What is priority sign or marking

What is more important: the sign or the marking? Temporary road signs and markings.

Good afternoon, dear reader.

This article will discuss a question that worries many novice motorists: “ What is more important, a sign or a marking?” ". In fact, such a question is only appropriate when the requirements of road signs and road markings contradict each other.

I would like to note right away that most often road signs and road markings either duplicate each other or complement each other, i.e. no contradiction arises. Naturally, in this case, the question of the primacy of road signs or road markings is completely irrelevant.

However, cases of conflicting road signs and markings still occur on our roads, so this issue requires careful study.

Separately, this article will consider temporary road signs and markings, which may contradict both each other and permanent road signs and markings.

Below we will talk about four types of road infrastructure elements:

• Road signs:
  • permanent;
  • temporary.
• Road markings:
  • constant;
  • temporary.

Temporary road signs and markings

Let's look at the differences between temporary road signs and markings and permanent ones.

Temporary road signs differ from permanent ones in that they have a yellow background (until mid-2013, temporary signs were installed on portable stands, but this requirement has now been removed from the rules).

As an example, I suggest looking at the picture on the left. It shows temporary road signs (left) and a permanent road sign (right). The temporary road signs in the picture have a yellow background.

Currently, the traffic rules provide a list of signs, each of which can be used as a temporary sign:

Temporary road markings differ from permanent ones only in color. In most cases, permanent markings are white, temporary markings are orange:

So, we have identified 4 groups of road design elements: temporary and permanent road signs and temporary and permanent road markings. It is the priority of each of these 4 groups that will be considered in this article.

What is more important: the sign or the marking?

Let's consider the main question of this article: “ What is more important, the sign or the markings? ".

First, let's compare temporary and permanent road signs. In accordance with the last paragraph of Chapter 8 of Appendix 1 to the traffic rules:

In cases where the meanings of temporary road signs and permanent road signs contradict each other, drivers must be guided by the temporary signs.

Those. Temporary road signs take precedence over permanent ones. The intermediate list in descending order of priority will look like this:

1. Temporary road signs;
2. Permanent road signs;
?.
Temporary road markings; ?. Permanent road markings.

Let's look at another paragraph of the rules that will “dot the i's” in matters of priority. This is the last paragraph of Chapter 1 of Appendix 2 to the traffic rules:

In cases where the meanings of road signs, including temporary ones, and horizontal marking lines contradict each other or the markings are not sufficiently distinguishable, drivers must be guided by the road signs. In cases where temporary marking lines and permanent marking lines contradict each other, drivers must be guided by the temporary marking lines.

So, from the first sentence of this paragraph it follows that any road signs are more important than any markings . From the second sentence it follows that temporary markings take precedence over permanent markings.

Final list of priorities:

1. Temporary road signs;
2. Permanent road signs;
3. Temporary road markings;
4. Permanent road markings.

In the event of a controversial situation on the road, you should first of all be guided by temporary road signs, then permanent signs, etc. by the list.

Please note that temporary markings do not take precedence over permanent road signs.

Examples of contradictions in road signs and markings

Contradictory situations do not arise on the road very often. Much more often, drivers make erroneous interpretations of values. Therefore, in this article we will look at some examples for a better understanding.

1. Detour road repairs in the oncoming lane

Road sign 4.2.2 has been installed on the road and permanent markings 1.3 have been applied:

In this case, there is an obvious contradiction, because, on the one hand, it is prohibited to cross markings 1.3, and on the other hand, road sign 4.2.2 clearly indicates the need to cross road markings. The road sign has priority, so detouring the road repairs in the oncoming lane is legal.

Let's look at several situations in which there is actually no contradiction, but not all drivers are able to quickly determine this.

