Is it necessary to put up a novice driver sign?
How long to drive with the “Beginner Driver” sign and other questions related to “!”
They say that the most dangerous part of a car is the driver. Indeed, we criticize the quality of roads, which often creates emergency situations, the technical condition of cars, especially with high mileage, which stall at the most inopportune moment, weather conditions: rain, fog, ice, and at the same time we do not notice ourselves. But it is the human factor that often becomes the cause of accidents. Probably, it was precisely these considerations that guided the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which initiated the tightening of sanctions against newcomers, which caused a mixed reaction in society.
Since last year, for the absence of the “!” on a car, which means that the driver is a novice driver, a fine of 500 rubles is provided. These innovations caused a literally flurry of questions. How long do you need to drive with a novice driver sign and who qualifies for this term? Is it possible to continue driving after paying the fine? Where to put the “!” sign? Is it possible to replace it with the sign “U”? Experts answer these and other questions.
So, the main question. “Beginner driver” sign – how long to drive?
The legislation defines the term “novice drivers” as persons whose driving experience is less than 2 years, and therefore, when asked how many years to drive with a novice driver sign, the answer is clear – two years. Driving experience is counted from the moment you receive a driver's license.
It must be said that such a system for determining driving skills causes bewilderment for any sane person. After all, for example, one got a license and drives out every day, while the other hasn’t driven at all for more than two years and therefore can drive without a license. However, that is why it is a legislative norm, which requires implementation. Besides, how do you order a traffic police inspector to determine whether the driver in front of him is a novice or not - what, arrange a driving test on the spot?
Why do you need a novice driver sign?
How long to drive is determined, but why is this sign needed at all? Such questions can often be heard from those who have to put a “!” sign on their car, thereby immediately distinguishing themselves from the general mass of cars. The purpose of the sign is obvious - to warn other drivers that the car is being driven by a novice with insufficient skills and thereby reduce the risk of an accident. After all, you can expect anything from a driver without driving experience: sharp braking, incorrect and unexpected lane changes, illogical actions while parking, etc. And psychologists advise beginners to overcome existing fear, unpleasant feelings of the “teapot” and hang up a sign, because safety is more important. Moreover, an exclamation mark is better than, for example, an image of a teapot or a lady’s shoe, which are sometimes attached to cars.
And again, there is another side to the discussion about the purpose of the “novice driver” sign. Unfortunately, on the road, as in life, there are many, to put it mildly, inadequate people. There are often cases when, having seen the “!” sign, such an “inadequate” tries to “teach” a newcomer. He brakes sharply, cuts dangerously, pushes from behind, reducing the distance to a minimum, and thus, as it were, demonstrates his superiority. It is best not to react to such actions and treat such people as patients who are not offended.
What should the “novice driver” sign look like and where should it be attached?
The sign is a square yellow sticker 15x15 cm, which depicts an exclamation mark 11 cm high. The “!” must be glued to the rear window on either side. The main condition is that it does not interfere with the view.
What liability is provided if, after a fine, you still drive without a “!” sign?
If a driving violation is detected without the “!” Along with the fine, the traffic police inspector issues a resolution to eliminate the violation. This means that within ten days you must present your car with the defect eliminated to the traffic police department, i.e. with a “!” sign pasted on it. If this is neglected, the police may suspend the registration of the car and further driving of such a car for the first time will entail a fine of up to 800 rubles, and for a repeated violation - up to the deprivation of a driver’s license for 3 months.
Therefore, the question of how long the “novice driver” sign should hang and whether it is possible to drive without it after the first violation is obvious. It should hang for two years, and premature removal and driving without it is fraught with dire consequences. It should also be noted that novice drivers with less than two years of experience are prohibited from towing, and novice motorcyclists are prohibited from carrying passengers. Penalties are provided in both cases.
Is it possible to replace the "!" sign "U"?
Some beginners believe that they can successfully replace the “!” the more familiar “U” sign. This is a deep misconception, because the “U” sign is installed only on cars of driving schools, which are driven by their students under the guidance of instructors.
