compliance with the rules establishing the line for stopping. But this is quite enough for an accident to occur.
As a result, when approaching a secondary road, reduce the speed slightly and focus your attention on the vehicles moving along it. You can also place your foot next to the brake pedal, this will help change the outcome of the consequences. Only if it happens emergency situation, the one who moved along the main road will still be right.
Advantage of movement
As for the main road, the main rule is that motorists who drive in the correct direction have priority. But it is worth remembering that you must adhere to other rules, including the advantages of vehicles located on the right, as well as requirements regarding maneuvering. On roads that are not marked, it is very difficult to find the main road, but you can do it if you look at the surface or the purpose of the path. In addition, when driving along the main road, be careful and careful, because car owners do not always follow the rules.
Determining priority when passing road intersections is an important factor in traffic safety. For this purpose, road signs have been developed and such a concept as the main road - traffic rules clearly and unambiguously reflect these tools for interaction between drivers.
Main road - definition of traffic rules, denoting signs
The definition of traffic rules for the main road is as follows: The main road, first of all, is the road on which signs 2.1, 2.3.1–2.3.7 or 5.1 are placed. Any adjacent or crossing roads will be of secondary importance and drivers on them will be required to yield to traffic traveling in the direction indicated by the above signs.
Priority is also determined by the availability of coverage. With a hard road surface (materials made of stone, cement, asphalt concrete), in relation to the ground, it is also the main one. But the secondary one, which has a certain segment with coverage only in front of the intersection, is not equal in importance to the one being crossed. You can also distinguish the secondary one by its location. Any road is considered the main road for exits from adjacent territories. Let's look at the signs indicating the main one and how they are used.
- 2.1 is placed at the beginning of the segment with priority right of movement through unregulated intersections, as well as immediately before intersections.
- If at the intersection the main road changes direction, then in addition to 2.1, a sign 8.13 is installed.
- The end of the section where the driver was driving along the main road is indicated by sign 2.2.
- 2.3.1 informs about the approach to the intersection with directions of secondary importance simultaneously from the left and right.
- 2.3.2–2.3.7 – about approaching the junction on the right or left of a secondary road.
- The sign “Motorway” (5.1) indicates the main road to which the rules for traveling on motorways apply. 5.1 is placed at the beginning of the highway.
Signs on minor roads
To warn drivers that they are driving on a secondary road and are approaching an intersection with the main road, they put up a “Give way” sign (2.4). Place it before exiting the main road at the beginning of the junction, before an intersection or exit onto a highway. Additionally, with 2.4, plate 8.13 can be used, informing about the direction of the main road in the section being crossed.
Before the intersection with the main road, sign 2.5 may be placed, which prohibits passing without stopping. 2.5 obliges you to yield to vehicles traveling on the roadway you are crossing. Drivers must stop at the stop line, and when there is none, at the border of the intersection. Only after making sure that further movement is safe and does not interfere with transport in the direction being crossed can you move on.
Traffic regulations on the actions of drivers at road intersections
For drivers who move in the direction designated as the main road, traffic rules require priority (primary) movement through uncontrolled intersections and intersections with secondary directions.
Drivers traveling in a secondary direction are required to yield to traffic moving in the main direction. At signalized intersections, you should be guided by the signals that are given.
The "Main Road" sign is usually located at the beginning of the street, which makes it difficult to determine which roadway is the priority. In order to avoid misinterpretation in the absence of the required signs, you should know the requirements of the traffic rules. When approaching an intersection, you need to study its near right corner. In the absence of the above signs, inspect the near and then the far left corner. This is necessary to identify the “Give Way” sign. When it is covered with snow or turned to the other side, they look at the location of the triangle - in 2.4 the apex is directed downward.
Prohibition signs introduce or remove certain traffic restrictions.
3.1 “Entry prohibited.”
Entry of all vehicles in this direction is prohibited.
3.2 “Movement prohibited.”
All vehicles are prohibited.
3.3 “The movement of motor vehicles is prohibited.”
3.4 “Truck traffic is prohibited.”
The movement of trucks and vehicle combinations with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons (if the weight is not indicated on the sign) or with a permissible maximum weight more than indicated on the sign, as well as tractors and self-propelled vehicles is prohibited.
Sign 3.4 does not prohibit the movement of trucks intended for the transport of people, vehicles of federal postal organizations that have a white diagonal stripe on the side surface on a blue background, as well as trucks without a trailer with a permissible maximum weight of not more than 26 tons that serve enterprises located in the designated area. In these cases, vehicles must enter and exit the designated area at the intersection closest to their destination.
