For a novice driver, the appearance on the road of a car with a flashing beacon and a special sound signal is a real problem, especially in big city, with its heavy traffic. Having no experience of behavior in such situations, it is not difficult to get confused, make the wrong maneuver and arrange a traffic jam or an accident on the roadway. After reading this article, you will find out who can use special signals, what privileges they receive, and what other drivers should do when cars with flashing lights appear.
Types of Special Signals
Flashing beacons are divided by color into three types:
- Blue(and sometimes as an addition to it red);
- Yellow or orange ;
- White.
In addition to them, cars with special signals are equipped with sirens.
flashing beacon of blue color
equipped with emergency vehicles, traffic police (in combination with a red beacon) and vehicles carrying the leadership of the state, members State Duma, Federation Council and higher officials subjects Russian Federation.
In addition to special light and sound signals, emergency vehicles have color schemes regulated by GOST R 50574-2002. These schemes consist of the main color of the car, decorative stripes, inscriptions and emblems. Below are those that are most often found on the road:
- Fire Service EMERCOM of Russia- the main color is red, decorative stripes are white. Additionally, the emblem of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the number of the fire department and the code of the car are applied.
- Police and traffic police– main color white, decorative stripes blue or blue color. The inscriptions "POLICE", "DPS" and the car code, consisting of letters and numbers, are applied.
- Ambulance and reanimobiles- the main colors are white and lemon, decorative stripes are red. Ambulances are also marked with the number "03", the hospital number and the emblem of the Red Cross.
- emergency services- the main colors are white and yellow, decorative stripes are red or orange. In some cases, the main color is not applied, only decorative stripes are used, the inscription "EMERGENCY SERVICE", the name of the service, the number of the unit and the vehicle.
In addition to them, there are special vehicles of the tax police, the prosecutor's office and other services, but they are extremely rare on the road.
Flashing beacon yellow or orange color equipped special equipment, performing Maintenance, repair and construction of roads . They are also equipped with tow trucks transporting disabled vehicles or vehicles that violate parking rules.
Another common type of vehicle equipped with an orange flasher is vehicles carrying oversized and dangerous goods. "Dangerous" means:
- Explosive and flammable substances (for example, fuel);
- Toxic substances;
- Radioactive waste and materials.
The last type of flashing beacon is white. They are equipped with cash-in-transit and postal machines. These special signals do not give any privileges on the road and are used only in attacks, in order to attract the attention of the police.
Vehicles with blue flashing lights
According to clause 3.1 of the Rules, for emergency vehicles and vehicles carrying the leadership of the state and its subjects, violations of some traffic rules are permissible. But this is possible only when performing official activities that require urgency and only when the flashing beacon and siren are turned on. Ignored rules include:
- Traffic lights. However, the instructions of the traffic controller are obligatory even for vehicles with a blue flashing beacon turned on.
- Speed mode;
- Road signs and markings;
- Rules for maneuvering, overtaking and positioning of vehicles;
- Rules for passing intersections, zebras and railway crossings, tram tracks and other special sections of the carriageway.
Also, paragraph 3.1 extends these standards to transport in the convoy, which is accompanied by cars with a working blue flasher and siren. The rules require escorted vehicles to turn on their low beams.
The behavior of other drivers in this case is regulated by clause 3.2 of the SDA. According to it, when a vehicle appears with special signals turned on, the rest must give way to them. This means that you will either need to move to the next lane, or stop on the side of the road and clear the passage. You also need to give way to cars in the convoy, which is accompanied by cars with special signals.
Overtaking cars with a working flashing beacon and siren is prohibited, but only if these cars have color schemes in accordance with GOST R 50574-2002. It is also impossible or to be built into a convoy accompanied by special vehicles.
Separately, it is worth highlighting in clause 3.2 of the SDA the words that both the flashing beacon and the sound signal should be turned on. Formally, you can overtake and not give way to special vehicles with an inactive siren. But in practice it is better not to create dangerous situation and give an ambulance or fire truck road. Moreover, often drivers of vehicles with a blue flashing beacon receive instructions where it is forbidden to turn on sirens after 23:00, this should be taken into account.
If, while driving on the road, you see a car with a working blue flasher, slow down to stop at the first request of emergency workers.
Vehicles with yellow flashing lights
In accordance with clause 3.5 of the SDA, special equipment and freight transport with flashing yellow or orange beacon can ignore regulations road markings and signs, except for the following:
- "End main road»;
- "Give way";
- "Movement without stopping is prohibited" and "The advantage of oncoming traffic";
- "Overtaking is prohibited";
- "Danger";
- Signs concerning restrictions on mass, length and width.