Upon completion of driving school, the graduate becomes a full-fledged driver. Therefore, installing a “U” sign on his car will be a demonstration of illiteracy or complete disregard for traffic rules.
These “pearls” can be seen today on our roads instead of the required “!” sign.
You should not neglect the “!” sign, because driving youth is a disadvantage that goes away over the years, and there can never be too much safety.
Exclamation mark Novice driver - what it looks like, fine for absence in 2019
The novice driver mark looks like an exclamation point in a yellow square. The “Beginner Driver” sign must be attached under the conditions that we will describe below - a violation is punishable by a fine.
Purpose and features of the “Beginner Driver” sign
According to statistics, 50% of road accidents are caused by novice drivers. They still drive uncertainly, maneuver poorly and react slowly in difficult situations. Beginners are considered to be those motorists with less than two years of driving experience.
The sign is needed so that other road users see the newcomer, do not create obstacles or stressful situations for him, and also be more careful when maneuvering next to him. The exclamation mark serves as a warning - unpredictable actions, sudden braking, incorrect lane changes, and illogical parking can be expected from a novice driver.
Many new drivers refuse to put an exclamation point in a triangle on their car. There are reasons for this - some experienced drivers begin to test the strength of dummies: they overtake, cut off, press closely from behind. With such actions they try to scare a person and put him into a stupor. You should not pay attention to such “drivers”: a normal person will not assert himself at the expense of a newcomer.
Reasons for the appearance of the sign
The sign for novice drivers appeared on March 1, 2009. The main reason for the appearance of this sign is to increase the level of safety on the road. Inexperienced drivers get into accidents twice as often as experienced drivers. The number of motorists is growing every year, but the quality of training in driving schools is not always at a high level. The exclamation mark calls on all traffic participants to be attentive.
A person who has recently started driving faces problems:
- fear of busy highways, traffic jams in which it is difficult to pass;
- confusion when getting into an unusual situation on the road. In this case, beginners frantically go through all the traffic rules, and if they cannot find what they need, they panic;
- fear of interfering with other traffic participants, appearing stupid and inept;
- panic at the sight of road signs, markings and structures that have not been seen before;
- in a big city there is also the problem of orientation and the inability to simultaneously drive a car and use a navigator.
Restrictions for a driver with little experience
The requirement to attach the “Inexperienced Driver” sign is not the only one for motorists with little driving experience. According to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated March 24, 2017, drivers with less than two years of experience are prohibited from towing vehicles, and inexperienced motorcycle drivers are prohibited from carrying passengers.
Simply put, a driver with little experience is prohibited from taking responsibility for the life and health of other people. Otherwise, including speed, there are no restrictions.
How long does it take to drive a car with an exclamation mark?
From 04/04/2017, the “Beginner Driver” sign is required if you have less than two years of driving experience. A beginner must have this sign on his car to undergo technical inspection and register the vehicle with the traffic police.
Experience is accrued from the moment a person receives a driver's license. Even if the driver does not buy a car or does not drive at all, two years after receiving his license he will not be considered a beginner. Of course, such a ruling is not entirely fair. But it is simply impossible to take into account length of service and level of experience in any other way. New drivers must understand that actual driving experience is much more important than what is stated on the license.
Global practice shows that two years is enough for a person to adapt to driving, learn to react quickly in unusual situations and not create obstacles on the road. During this time, the driver will gain experience and become more confident. Well, those who were initially too confident in themselves will moderate their ardor.
Fine for not having a “Beginner Driver” sign
The fine for his absence is 500 rubles. If a new motorist is repeatedly caught operating a vehicle without a warning sign, the fine may be increased. In case of violation of traffic rules, you may even face deprivation of your license for three months.
Don't forget to remove the sign after the two years expire, otherwise you may get a fine for this too.
Requirements for the sign
This sign belongs to the warning category. It is a square with a bright yellow background, in which a large black exclamation mark is placed in the middle. In this form, the designation is clearly visible from a distance even in bad weather.