3.5 “Motorcycles are prohibited.”
3.6 “Movement of tractors is prohibited.”
The movement of tractors and self-propelled vehicles is prohibited.
3.7 “Driving with a trailer is prohibited.”
It is prohibited to drive trucks and tractors with trailers of any type, as well as tow motor vehicles.
The movement of horse-drawn carts (sleighs), riding and pack animals, as well as the passage of livestock is prohibited.
3.9 “Bicycles are prohibited.”
Bicycles and mopeds are prohibited.
3.10 “Pedestrian traffic is prohibited.”
3.11 “Weight limitation”.
The movement of vehicles, including combinations of vehicles, the total actual weight of which is greater than that indicated on the sign, is prohibited.
3.12 “Limitation of mass per vehicle axle.”
It is prohibited to drive vehicles whose actual weight on any axle exceeds that indicated on the sign.
3.13 “Height limitation”.
The movement of vehicles whose overall height (with or without cargo) is greater than that indicated on the sign is prohibited.
3.14 “Width limitation”.
It is prohibited to drive vehicles whose overall width (laden or unladen) is greater than that indicated on the sign.
3.15 “Length limitation”.
The movement of vehicles (vehicle trains) whose overall length (with or without cargo) is greater than that indicated on the sign is prohibited.
3.16 “Minimum distance limitation.”
It is prohibited to drive vehicles with a distance between them less than that indicated on the sign.
3.17.1 “Customs”.
It is prohibited to travel without stopping at a customs office (checkpoint).
3.17.2 “Danger”.
The further movement of all vehicles without exception is prohibited due to a traffic accident, accident, fire or other danger.
3.17.3 “Control”.
Driving through checkpoints without stopping is prohibited.
3.18.1 “Right turns are prohibited.”
3.18.2 “Left turns are prohibited.”
3.19 “Turning is prohibited.”
3.20 “Overtaking is prohibited.”
It is prohibited to overtake all vehicles except slow-moving vehicles, horse-drawn carts, bicycles, mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without sidecars.
3.21 “End of the no-overtaking zone.”
3.22 “Overtaking by trucks is prohibited.”
Prohibited trucks with a permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 tons, overtaking all vehicles.
3.23 “End of the no-overtaking zone for trucks.”
3.24 “Maximum speed limit.”
It is prohibited to drive at a speed (km/h) exceeding that indicated on the sign.
3.25 “End of maximum speed limit zone.”
3.26 “Sound signal is prohibited.”
It is prohibited to use sound signals, except when the signal is given to prevent a traffic accident.
3.27 “Stopping is prohibited.”
Stopping and parking of vehicles is prohibited.
3.28 “Parking is prohibited.”
Parking of vehicles is prohibited.
3.29 “Parking is prohibited on odd days of the month.”
3.30 “Parking is prohibited on even days of the month.”
When signs 3.29 and 3.30 are used simultaneously on opposite sides of the roadway, parking is permitted on both sides of the roadway from 19:00 to 21:00 (rearrangement time).
3.31 “End of the zone of all restrictions.”
Designation of the end of the coverage area simultaneously for several signs from the following: 3.16, 3.20, 3.22, 3.24, 3.26 – 3.30.
3.32 “The movement of vehicles with dangerous goods is prohibited.”
The movement of vehicles equipped with identification signs (information plates) “Dangerous cargo” is prohibited.
3.33 “The movement of vehicles with explosive and flammable cargo is prohibited.”
The movement of vehicles transporting explosives and products, as well as other dangerous goods subject to marking as flammable, is prohibited, except for cases of transportation of the specified hazardous substances and products in limited quantities, determined in accordance with the procedure established by special transportation rules.
Signs 3.2 – 3.9, 3.32 and 3.33 prohibit the movement of the corresponding types of vehicles in both directions.
The signs do not apply to:
3.1 – 3.3, 3.18.1, 3.18.2, 3.19 – for route vehicles;
3.27 – for route vehicles and vehicles used as passenger taxis, in places where route vehicles stop or where vehicles used as passenger taxis are parked, marked with markings 1.17 and (or) signs 5.16 – 5.18, respectively.