2. Overtaking if there is a sign 3.20 and markings 1.5

There is a road sign 3.20 “Overtaking prohibited” on the road and horizontal markings 1.5:

In this case, the situation should be interpreted as follows:

1. Road sign 3.20 prohibits overtaking.

2. Marking 1.5 does not prohibit driving into the oncoming lane.

Taken together, these signs mean that the driver can enter the oncoming lane when performing any maneuver other than overtaking. He can drive around in the oncoming lane, turn left and turn around.

Attention! Some believe that marking 1.5 allows overtaking. This is not true. Markup 1.5 does not allow anything additional. In her presence, you simply need to move within the marked lane.

3. Overtaking in the presence of sign 3.21 and markings 1.1

Another example similar to the previous one. There is a sign 3.21 “End of no-overtaking zone” on the road and markings 1.1:

In this case:

1. Marking 1.1 prohibits any entry into the oncoming lane (including overtaking).

2. Sign 3.21 indicates the end of the no-overtaking zone. Please note that the sign does not allow overtaking, but only marks the end of the zone.

Many people don’t understand this, they try to overtake through a solid marking line and receive a well-deserved deprivation of their rights.

I hope the examples discussed in this article will help you in the future when identifying real contradictions between road signs and markings. In addition, the question “What is more important is the sign or the marking?” will no longer worry you.

What is more important: signs or markings

Situations often arise when these road elements contradict each other. Sometimes drivers encounter a contradiction between sign 3.20 “Overtaking is prohibited” and marking 1.1. “solid” and 1.5, 1.6 “intermittent”. How to behave in this case? Let's try to answer this question.

What to do if there are conflicting signs and markings

Below we will talk about such elements of traffic rules:

It should be remembered that according to traffic rules, signs are more important than road markings. This is discussed in the last paragraph of Art. 1 Appendix 2 to the traffic rules.

Temporary signs have a yellow background. This is their main difference from permanent ones and they have priority over any markings and permanent road signs. In addition, previously temporary signs were installed on portable stands, but this rule no longer exists.

As for road markings, temporary ones also differ from permanent ones in color; they will be dark yellow (orange).

Examples of contradictory signs and markings

Drivers often make mistakes when interpreting road signs and markings. This happens much more often than traffic elements contradict each other. Let's consider the options for the most popular contradictions:

1 Detour of road repairs in the oncoming lane

A road sign “Avoid obstacles on the left” has been installed on the road and permanent markings have been applied. On the one hand, the driver is prohibited from crossing the solid line, on the other hand, the sign indicates that this simply must be done. Since the sign has priority (as mentioned above), avoiding road repairs in oncoming traffic is a legal action.

2 Overtaking in the presence of sign 3.20 “Overtaking is prohibited” and horizontal markings 1.5.

In this situation, the sign prohibits overtaking another vehicle, but the markings allow you to enter the oncoming lane. Thus, the driver is allowed to make any maneuver in the oncoming lane, except overtaking.

Some people believe that horizontal marks of 1.5 allow overtaking. However, this assertion has no basis. This marking does not provide any additional permission, but simply allows you to cross the lane.

3 Overtaking in the presence of sign 3.21 “End of no-overtaking zone” and continuous markings 1.1

This case is similar to the previous one. On the one hand, we have markings that prohibit driving into the oncoming lane for any purpose, on the other hand, there is a sign that indicates the end of the restricted overtaking zone. Please note that the sign does not give permission to overtake, but only indicates the end of the zone. Thus, on this section of the road the driver is prohibited from overtaking in oncoming traffic.

What is more important – signs or markings?

Based on the last paragraph of Chapter 8 of Appendix 1 to the Traffic Regulations, we can state:

If the meanings of temporary and permanent road signs conflict, drivers should give priority to the temporary signs.

Chapter 8 of Appendix 1 to the Traffic Regulations

And the last paragraph of Chapter 1 of Appendix 2 to the Traffic Regulations says:

if the meanings of signs, including temporary ones, and horizontal marking lines contradict each other or the markings are not sufficiently distinguishable, the driver should take into account the road signs. If there are conflicts between temporary and permanent markings, priority is given to the first temporary one.

chapter 1 of appendix 2 to the traffic rules

The final list of priorities on the road is as follows:

1 Temporary signs.

2 Permanent signs.

3 Temporary marking.

4 Permanent markings.

Only road signs installed in accordance with the requirements relate to the rules of the road; the rest, in fact, are recognized as installed without sufficient grounds. A sign installed not in accordance with GOST is contrary to both the law and traffic regulations.

