Traffic rules sign spikes fine

Drivers in Russia will continue to be fined for not having a “Spikes” sign.

In some regions of Russia the first frosts have already hit and snow has fallen. With the arrival of cold weather, drivers began to “change shoes” for their cars. The question immediately arose: is it necessary to attach a “Spikes” sign to the rear window of a car with studded tires? There is persistent information circulating in the automotive community that recently this traffic rule has ceased to apply and traffic police officers no longer issue fines for this violation. However, it is not. The draft law to abolish the mandatory “Spikes” sticker is still under discussion. This was pointed out to Znak.com by the Federation of Car Owners of Russia.

Sticker "Ш" on the rear window

The new version of the traffic rules came into force on April 4, 2017. Then a whole list of signs was mandatory, including “Spikes”. It is an equilateral white triangle with a red border, in which a black letter “Ш” is inscribed. The absence of this sign on a car with studded tires was included in the list of faults for which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.

Traffic inspectors received the right for such a violation not only to issue a fine of 500 rubles, but even to prohibit further driving of the car until the fault is corrected, that is, until the driver places the missing sign on the rear window.

Not all motorists liked this innovation. Moreover, the Ministry of Internal Affairs began to understand that installing the “Spikes” sign is not always advisable. As a result, on May 15, 2018, draft amendments to the traffic rules appeared, which provide for the complete abandonment of the “Spikes” sign.

The authors of the bill noted that due to the dynamic characteristics, the movement of the car now depends on other reasons, and the requirement for the “Ш” sticker has lost its relevance. The explanatory note states that the movement of a vehicle is now influenced by factors such as the degree of vehicle load, the presence of modern electronic systems that promote braking or stabilization, and others.

Motorists discussed this news for a long time, and by the fall they became confident that they no longer needed to worry about the sign. But, as it turns out, it’s premature to throw this sticker into the trash bin. On the eve of the winter season, regional traffic inspectorates began to clarify that the “Spikes” sign had not been canceled. Such messages, in particular, were made by the traffic police in Syktyvkar and Petrozavodsk.

“In the spring of this year, the press actively wrote that the “Spikes” sign in Russia would be abolished in 2018. However, motorists should keep in mind that the amendments were never adopted; the “Spikes” sign is still mandatory!” note traffic inspectors.

Draft amendments to road rules

The portal of draft regulations indicates that on May 29, 2018, the public discussion of the bill on “spikes” ended. Since then, the draft amendments have been in “under consideration” status. The document is stuck at the stage of “forming the final version of the text of the draft normative legal act.”

In this regard, State Duma deputy Sergei Boyarsky recently sent an official request to the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Vladimir Kolokoltsev with a request to clarify when the requirement to stick the “Spikes” sign on cars will finally be lifted and, accordingly, fines for its absence will be abolished. The parliamentarian has not yet received a response.

The head of the Russian Federation of Car Owners, Sergei Kanaev, told Znak.com why the adoption of amendments to the traffic rules was delayed. According to him, the bill published on May 15 states that it is necessary, in principle, to abolish the “Spikes” sign and the punishment for its absence. "But

The traffic police only advocates the abolition of liability for the presence of such a sign. That is, to remove the fine. But the “Spikes” sign itself should be left as a recommendation, the department believes.

And for this reason, there was a failure at the stage of discussing the draft amendments to the traffic rules,” the expert explained.

According to him, it is really not worth canceling the rule for drivers to stick a “Spikes” sign on their car, since motorists driving behind should be warned about the presence of studded tires on the car in front.

“We are now talking about leaving the traffic police officers, who were mercilessly fined for the absence of this sticker, without a “feeding trough”. But you will still have to install the “Spikes” sign (on a recommendation basis) - at least so that you are not held responsible for the accident. For example, in a case where the cause of the accident was a car with studded tires, but no sign. Still, the sticker changes the situation on the road,” Kanaev said.

Thus, if in the near future a traffic police inspector wants to fine a motorist 500 rubles for not having a “Spikes” sign, he will have every reason to do so. Therefore, for now it is better to buy a glass sticker and wait for the official announcement of the adoption of amendments to the traffic rules.

Have the “Spikes” traffic rules sign and the fine for it been abolished today?

Cancel sticker "Ш"

As the winter months approach, questions are increasingly appearing on the Internet about whether it is necessary to stick the “Spikes” sign on the back of the car, and whether it is true that the traffic police abolished the “Sh” sticker in 2019, and along with it the fine for its absence. It’s quite easy to understand this issue if you just read the current traffic rules with all the changes, and also understand how changes are being made in the legislation of 2019.

The "Spikes" sign has been canceled - is this true?