3.2, 3.3, 3.5 – 3.8 – for vehicles of federal postal service organizations that have a white diagonal stripe on a blue background on the side surface, and vehicles that serve enterprises located in the designated area, and also serve citizens or belong to citizens living or working in the designated area. In these cases, vehicles must enter and exit the designated area at the intersection closest to their destination;
3.28 – 3.30 – for vehicles driven by disabled people, transporting disabled people, including disabled children, if on the indicated vehicles an identification sign “Disabled” has been installed, as well as on vehicles of federal postal organizations that have a white diagonal stripe on the side surface on a blue background, and on taxis with a taximeter turned on;
3.2, 3.3 – for vehicles driven by disabled people of groups I and II, transporting such disabled people or disabled children, if the identification sign “Disabled” is installed on these vehicles;
The coverage area of signs 3.16, 3.20, 3.22, 3.24, 3.26-3.30 extends from the place where the sign is installed to the nearest intersection behind it, and in populated areas, in the absence of an intersection, to the end of the populated area. The effect of the signs is not interrupted at exit points from areas adjacent to the road and at intersections (junctions) with field, forest and other secondary roads, in front of which the corresponding signs are not installed.
The effect of sign 3.24, installed in front of a populated area indicated by sign 5.23.1 or 5.23.2, extends to this sign.
The coverage area of signs may be reduced:
for signs 3.16 and 3.26 using plate 8.2.1;
for signs 3.20, 3.22, 3.24 by installing signs 3.21, 3.23, 3.25 at the end of their coverage area, respectively, or using plate 8.2.1. The coverage area of sign 3.24 can be reduced by installing sign 3.24 with a different meaning maximum speed movements;
for signs 3.27-3.30 by installing at the end of their validity repeated signs 3.27-3.30 with plate 8.2.3 or using plate 8.2.2. Sign 3.27 can be used in conjunction with marking 1.4, and sign 3.28 - with marking 1.10, while the coverage area of the signs is determined by the length of the marking line.
The traffic rules contain signs called priority signs, which carry out important role in regulating the movement of motor vehicles. One of these signs is the “Main Road” road sign.
Thanks to its instructions, drivers have priority when driving on roads and when crossing intersections if there is no traffic light there.
Unfortunately, many drivers ignore the instructions of road signs, which are called the first problem in Russia, or reckless drivers, so we are dealing with a huge number of accidents and appealing to the insurance company for payments.
In this article:
Requirements of road sign 2.1
When we see a yellow diamond on a white background, we understand that a main road is organized on this section of the road. What does this mean for us?
We can safely move in the direction of the main road, cross intersections and secondary roads without taking into account the “interference on the right” rule.
Why is the sign shaped like a diamond? Surely when studying traffic rules in a driving school, the teacher explained the meaning of the signs and the geometric shape of the signs used.
There are situations where there is insufficient visibility caused by heavy rain, blizzards, darkness on sections of roads without lighting. Therefore, in addition to memorizing the backgrounds of the image, we also store in our memory the geometric shapes of the characters.
At least three sign shapes are important when crossing an intersection: the diamond, the inverted triangle, and the octagonal sign.
Even if we don’t see images of the signs, we perfectly understand their meaning and what the driver on the right or left of us at the intersection will do.
In this case, we will move unhindered, having priority in traffic, but it is worth looking around and remembering the problems of Russia and the fact that there is transport that uses priority in traffic, despite the instructions of the signs (ambulance, Ministry of Emergency Situations, police).
Rules for installing a sign 2.1
Sign 2.1 is usually placed at the beginning of the road, having priority before the indication road sign 2.2, indicating the end of the main road. Sign 2.2 has crossed lines diagonally indicating the end of the main road. Then a different mode of movement operates.
The sign's effect extends to the intersection. If no additional distance marking is used, sign 2.1 is located before each intersection.
When the road changes direction, the sign 8.13 is duplicated below the sign, where a black straight line is highlighted, indicating the direction for driving along the main road.
Outside the city, sign 2.1 and 8.13 are installed at a distance of 150-300 meters before the road intersection. Also, according to GOST, outside an urban settlement, sign 2.1 may not be installed in front of each intersection; this will be indicated by a give way sign on a perpendicular strip to the main road.
Liability for violation of sign 2.1
Since priority signs do not contain prohibitions, there is no fine for violating them. But there are rules for drivers driving from the adjacent side of the road, where there will definitely be a give way sign.
In this case, the driver who ignores the requirements for giving priority to cars moving on the main road will bear administrative liability under Part 3 of Art. 12.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation in the form of a fine of 1000 rubles.
Also, if you are outside the city on the main road, you are prohibited from stopping in this area, depending on the road markings, until a stop pocket has been organized. Drivers can be held liable under Part 4 of Art. 12.16 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and receive a fine of 1000 rubles.