Thus, if the markings contradict the signs, you don’t need to think about what to do, you just need to be guided by the current traffic rules.

What to do if they try to fine you illegally

The documents that regulate the activities of the traffic police indicate that a road service inspector, when identifying a fact of non-compliance with the requirements of a sign and road markings, must report this to the appropriate authority. If you have been held liable on the basis of non-compliance of signs and markings, you need to go to court with a demand “to conduct an examination to establish existing deficiencies in the organization of traffic and failure to comply with the requirements of GOST R 52289−2004.”

Sometimes they try to fine a driver if sign 3.21 “End of coverage area of ​​the “No overtaking” sign” is installed in a section when the marking line is still solid (1.1.). In good weather, the driver, of course, will first see the prohibition line and will not overtake. But what to do in case of poor visibility? It is necessary to use regulatory documents that will help prove that the driver is not guilty of the violation.

Signs and markings must be placed on the road surface in accordance with traffic regulations. The driver must be able to clearly see signs and markings at any time of the day. Signs must not be obscured by billboards or trees. The same applies to markings - they should be visible both day and night.

On sections of roads where there are several lanes in one direction, signs should be mounted not only on the side in the direction of travel, but also on top of the route or on both sides. If any of these requirements were violated, you can safely challenge the fine.

If you believe that you have not violated traffic rules and regard the inspector’s actions as unlawful, then within 10 days you can file a complaint (in any form).

What is priority on the road: a sign or markings?

In a normal situation, road signs and markings either complement each other or duplicate . Thus, no contradictions arise and the question of the priority of road development elements is not relevant.

But if it happens differently, every driver should understand how to act in such a situation.

Quite often, both on the highway and in the city, motorists are faced with the fact that installed road signs contradict the markings on the same road.

At the same time, it becomes unclear what is more important, the road sign or the markings, what should be followed while driving.

According to the installation method, road signs and markings can be divided into:

• permanent or stationary;
• temporary or portable.

Temporary road signs and markings

A distinctive feature of temporary signs is their yellow background . Temporary road signs are installed on a portable stand.

In most cases, they are used in areas where the road surface is being repaired or when a traffic accident occurs, as this interferes with the normal movement of traffic in the area.

The basis of the temporary sign is crossed iron reinforcement at a 90 degree angle . The length of the base elements is 500 millimeters.

The resistance of the element to wind and vibration from vehicles passing nearby is ensured through the use of metal components.

Sometimes, for reliability and higher stability, a weight is mounted at the base of the sign. For this purpose, a metal weight or a concrete stone can be used.

It is worth considering that temporary road signs do not include those that are taped to a post or attached to a tree.

Road markings are paint on the surface of a highway or highway, applied to regulate the movement of vehicles along a given area.

The peculiarity of temporary road markings is that they are made for a short period of time and are applied to the road surface with orange paint. Rarely used, but worth knowing about.

Permanent road signs and markings

Permanent signs provide necessary information to the driver. They differ from temporary ones in color and installation method. It cannot be yellow.

To install them, a hole of the required depth is dug, into which the sign is placed and filled with concrete. After the concrete mixture has hardened, the hole is filled with soil - this is the final stage of installation.

It is almost impossible to move, so it is installed for a long period of time.

Permanent road markings are also applied over a long period of time and decorated with a thick layer of white paint.

It is almost impossible to remove it from the road surface, since it must be constantly present on the road surface and facilitate the fast and safe movement of cars on a given section of the road.

It has the same purpose as temporary, but is characterized by a wider distribution.