Where to attach the sign
The exact location of the sign is not regulated by traffic regulations. It only says that it must be stuck on the back of the car. Most often, the rear window serves as the platform for the sign. It makes no difference whether a warning is attached to the left or right.
The requirements for attaching the sign are as follows:
- it must be visible to all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists;
- it should not create interference or interfere with the visibility of the driver of the vehicle on which it is attached.
Dimensions of identification marks according to GOST
There is no GOST for this sign, but the requirements for size and shape are specified in the traffic rules. The shape of the sticker is square. Size – 15x15 cm, the size of the exclamation mark inside the square is 11 cm in height. The black exclamation mark is clearly visible against the yellow background, and the size of the sticker does not obstruct the view, so such requirements are comfortable and safe.
We recommend that you download the identification mark of the correct dimensions and print it on an A4 sheet:
Is it possible to use the "U" sign?
Do not confuse the student driving sign with the novice driver sign. “U” is put on training cars, that is, on those driven by drivers who have not yet received a license. Cars with “U” are always driven accompanied by a driving school instructor. After graduating from a driving school, a person becomes a full-fledged driver, and he is prohibited from putting a student badge on his car. You cannot replace the exclamation mark with the letter “U”.
Some drivers humorously put a sign of a teapot (literally) or a woman's shoe on their car. Such designations are incorrect, since they are not enshrined in the traffic rules. Therefore, they cannot replace the exclamation mark. By the way, it is also undesirable to add them to the car. The abundance of stickers distracts from really important signs.
Don't be afraid or embarrassed that you are a beginner - all drivers go through this stage. As you gain driving experience, your path on the road will become easier. You should not avoid the sign, because this is a mandatory requirement of the traffic rules, for non-compliance with which there is a fine. Do not forget that the warning sign was created in order to increase the level of safety, the price of which is life.
What is the penalty for missing an exclamation mark in 2020?
On March 1, 2009, the “novice driver” sign officially began to operate in Russia. Most citizens believe that it is not at all necessary to stick it on the vehicle. There are those who replace it with a comic “teapot” sticker and those who do not pay attention to its existence.
Is the “Beginner Driver” sign required and a fine for its absence?
The legislation of the Russian Federation does not say anything about where the “Beginner Driver” sign should be attached and from what angle other car owners should see it. Only the installation order and visual appearance are provided.
Is there any penalty for missing an information sign? Let us remind you that previously drivers could optionally attach it to the car or refuse it. However, in 2017 innovations were installed. From April 4 to this day, a fine of 500 rubles. is already written out if this sign is missing. But this is not within the powers of traffic police officers.
In addition, in Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 333 of March 24, 2017, adjustments were made to the traffic rules, on the basis of which a novice car owner who has been driving a vehicle for less than 24 months:
- Cannot tow motor vehicles.
- Cannot transport citizens on two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles or mopeds).
From the beginning of April 2017, the cars of all car owners who have been driving for a total of less than two years must have a sticker informing them about the person’s inexperience. A fine has also been introduced for non-compliance with this rule.
Who should put an exclamation point on the car?
The eighth paragraph of the “Basic provisions for the admission of motor vehicles to operation” states that the “Beginner Driver” sticker must be applied to a vehicle driven by a person who received a driver’s license (driver’s license) not so long ago (up to 24 months ago ).
Visually, the “Beginner Driver” sticker looks like a yellow square, the edges of which are surrounded by a black frame and in the middle of which there is an exclamation mark.
All signs made on self-adhesive paper must be attached to the outside of the vehicle. But the main thing is that it blocks the view of the driver himself.
What places are allowed to install the “Beginner Driver” sign?
Traffic regulations require that a “Beginner Driver” sticker be placed on the rear or front of a vehicle. No more specifics are provided.
Therefore, the car owner can, at his own discretion, choose a place to place it:
- Rear window.
- Rear bumper.
- Trunk lid.
- Trunk door.
At the same time, it is important that the entire overview is also open to you.
How long does it take to drive with an exclamation point?