Current traffic rules have lost this obligation since December 8, 2018 - the corresponding law was adopted, that is, the sign was canceled, and on the specified date it came into force.

The obligation was stated in paragraph 8 of the Basic Provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation (Appendix of the Traffic Rules):

8. The following identification marks must be installed on vehicles:
.
“Spikes” - in the form of a white equilateral triangle with the apex up with a red border, into which the letter “W” is inscribed in black on the back of motor vehicles with studded tires .

Thus, the latest news as of December 6, 2019 is that the “Spikes” sign has been canceled as of today.

How can you prove it?

At the beginning of the article, we already mentioned that everything here is quite simple. The obligation to install the “Ш” sticker was specified in the traffic regulations. This regulatory legal act has the status of a Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation. And changes to Government resolutions are made by similar resolutions - only if the legal acts themselves have the status of approved, then changes to them are made accordingly by Decrees on Amendments.

Thus, in order to make changes to cancel the sign in our case, the following stages of procedures had to occur on the part of the Government:

a certain deputy proposes to make changes to the traffic rules regarding the abolition of the “Spikes” sign (and, accordingly, the fine for it),
he develops a draft Resolution along with an explanatory note, where he formulates why this is,
the project is discussed and submitted for consideration to the State Duma,
goes through 3 stages of readings, at each of which it can be rejected,
if the draft is adopted in all 3 readings, it is signed by the President of Russia,
it is then published on the Government’s legal information portal
and finally, the draft Resolution on the abolition of the “Ш” sign comes into force a certain time after publication.

In fact, back in May 2018, a corresponding draft Resolution was submitted to the State Duma with a proposal to abolish this sign from June 1. Today, it has entered into legal force, having passed all 7 stages indicated above.

But still, numerous publications came to their senses back in the fall of 2018 and began writing that the “Spikes” sign had been canceled even when this had not happened.

If you still don’t believe me, go to the legal information portal and you will see Government Resolution No. 1414 there - it was published on November 30, 2018. This means that according to the law it comes into force exactly 7 days after that - that is, December 8.

So, legislators listened and thought about the absurdity and unnecessaryness of the “Spikes” sign as such, as well as the purpose of warning drivers behind the car that you have studded tires. Therefore, the corresponding amendments mentioned above were adopted.

Is it necessary to put up a sign in winter 2019?

No, it's no longer necessary. Since the obligation to install a sign has been removed from the traffic regulations in force as of December 6, 2019.

Previously, at the same time, it was necessary to know several subtleties of the sticker, otherwise incorrect installation could be tantamount to the fact that it does not exist at all, and lead to a fine being issued:

The “Ш” sign had to be glued to the back of the car, it was also possible in front, but in any case it also had to be on the back of the vehicle,
there was no clear indication that it should be installed specifically on the rear window - only at the back of the car; this means that you could stick it on the bumper, the rear wall of the trunk, on the spare tire - even if it is inside, and so on,
the minimum dimensions of the sticker were indicated - no less than 20 cm on each side of the triangle and no less than 1/10 - the width of the border:

if the sign is smaller in size, then this is equivalent to the fact that it does not exist at all, and would entail a fine, you can download the correct sign according to GOST,
the obligation to install was prescribed only for owners of studded tires - even if there is only one of them and even if you drive in the summer; if you have Velcro or every single spike has fallen out, then the obligation disappears (but remains if there is at least one spike).

From December 8, 2018, the “Spikes” sign was canceled and other traffic rules changes

In accordance with Government Decree No. 1414 of November 24, 2018, changes are being made to the Traffic Rules from December 8, 2018 The long-awaited cancellation of the “Spikes” identification sign, amendments to the rules of action in case of road accidents and other changes. Let's get started.

Changes for Disabled People

Persons in a wheelchair, including one equipped with a motor, are considered pedestrians. If you know why motorized wheelchairs were previously separated, please write in the comments.

A motorized wheelchair is not a vehicle.

A similar amendment is made to the pedestrian traffic rules in paragraph 4.1.

All disabled people are allowed to park in the area of signs prohibiting parking.

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;

Road signs 3.28 “Parking prohibited”, 3.29 “Parking prohibited on odd days of the month” and 3.30 “Parking prohibited on even days of the month” do not apply to all disabled people, regardless of disability group.

Corresponding change in the basic provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation.

The sign can be installed by disabled people of any group.

Presentation of an electronic MTPL policy

Back in 2015, drivers had the opportunity to purchase an electronic OSAGO policy, but according to the Traffic Rules it was required to present the policy on paper. Copies were not included in the list of required documents. This defect has been corrected in the next amendment to the traffic regulations.