Priority level

Based on the traffic rules, it is easy to determine what is a priority, a road sign or markings.

If the meaning of temporary road signs and stationary ones contradict each other, motorists must be guided by the temporary signs.

Temporary road signs always have the highest priority level. Therefore, they are quite easy to install and dismantle if necessary.

In case of an emergency or short-term road work, there is no alternative to its use. The list, in descending order of priority, of the road arrangement elements looks like this:

• temporary road signs;
• permanent road signs;
• temporary road markings;
• permanent road markings.

The traffic rules state:

1. A temporary sign is more important than all elements of road construction.
2. If a sign contradicts the markings, including temporary ones, or when they are not sufficiently distinguishable, then the sign is more important.
3. In cases where permanent marking lines and temporary marking lines contradict each other, drivers must be guided by the meaning of the temporary markings.
4. Temporary markings take precedence over permanent markings.

If a situation arises that is unclear to the driver, what is more important on the road, a road sign or markings, it is important to remember the list of priorities of road design elements and note that temporary markings cannot be more important than permanent road signs.

An example of contradictions between road signs and markings

Sometimes a traffic sign clearly defines the direction of movement of the vehicle, for example, only straight, and in accordance with the road markings you can drive straight or make a maneuver to the right or left.

In this case, the driver must give priority to the sign and drive according to its rules.

Since the updated traffic rules clearly define what is more important on the road, the road sign or the markings.

But if there is no sign, then you should move along the road markings.

Placement and use of road design elements

Road signs and markings must be placed on the road surface in accordance with traffic rules.

Signs are placed so that they are clearly legible both day and night. They should not be obscured by billboards, trees or other objects.

Road markings must also have good visibility at any time of the day . In places where markings are not visible due to weather conditions or cannot be updated, signs should be installed that carry the relevant information. It is also expected that there will be more duplicate signs on the roads.

In areas where there are several lanes in one direction, it is necessary to install a sign not only on the side, but also above the roadway, on the dividing strip or on the other side of the road. But at the same time, there should be no more than two lanes of traffic in the oncoming direction.

Thus, only road design elements installed in the appropriate order are perceived as traffic rules.

In a normal situation, road signs and markings perfectly complement or repeat each other. But in some situations they may conflict.

It is important to understand the sign or marking, which has priority . In accordance with the new traffic rules, which are still in force in 2019, it follows that any road signs are more important than any markings.

In the first place are temporary road signs, then come permanent ones, after them temporary road markings and at the very end - permanent road markings, which are the least priority.

What is priority on the road – a sign or a marking?

Road signs and markings are recognized as setting the rules on the road. They can complement each other, as well as duplicate. You can often see contradictions between signs and markings on the roads, in such cases the question arises of what to focus on. Let's try to understand in more detail what is more important, the markings or the road sign, and what to follow if the signs and markings contradict each other.

Method of installing signs and lines on the road

According to the method of installation, signs and markings can be:

• permanent, otherwise they are called stationary;
• temporary, they are installed for a certain time, for example, when the roadway is being repaired.

Temporary installation of signs and temporary marking lines

The main feature of temporary signs on the road, be it a sign or markings, is color. In this case it will be yellow. Signs that are installed for a certain period of time are portable.

The sign stands on special metal fittings at a right angle. In this case, the length of the installation elements must be at least half a meter so that the structure is stable and does not fall when there is a gust of wind or traffic. Often, to make the sign more stable, a load can be used, often a concrete stone. At the same time, temporary signs on the road cannot include those elements that are mounted with tape or on wood.

If we talk about road markings, they are applied to the road surface to regulate traffic flows on certain road sections. It is applied to the road surface with orange paint, which is visible even from a great distance and does not allow the stripes to be confused with permanent ones.

Permanent signs and markings

Symbols and signs installed on a permanent basis are intended to inform drivers. They differ significantly from temporary ones, firstly, in color, and secondly, in the installation method. Permanent signs have a white background. They are installed taking into account the fact that they will always be located on this section of the road. To do this, they dig a hole where the main structures are placed, then it is filled with concrete mortar. Then the soil is covered.