Rules can only be ignored when performing construction and repair work on the road and during the transport of dangerous and oversized cargo.
Liability for illegal installation of special signals
It is illegal to install flashing beacons and apply emergency color schemes to a vehicle on your own. Article 12.4 of the Code on administrative offenses. The fine can range from 3-5 thousand rubles for individuals and up to 500 thousand for legal entities.
Video: Rules for the use of special traffic signals.
3.1. Drivers of vehicles with a blue flashing beacon turned on, performing an urgent official task, may deviate from the requirements of sections 6 (except for the signals of the traffic controller) and 8-18 of these Rules, appendices 1 and 2 to these Rules, provided that traffic safety is ensured.
To gain an advantage over other road users, drivers of such vehicles must turn on a blue flashing beacon and a special sound signal. They can take advantage of priority only by making sure that they give way.
The same right is enjoyed by drivers of vehicles accompanied by vehicles that have special color schemes applied to the outer surfaces, with included flashing beacons blue and red colors and a special sound signal, in the cases established by this paragraph. On escorted vehicles headlights must be on.
On vehicles of the State Safety Inspectorate traffic The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation and the Military Automobile Inspectorate, in addition to the blue flashing beacon, may have a red flashing beacon.
Drivers of emergency vehicles performing an urgent service task with a blue flashing beacon turned on can move in any direction, regardless of traffic lights, road signs and markings. For them, only the signals of the traffic controller are required.
The operational services, on the vehicles of which a blue flashing beacon and a special sound signal can be installed, include the ambulance service, fire fighting service, police, military traffic police, services special transport Bank of Russia and the Gokhran of Russia, the special communications service of the Ministry of Communications of Russia, the prosecutor's office, the Main Directorate for the Execution of Punishments of the Ministry of Justice of Russia and emergency services.
3.2. When approaching a vehicle with a blue flashing beacon and a special sound signal on, drivers are required to give way to ensure the unimpeded passage of the specified vehicle.
When approaching a vehicle that has special color schemes applied to the outer surfaces, with flashing beacons of blue and red colors and a special sound signal, drivers are obliged to give way to ensure the unimpeded passage of the specified vehicle, as well as the vehicle (escorted vehicles) accompanied by it.
It is forbidden to overtake a vehicle that has special color schemes applied to the outer surfaces with a blue flashing beacon and a special sound signal turned on.
It is forbidden to overtake a vehicle with special color schemes applied to the outer surfaces, with blue and red flashing beacons and a special sound signal turned on, as well as the vehicle (s) escorted by it.
The blue beacon, together with a special sound signal, gives an advantage in movement, but you can use it only after making sure that they are seen and give way to them. Along with the blue beacon, but not instead of it, a red beacon may also be turned on.
In addition to the cars themselves with the included beacons and siren, the vehicles accompanied by them have an advantage.
It is forbidden to overtake vehicles with a special color, if they have a blue beacon and a special sound signal, as well as the transport accompanied by them. See the term "".
3.3. When approaching a stationary vehicle with a blue flashing light on, the driver must slow down to be able to stop immediately if necessary.
EIf the car with the blue beacon is standing still (in addition, the red beacon will be turned on), then we reduce the speed in order to stop if necessary. This is usually used to warn drivers of the danger ahead.
3.4. A yellow or orange flashing beacon must be turned on on vehicles in the following cases:
- performance of works on construction, repair or maintenance of roads, loading of damaged, defective and transportable vehicles;
- transportation of oversized cargo, explosive, flammable, radioactive substances and toxic substances high degree danger;
- escort of vehicles carrying bulky, heavy and dangerous goods;
- escort organized groups cyclists during training events on highways common use;
- organized transportation of a group of children.
A yellow or orange flashing beacon that is turned on does not give you an advantage in traffic and serves to warn other road users of the danger.
Yellow or orange beacons are equipped with harvesters, fuel trucks, collection vehicles, tow trucks, etc. Such beacons do not provide an advantage in traffic, since their purpose is to attract attention. This is an opportunity to detect a vehicle that poses a danger to others at a sufficient distance and take appropriate measures.
3.5. Drivers of vehicles with a yellow or orange flashing beacon turned on when performing road construction, repair or maintenance work, loading damaged, out of order and moving vehicles may deviate from the requirements of road signs (except for signs 2.2, 2.4 - 2.6, 3.11 - 3.14, 3.17.2, 3.20) and road markings, as well as paragraphs 9.4 - 9. 8 and 16.1 of these Rules, subject to ensuring road safety.