Note. The information must be on paper. An image from a smartphone or tablet will not work. In addition, the driver is obliged to hand over documents, and not just present them.

It is interesting that it does not specify what information about the conclusion of the contract must be printed for transmission to the inspector. There is no requirement to print out a full copy of the policy.

Penalty for reflective vest

Is wearing a vest a safety precaution? Are there grounds for fining a driver if he was not wearing a vest?

Do not forget that there is no obligation to carry a vest with you, but to wear it only in cases specified by the Rules. Read more about this in the article “Reflective vest - requirements, rules of use”

Actions in case of an accident

The actions of the driver in an accident without injuries, in terms of calling the police and self-registration, are taken out of the Traffic Rules and are regulated by the law on compulsory motor liability insurance. This is a separate large topic beyond the scope of this review of changes. Follow the updates on the website.

Cancellation of the identification mark “Spikes”

And for dessert, one of the most discussed issues for many years now. Ready?

The "Spikes" sign is no longer needed

Quote from the Resolution:

a) paragraph three is declared invalid;

That's it - 5 words and the “main” problem of drivers is solved. The paragraph in question is from paragraph 8 of the Basic Provisions for Admission.

Nothing more to add.

When do the changes take effect?

The resolution on amendments to the Traffic Rules was published on November 30, 2018 on the official Internet portal of legal information, which is the official source of publication of legal acts.
The changes will take effect 7 days after official publication, that is, December 8, 2018.

Fine for not having a “Spikes” sign

From November 29, 2018, drivers were removed from the obligation to install the “Spikes” sign on their car. Now its presence is only advisory, and its absence does not entail a fine. Below is the article before the changes that came into force on November 29, 2018.

It is believed that when using studded tires, the braking distance of a car is sharply reduced, and therefore, the driver following such a car, in order to avoid a collision, must take braking measures in advance or maintain a greater distance. That is why, in order to inform other road users about “faster” braking of the vehicle in front, a special sign “Ш” was invented.

Is the “Spikes” sign required?

In connection with the entry into force of Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of March 24, 2017 No. 333, starting from April 4, 2017, the absence of the “Spikes” identification mark is included in the list of malfunctions for which the operation of vehicles is prohibited:

According to clause 2.3.1 of the Traffic Rules, the driver of the vehicle is obliged to:

According to clause 8 of the “Basic provisions for the admission of vehicles to operation,” identification marks must be installed on vehicles:

mandatory since 2017, regardless of the season. In addition, without this sticker it is not possible to undergo a technical inspection if the vehicle has the appropriate type of tires.

Fine for missing a sign

In accordance with Part 1 of Art. 12.5 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:

entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of five hundred rubles.

Thus, the punishment for the absence of the “Spikes” sign is a warning or a fine of 500 rubles.

According to the current legislation, a warning is issued only for the first violation; for subsequent violations, the motorist will face a fine.

The car will not be taken - these are rumors. In the absence of the “Ш” sticker, the movement of the vehicle is not prohibited:

Where does the “Spikes” sign go?

There is only one requirement for the installation of this sign - it must be installed at the rear of motor vehicles.
So the “Ш” sticker can be placed anywhere: on the rear window (inside or outside), door, trunk lid, bumper, etc. - where it fits. The main thing is that other drivers can see it.

How to make the “Spikes” sign yourself

Just a year ago, these signs were in stacks in spare parts stores and were not in particular demand among customers. However, as soon as amendments were made to the legislation providing for a fine for its absence, and traffic police inspectors began issuing orders, the stickers instantly disappeared. In some regions of the Russian Federation, a kind of “deficit” even arose. Considering the rush demand for the “Spikes” sign, many sellers have raised prices from 15 to 150 rubles, and some up to 500 rubles for one sticker!

But the whole secret is that you can make the “Spikes” sign yourself without spending a penny. For this we need an A4 sheet, scissors, adhesive tape and a color printer. If the printer is black and white, then you will additionally need a red marker or felt-tip pen.

Sign dimensions

The “Spikes” sign, according to the “Basic provisions for the admission of vehicles,” is an equilateral triangle of white color with the apex up with a red border, in which the letter “Ш” is inscribed in black.

In this case, the side of the triangle must be at least 200 mm , and the width of the border is equal to 1/10 of the side.

Thus, with a minimum acceptable size of 20 cm, our sign easily fits into a standard A4 sheet of paper. The width of the red border will be 2 cm.

Manufacturing instructions

Download the template for color or black and white printing - depending on your printer;
If you have a black and white version, paint over the border with a red marker or felt-tip pen;
Cut out the sign with scissors;
Carefully apply adhesive tape to the rear window of the car. Naturally, it is better to do this from the inside. If the window is tinted, you can glue it on the outside, covering the entire sign with tape to protect it from moisture;
We enjoy the result!