Moving or relocating the structure is quite problematic; to do this, it is necessary to completely dismantle the sign.

It will take several years to remove such stripes. Special paint allows it not to be erased from the asphalt even with regular collisions with stripes.

What is more important, a sign or a marking?

To answer this question, you just need to remember or look into a book on the rules of the road.

If we consider the list in descending order of priority, it will look like this:

• temporary signs;
• stationary signs;
• markings applied for a certain period of time;
• stationary markings.

The traffic rules state:

• a sign that is installed for the duration of work or for another occasion and is of a temporary nature has the main priority on the road;
• if a sign installed for a certain period contradicts any type of marking, then the sign must be followed;
• if there are permanent and temporary markings on the roadway that contradict each other, the driver must continue driving according to the orange markings, that is, the temporary ones;
• Orange markings are more significant than white markings. That is, priority is given to temporary signs on the road.

If an ambiguous situation arises on the road while driving, related to the priority of signs or markings, then it is worth remembering which elements of the road sign have higher priority. It should also be remembered that temporary markings cannot be more important than stationary signs.

To make it clearer, it is worth considering an example of possible contradictions on a highway. Often a sign determines the direction of movement along the highway. For example, you can only go straight. If the markings allow you to move straight and to the left, then the driver must continue driving as indicated by the sign, that is, only straight.

The new traffic rules contain a detailed indication of what is more important: a marking or a sign. If the sign is not installed on the road, then the markings will be a priority and it is necessary to move, guided by them.

Road construction

You can’t just put up a sign of any temporary nature, just like you can’t apply markings. Both of these elements must be installed strictly, focusing on traffic rules.

Almost the same requirements apply to markup. It should always be visible, regardless of the time of day and weather conditions. Moreover, if the markings are erased or covered, for example, by snow, road signs are installed. They often have duplicate elements.

On those roads where there are several lanes in one direction, signs are mounted not only on the side of the road, but also above the road itself. At the same time, in the oncoming direction there must be at least 2 lanes for vehicles.

It turns out that only those elements that are established with traffic rules can be perceived by drivers as rules. These are what every driver focuses on when driving a vehicle.

Both signs and markings are designed to ensure safety on the road. In order not to get confused when there is a contradiction, you should regularly look at the traffic rules. It will be useful to repeat the signals of the traffic controller, traffic lights, overtaking rules and what will happen if these requirements are not met.

Sign or marking – what should be given priority according to the rules?

If there are signs and markings on the road that contradict each other, then the driver must clearly navigate the situation and know what to give priority to. They may contradict each other in the event of an accident or during repair work on the road. Therefore, the driver must be careful not to create an emergency situation and navigate short-term traffic changes.

What is priority: sign or marking?

In order not to be mistaken with the primacy of signs on the road, you should distinguish between the types of road signs and markings. They can be permanent or temporary. But in any case, according to the rules, the driver must be able to see them at any time of the day. Signs should not be obscured by billboards or trees. Particular attention should be paid to signs that are installed illegally. They have no force and the driver should not take this information into account. Illegal signs include: those attached to a lamp post or tree using duct tape or tape. Such pointers must be ignored.

Temporary road signs and markings

It is easy for a motorist on the road to distinguish temporary road signs from permanent ones. Temporary signs have a yellow background, permanent signs have a white background. According to the traffic rules, there must be a sign under the temporary signs indicating the territory of influence of this informer and the distance to the problem area. Usually, at the end of the segment, sign 3.31 is installed, which removes all restrictions that were in force before it.

The temporary marking differs only in color - it is orange. Temporary indicators always take precedence over permanent ones, since they indicate the need for a certain movement in a specific situation. In this case, stationary signs are usually removed or covered so that they do not confuse drivers. Temporary signs are easier to install and can also be easily dismantled.