Drivers of vehicles when transporting bulky goods, as well as when escorting vehicles carrying bulky and (or) heavy loads, with a yellow or orange flashing beacon turned on, may deviate from the requirements of road markings, provided that road safety is ensured.
3.6. Drivers of vehicles of federal postal organizations and vehicles carrying cash proceeds and (or) valuable goods can turn on a white-moon flashing beacon and a special sound signal only when these vehicles are attacked. A moon-white flashing beacon provides no advantage in traffic and serves to attract the attention of police officers and other persons.
Seems like a hackneyed topic. But ordinary drivers (especially inexperienced ones) very often fall into a stupor when they observe the movement of vehicles with “flashing lights” and “sirens” (or “quacks”) turned on.
Wherein traffic situation changes instantly, and it requires clear decision-making, and not digging into the knowledge gained during training in a driving school and hidden in secluded corners of memory. IN major cities this state of affairs is the scourge of the driver, instantly leading to a traffic jam or congestion.
We offer a detailed understanding of the situation with the use of special signals - both in the theory of traffic rules and in real traffic practice. Let us immediately note the fact that the theory and practice of traffic management differ somewhat in approaches to solving the problem of "flashing lights".
Types of flashers
The rules know only three types of flashing beacons ("flashing lights").
1. Flashing beacon blue (or blue and red)
Meet this is the most privileged beacon. Drivers of vehicles equipped with such "flashing lights" are the kings of the road. They are allowed to ignore the lion's share of traffic rules.
Blue flashing beacons are installed on special cars of the "magnificent four" - services 01, 02, 03, 04. Special color schemes are pasted on the surfaces of such cars (for example, "03", "Ambulance"; "02", "Police", etc.).
Similar lucky ones are vehicles carrying government officials and parliamentarians at the federal level, as well as senior officials at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. True, they do not rely on color schemes.
As an additional to blue, the red color of the flasher went to the traffic police, VAI, FSO, FSB vehicles, which are intended (mainly) to perform escort functions or participate in organized transport convoys.
It is also not difficult to recognize such vehicles: special color schemes are applied to their surfaces (for example, traffic police, VAI, etc.).
2. Amber or orange flashing beacon
Such a flasher should be mounted on three types special vehicles designed for:
- maintenance, repair or construction of roads;
- evacuation or movement of vehicles;
- transportation of bulky, dangerous or heavy cargo (or escorts of such vehicles).
This flashing beacon also gives the driver some rights to ignore certain sections of the traffic rules precisely because of their slowness or the danger of the cargo being transported.
3. Lunar white flashing beacon
Cars of the FPS (Federal Postal Service), as well as vehicles intended for the transport of valuables (for example, cash collection) can be equipped with a “flasher” of the color of a tea rose (or fermented baked milk).
This is the most powerless flashing beacon.
Royal rights of "blue pails"
In other words, the driver of a special vehicle with a blue (or blue and red) flasher on has the legal right to ignore:
- all marking lines;
- any traffic signals;
- maneuvering rules;
- principles of the location of the vehicle on the roadway;
- any speed limits;
- requirements relating to overtaking, advancing, oncoming passing, stopping and parking;
- rules for passing intersections (except for those on which the signals of the traffic controller are in effect);
- rules for driving on special sections of the road ( pedestrian crossings, railway crossings, residential areas, etc.).
In other words, the vast majority of the requirements that apply to an ordinary driver can be easily ignored by the owners of the included “blue bucket”.
Such privileges are granted to the driver for one reason: he is endowed with special state powers in the performance of a special operational task. For the most effective solution of the tasks set, the state issues a similar carte blanche, which allows such a frivolous attitude to the requirements of traffic rules.
"Blue buckets" - almost gods
The right of blue bucket drivers to ignore good part of traffic rules– this is only one side of the issue. The second part of the problem is the advantage over other road users that is given to such drivers.
However, in the process of real traffic, operational intelligence services with blue (or blue and red) flashing lights on come into inevitable conflict with other road users, who at that very moment can take advantage. Such participants include:
- drivers driving at a green traffic light or on a main road;
- pedestrians moving along a pedestrian crossing;
- car drivers (tram drivers), who in the vast majority of cases have an advantage over trackless vehicles, etc.