The period that a motorist must drive with a “Beginner Driver” sign or sticker attached is provided for by law - a full 24 months. If a person has not yet achieved the required driving experience, then other road users must be informed that he has not yet gained experience in driving a car.
The countdown of these two years begins from the day when the person receives a driver’s license after passing the exams. The actual experience and frequency of driving the vehicle does not matter. Even if a car owner has driven the car only once in 24 months, he has the right to remove the badge or sticker from the car. And if he does not do this after the expiration of the period provided by law, then nothing terrible will happen.
Towing rules for a novice driver
Clause 20.1 of the Russian Traffic Regulations states that a novice motorist cannot drive a towing vehicle, that is, a tractor driving in front. But this rule applies exclusively to towing mechanical vehicles (it has nothing to do with trailers). Thus, a beginner can drive a vehicle with a trailer if he has received a license for the appropriate category.
This limitation applies to towing:
- By partial loading method (the front of the car on a tow truck).
- On a rigid coupling (metal elements in the form of a triangle).
- On a flexible coupling (cable, rope, rope).
Where can I buy a sticker with an exclamation point?
Today it is not difficult for Russians to find a “Beginner Driver” warning sticker. You can buy an exclamation mark at any car store or online market. The choice is huge and there are many options. When deciding on a purchase, it is only important to take into account the criteria established by law for the color scheme and symbol size.
In addition, the law does not prohibit making a sign with your own hands, but only in accordance with the approved parameters and standards.
Download the “Beginner Driver” sign to print
Making your own “Beginner Driver” information sign is not at all difficult.
Its parameters should be the following:
- Each side of the square is 15 cm.
- The height of the exclamation mark is 11 cm.
- The background color is yellow.
- The color scheme of the exclamation mark itself is black.
- If you received a driver's license less than 24 months ago, we recommend that you download the ready-made sign from the link znak-nachinayuschii-voditel-cvet.pdf [84.91 Kb] (downloads: 5)
- If you do not have the opportunity to print directly in color, you can download the black and white version from the link znak-nachinayuschii-voditel.pdf [78.63 Kb] (downloads: 2) and paint over the background yourself with a yellow marker, pencil, felt-tip pen or paint.
Let's summarize the article
- All persons whose driving experience has not yet reached 24 months must purchase and affix a “Beginner Driver” sticker to their vehicle. It is believed that this period is enough for a person to confidently move on the roads. This, of course, is not a clear statement, but judging by statistics, experienced motorists become involved in accidents 2% less often. Think of this sign as a preferential privilege.
- Outside Russia, this sign is actively used by many other car owners, which significantly helps them and law enforcement agencies.
- The sticker can be applied to the rear window at the top or bottom, right or left.
- If your driving experience has not exceeded two years, and your car does not have the appropriate sticker, then you will be fined 500 rubles.
- Installation of the “Beginner Driver” sticker is currently mandatory in the Russian Federation. Psychologists advise suppressing the “newbie syndrome” and making it easier for other motorists to travel on the roads.
- You can remove the sticker from your car window once you have completed 24 months of driving experience.
If a car owner who received a license less than 24 months ago did not stick or install a “Beginner Driver” sign on his car, then this will be perceived as not meeting the legal requirements established when the car is allowed to be used for further use. Without an exclamation mark, the inspection will not be passed and a diagnostic card will not be issued.
- If a motorist has hung an information sign on both the rear and front windows, then this will not be considered a violation.
- The sticker should be bright and noticeable even from afar.
- If, as a replacement, a comic sign “Heel” or “Teapot” is installed on the vehicle, then this will already be equated to an offense.
- After receiving a driver's license, all participants in the driving license have the same rights and responsibilities. There are no concessions for beginners. For any disregard of traffic rules, the same penalty is established as for experienced motorists.