Permanent road signs and markings

Permanent signs are installed for a long time. They are designed to show information that will be relevant for a long time, regardless of external factors. Permanent signs must be installed in a specially prepared recess, which is then filled with concrete. Once the concrete has hardened, earth is poured around the sign. Unlike temporary signs, permanent signs inform about the features of movement on a given section of the road in the long term. Permanent markings have a white main background color inside the border.

If there are temporary and permanent informers on the site at the same time, then according to the traffic rules, temporary signs have priority for the driver, since they inform about the changed situation on this section of the road.

Important! If the lines painted on the road contradict the signs, then according to the traffic rules the latter have priority, while the markings are always of secondary importance.

Prioritization

If you prioritize, taking into account temporary and permanent signs, then the temporary road sign comes first, followed by the permanent one. In third place in terms of priorities is temporary marking and only then permanent marking.

On a road that has several lanes, according to traffic regulations, the sign must be located not only on the side, but also on the road so that drivers moving in the middle of the stream have access to this information.

Examples of contradictions between signs and markings

There are several most common options when the two pointers in question contradict each other. Most often, permission is given to overtake vehicles in the oncoming lane if there is a double solid line and a temporary informer 4.2.2. Usually this combination is used when repairing a road. In this case, the priority will be to allow overtaking, despite the double solid line. There are other options for controversial situations.

Overtaking at sign 3.20 and markings 1.5

Plate 3.20 means that overtaking is prohibited on this section of the road. Marking 1.5 is a broken line allowing overtaking and detour. A broken line is used on two-lane roads as well as on three-lane roads to indicate lanes. Despite the fact that such a line is a “center line,” on two-lane roads it can be crossed and overtaken. But only if there are no additional signs that contradict the lines marked on the road.

If these conflicting information messages are combined on one section of the road, then the driver should not overtake, focusing on the prohibitory sign. But the markings in this case are of particular importance; they allow overtaking or detour:

• slow-moving vehicles;
• horse-drawn transport;
• motorcycles without trailers.

It is the dotted strip that indicates the effect of these exceptions. In this situation, it will not be overtaking, but rather a detour.

Overtaking at sign 3.21 and markings 1.1

The situation is the opposite of the previous one. In this case, symbol 3.21 indicates the end of the overtaking zone, and marking 1.1 is a solid line that cannot be crossed, which means you cannot overtake. In this case, the line will have priority, since the sign does not indicate that overtaking is allowed. It simply indicates the end of the no-overtaking zone. By and large, these informers do not contradict each other, but complement each other.

Important! In bad weather conditions and poor visibility, the driver may not notice the solid line, but will first pay attention exclusively to indicator 3.21. In this case, it is necessary to use regulatory documents to prove the innocence of the motorist.

What to do if there are contradictions?

First of all, the driver should calm down and not panic. Only in this case will it be possible to make the right decision. If there is an obvious contradiction between the sign and the markings, the priority is always the temporary sign, since it indicates the desired actions depending on specific circumstances (road repairs, accidents, weather conditions, emergency situations). The markings in relation to the sign are always secondary, and this is conveyed to drivers during training at a driving school. It is important to remember this material and use it.

Responsibility for failure to comply with priorities

If a motorist does not comply with priorities, he faces administrative punishment in the form of a fine. The fee for failure to comply with the requirements of markings or road signs is 500-1500 rubles.

If the sign required you to stop, turn around or turn, the fine increases from 1000 rubles to deprivation of your driver’s license. If the driver believes that he was fined unlawfully and did not violate the priority, then within 10 days he has time to file a complaint and protest the inspector’s decision.

Conflicting information on the road can confuse even experienced drivers. But traffic regulations have clear instructions in this regard: a temporary sign is a priority, since it indicates the necessary actions depending on specific changed road conditions. Most often there is a contradiction with the prohibition and permission of overtaking. If there is a temporary sign on the road prohibiting overtaking, the markings in this case do not matter. It is better for the driver to take his time and not cross the line.