Penalty for missing a spike sign

Attention! Starting from December 8, 2018, installation of the “Spikes” sign on the car is not required , because A new version of the traffic rules, discussed in a separate article, came into force.

Good afternoon, dear reader.

The text of the traffic rules provides for the installation of special identification signs, which until December 8, 2018 included the “Spikes” sign or the “Ш” sign.

This sign was intended to inform drivers of other vehicles that the vehicle has studded tires.

In this article you will learn about the features of this sign:

Is the spike sign required or not?

In practice, it was not possible to see the “Ш” sign on every car with winter tires. To put it bluntly, less than half of Russian drivers installed this sign.

In this regard, the question arises: is it necessary to glue the “Spikes” sign at all? Is this required by law?

The following identification marks must be installed on vehicles :
.
“ Spikes ” - in the form of an equilateral triangle of white color with the top up with a red border, into which the letter “Ш” is inscribed in black (the side of the triangle is at least 200 mm, the width of the border is 1/10 of the side) - behind motor vehicles with studded tires;

In addition, consider clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules:

2.3. The driver of the vehicle is obliged to:

2.3.1. Before leaving, check and ensure that the vehicle is in good technical condition on the way in accordance with the Basic Regulations for the admission of vehicles to operation and the responsibilities of officials to ensure road safety.

Thus, until 2019, the “Spikes” sign had to be installed . This was required by traffic rules.

In addition, from April 4, 2017 to December 8, 2018, the absence of the “Spikes” identification mark was included in the list of faults for which the operation of vehicles is prohibited:

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."

Dimensions of signs for self-production

The thorn sign can be purchased in a store or made independently. In this case, the following conditions must be observed:

The sign is a red triangle with a black letter Ш inscribed in it.
The length of the side of the triangle is at least 20 cm.
The width of the red border is 10% of the length of the side of the triangle.

If you do not want to draw a triangle yourself, then I suggest you download and print the finished version on an A4 sheet:

Please note that the triangle is quite large. A side length of 20 cm just fits on an A4 sheet (its width is 21 cm). However, this is the size regulated by the Rules.

Some tips for making your own sign:

For printing, it is better not to use plain paper with a density of 80 g/m2, because... the sign will be short-lived. It is better to take photo paper with a density of 120 - 150 g/m2.
A sign intended for black and white printers should be colored yourself. To do this, take a red felt-tip pen or pencil and paint over the edge of the sign.
To attach the sign, it is best to use a suction cup (or 3 suction cups on the corners of the triangle). If you stick the sign with tape, then after it is removed there will be a mark on the car glass. In addition, a sign stuck with tape is unlikely to be reused.

When it comes to purchasing a “Spikes” sign in a store, you need to consider the following details:

Finished signs quite often have dimensions that do not comply with traffic regulations. It should be taken into account that it makes no sense to install a small sign, because... it will be legally considered that there is no sign on the car. As a result, the sign will simply block part of the view through the rear window, but will not provide any benefits.
There are several options for attaching a sign . I recommend choosing the option with a suction cup (with suction cups). The sign, made in the form of a sticker, can only be used once; when removed, traces of glue may remain on the glass.

Where to put the “Spikes” sign according to the rules?

The only requirement for installing the “Spikes” sign was given in paragraph 8 of the Basic Provisions. Namely, the sign must be installed at the rear of motor vehicles .

There is no information on this issue in other regulatory documents. So the “Ш” sign could be installed anywhere: on the rear window (inside or outside), on the door or trunk lid, on the bumper, on the rear body cover, on the awning.

Before installation, it was necessary to inspect the car and select a place where a triangle with a side of 20 cm would fit. The sign should have been attached there.

Fine for not having a “Spikes” sign

From April 4, 2017 to December 8, 2018, traffic police officers could impose a fine for the absence of the “Spikes” sign under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code:

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.

Please note that this article deals with the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited. Paragraph 8, which until 2019 referred to the installation of the “Spikes” sign, refers to such malfunctions.

Therefore, the punishment for the absence of the “Spikes” sign was a warning or a fine of 500 rubles .

Passing a technical inspection without the “Spikes” sign

In 2020, during a technical inspection, the operator does not check for the presence of the “Ш” sign on the vehicle.

A complete list of requirements is given in Appendix 1 to the Technical Inspection Rules:

If you wish, you can study this section in its entirety, but you will not find any mention of the “Spikes” sign there.

In conclusion, I would like to note once again that the installation of the “Spikes” sign from December 8, 2018 is not mandatory and no fines will be imposed for its absence.