All citizens who have completed training in a driving school go through the “teapot” stage. It is important to treat this calmly, as if it were a given. If you really want to drive a car masterfully in the future, then you will succeed over time, the main thing is to be careful at first and not to neglect the rules. Don't take other people's reactions to the sticker to heart. Even after hearing ridicule more than once, you should not give up and take it off. For a car owner, the “Beginner Driver” badge is the most reliable option to learn the art of driving without getting into an accident without risking other motorists and, in particular, yourself.
Traffic rules for novice drivers
Good afternoon, dear reader.
Novice drivers in the Russian Federation include drivers whose driving experience is less than 2 years, i.e. received a driver's license less than two years ago.
In 2019 and 2020, there are several points in the traffic rules that are intended exclusively for novice drivers, and these are the ones that will be discussed today.
Is the novice driver sign required in 2020?
8. The following identification marks
must be installed on vehicles .
“Beginner driver” - in the form of a yellow square (side 150 mm) with an image of a black exclamation mark 110 mm high - behind motor vehicles (except for tractors, self-propelled vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds) driven by drivers who have the right to drive the specified vehicles less than 2 years old.
7.15 1 . There are no identification marks that must be installed in accordance with paragraph 8 of the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety, approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers - Government of the Russian Federation of October 23, 1993 N 1090 “On the Rules traffic."
Thus, the “Beginner Driver” identification badge is mandatory for drivers with less than two years of experience, and operating a vehicle without it is prohibited.
Download the “Beginner Driver” sign to print
Making the “Beginner Driver” identification sign is not difficult. It is enough to fulfill the following conditions:
- Square dimensions 15x15 cm.
- The height of the exclamation mark is 11 cm.
- The background color of the sign is yellow.
- The exclamation point color is black.
Please note that the dimensions of the “Beginner Driver” sign are determined quite accurately. Using a sign whose dimensions do not comply with traffic regulations is a violation. Moreover, a violation will be both the use of a small sign (less than 150 mm) and the use of an enlarged sign (more than 150 mm).
If your driving experience does not exceed two years, then I recommend that you download the identification plate of the correct dimensions and print it on an A4 sheet:
In the version for black and white printers, the background of the sign is transparent, so you should paint it yourself with yellow (pencil, marker, felt-tip pen, paint, etc.).
Where to put the “Beginner Driver” sign
Traffic regulations require that a novice driver sign be mounted on the rear of the vehicle. However, the specific location of the sign is not named. In this regard, you can choose any suitable place and install a sign:
- On the rear window (from the inside or outside).
- On the rear bumper.
- On the trunk lid.
- On the trunk door.
I recommend choosing a place so that it does not block your view.
For example, it is better to stick a sign on the bumper than on the rear window.
Fine for not having a novice driver sign in 2019
1. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation and the duties of officials to ensure road safety, operation of the vehicle is prohibited, with the exception of malfunctions and conditions specified in parts 2 - 7 of this article, -
entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five hundred rubles.
The fine for the absence of an identification mark is 500 rubles . The second punishment option for this violation is a warning. The specified fine can be paid with a 50 percent discount.
Towing rules for a novice driver
Clause 20.2 1 of the traffic rules:
20.2 1 . When towing, driving towing vehicles must be carried out by drivers who have been licensed to drive vehicles for 2 years or more.
A novice driver cannot operate a towing vehicle, i.e. the tractor that is in front.
This rule applies only to towing motor vehicles and does not apply to towing trailers. Those. a novice driver can drive a car with a trailer whose weight corresponds to the open category of the driver's license.
Also, the restriction does not apply to driving a towed vehicle (located behind).
The restriction applies to all types of towing: with a flexible hitch, with a rigid hitch, or with partial loading.
Rules for the carriage of passengers
Paragraph 22.2 1 Traffic rules:
22.2 1 . Transportation of people on a motorcycle must be carried out by a driver who has a driver’s license for the right to drive vehicles of category “A” or subcategory “A1” for 2 or more years; transportation of people on a moped must be carried out by a driver who has a driver’s license for the right to drive vehicles of any category or subcategories for 2 or more years.
Novice drivers cannot transport passengers on motorcycles and mopeds.
Please note that the restriction on the carriage of passengers applies not only to two-wheeled vehicles, but also to motorcycles with sidecars, as well as three-wheeled mopeds.
Cost of MTPL for novice drivers
Another important point associated with novice drivers is the increased cost of compulsory motor insurance. When calculating the cost of the policy, a special coefficient is used - KBC (age and experience coefficient).
For a novice driver, this coefficient has the following values:
- 1.8 - if the driver’s age is less than 22 years.
- 1.7 - if the driver’s age is over 22 years.
Thus, the cost of compulsory motor liability insurance increases by 70-80 percent.
Let's summarize this article. Novice drivers have several restrictions when driving a car, which can cause some inconvenience. In this regard, if you plan to obtain a driver's license in the future, I recommend doing so as early as possible. Ideally, 3 years before driving. In this case, restrictions for novice drivers will not affect you.
So if you are going to get a driver's license, I recommend doing it as early as possible. If your children plan to get a license, then recommend doing so immediately after reaching the age of 18. Even if the license simply lies on the shelf for 2 years, the driver will cease to be a beginner and restrictions will not apply to him.
Is it necessary to put an exclamation mark on a novice driver?
The “Beginner Driver” sign appeared in Russia at the official level on March 1, 2009. Many drivers believe that its installation is optional. Some people replace the “novice driver” sign with the “teapot” sign, while others simply ignore it.
In this article we will figure out whether a novice driver sign is required or not in 2019, and we will also talk about the fine for failure to install it.
Who should have a Novice Driver badge?
According to paragraph No. 8 of the “Basic provisions for the approval of vehicles for operation,” the “Beginner Driver” sign is installed on vehicles driven by an inexperienced driver with less than 2 years of driving experience.
The sign is not required to be installed on motorcycles, tractors and self-propelled vehicles.
Requirements for the “Beginner Driver” sign
The “Beginner Driver” sign is a yellow sticker with a side of 150 mm and an image of an exclamation mark 110 mm high. Where should the “novice driver” sign be placed? Signs on self-adhesive film are installed on the outside of the vehicle. The sign is installed at the rear on any side of the car, at the driver's choice. The main thing is that it does not interfere with the view.
Fine for not having a “Beginner Driver” sign
The law does not regulate in any way the requirements regarding the location of the “Beginner Driver” sign and the place from which it should be visible. Its installation rules and appearance are described.
What is the penalty if there is no “novice driver” sign? If previously there was no fine for such a violation, then as of April 4, 2017, the penalty for the absence of a “Beginner Driver” sign is provided and amounts to 500 rubles. Traffic police inspectors cannot fine a car owner for not having this sign.
And also in accordance with the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated March 24, 2017 N 333, amendments were made to the Traffic Rules, according to which novice drivers whose driving experience is less than two years:
- towing of vehicles is prohibited;
- The transportation of people on motorcycles and mopeds is prohibited.
From April 4, 2017, the “Beginner Driver” sign is required if you have less than two years of driving experience. And a fine was introduced for its absence, which amounts to 500 rubles.
Video: Is a “Beginner Driver” sign necessary when a novice is driving?
Let's summarize the article
- The “Beginner Driver” sign is installed by car owners with less than 2 years of driving experience . It is believed that a period of two years allows the driver to begin to feel confident on the road. This is a rather arbitrary point, but according to statistics, experienced drivers get into accidents 2% less often. Treat this sign as a privilege in traffic.
- Abroad, such signs are used everywhere and help both law enforcement agencies and the drivers themselves.
- The sign is installed at the rear on either side of the vehicle.
- Will you be fined for not having a “Beginner Driver” sign? Yes, the fine is 500 rubles, and it will also be useful when passing a technical inspection.
- Is it necessary to put an exclamation mark on a novice driver? Necessarily . Psychologists recommend overcoming the “newbie syndrome” and making life easier for other road users.
- How long do you need to drive with a novice driver sign? Two full years, after which it can be removed.
- When can I remove the Novice Driver sign? The badge is removed upon reaching 2 years of driving experience.