In addition, it is very easy not to notice the light signal - "flashing light". Therefore, in order to take advantage of their advantage, drivers of special vehicles must turn on (in parallel with the light) a special sound signal - a "siren" or "quack". Only in this case - with a combination of both signals - ordinary mortal drivers and pedestrians are ordered to give way to the "blue buckets".
Some drivers believe that when a "siren" and "flashing lights" appear, they should immediately stop on the side of the road or on the edge of the roadway. However, this is not the case.
According to the traffic rules, the driver is required to give way to such special vehicles and provide them with the opportunity for unhindered passage. And on multi-lane road, for example, a sufficient action would be to change lanes to the next lane and continue along the intended route.
However, if there is a two-lane road, you will just have to stop, since only in this case the driver will be able to provide an advantage to the “blue bucket”.
And do not forget that not only such a special vehicle, but also all vehicles accompanied by it (for example, as part of an organized transport column). You can recognize such vehicles by the dipped beam headlights on them.
Not all "blue buckets" are forbidden to overtake
The notorious driver's stereotype - you can not overtake the blue flasher. And some motorists, in general, reach the point of absurdity when they refuse to overtake a traffic police car, on which the flashing beacon is not even turned on. Let's bring clarity.
The rules introduce an unambiguous ban on overtaking only the following vehicles:
- special vehicles with color schemes, on which a blue (or blue and red) flashing beacon is turned on, as well as a special sound signal;
- vehicles accompanied by the above-mentioned special vehicle.
Therefore, if the surfaces of a car with a "flashing light" and "siren" are not equipped with some color schemes that give out its belonging to the special services, then it is allowed to overtake such vehicles (for example, a deputy's car).
True, do it without breaking speed limit most likely won't work.
And another moment. It is forbidden to overtake, and not ahead of special vehicles equipped with light and sound signals. Therefore, driving in the adjacent (not oncoming!) lane in order to get ahead of such a car will not be considered a violation of traffic rules.
Blue Bucket: Slow down
The included "flashing light" speaks of some non-standard situation on the road. And if a special car is in a hurry somewhere, it must give way. This is fine. But then he got to his goal and settled down within the road with a flashing beacon turned on. What do the Rules say about this?
An ordinary driver, approaching such a vehicle, is obliged to reduce speed to such an extent as to be able to stop immediately if necessary. These may be requests for assistance, participation in the preparation of the protocol, and much more.
Yellow (or orange) flashing beacon
We note right away: such a “flashing light” does not provide any advantage in movement to its owner. The question arises about the meaning of using a flashing beacon. And he is.
1. A yellow (or orange) flashing beacon warns other road users about the danger of the goods being transported (due to its chemical properties, size or weight) or hazard in carrying out work carried out within the road.
2. The turned on yellow or orange flasher on vehicles carrying out work on the maintenance, repair or construction of roads, as well as the evacuation or movement of vehicles, allows the driver to ignore a number of traffic rules (subject to safety measures):
a) road marking instructions;
b) traffic signs (with the exception of the signs 2.2 "End of the main road"; 2.4 "Give way"; 2.5 "Movement without stopping is prohibited"; 2.6 "The advantage of oncoming traffic"; 3.11 "Mass limit"; 3.12 "Mass limit per vehicle axle"; 3.13 "Height limit"; 3.14 "Width limit"; 3. 17.2 "Danger"; 3.20 "No overtaking");
c) traffic regulations in terms of paragraphs 9.4 - 9.8 (rules of "lane" traffic), 16.1 (restriction of traffic on the motorway).
When transporting oversized cargo and accompanying such transportation, the driver is allowed to deviate only from the requirements of road markings.
Thus, a yellow or orange flasher allows, firstly, to warn of the danger of the vehicle; secondly, it grants some privileges to its owner, which are so necessary in the performance of professional duties.
The white-moon "flashing light" is practically useless
The white-lunar flashing beacon is the most disenfranchised. It does not give any advantage to the driver when driving. Yes, and you can turn it on (along with sound special signal) solely to attract attention when an attack is made on a special vehicle carrying valuable goods.
This is probably why some drivers of such vehicles simply dismantle the relatively useless flasher and refuse to use it.
"Flashers" in the practice of real traffic
Very often, the theoretical calculations of traffic rules do not fit into the practice of traffic. And in order to achieve maximum safety, it is important to make a clear and quick decision in the face of the appearance of various “flashing lights” on the road.
1. Blue (or blue and red) flashing beacon
When a blue (or blue and red) flashing light appears, you need to be prepared for the fact that the driver of a special vehicle will deliberately and knowingly ignore traffic rules and every conceivable principle of traffic safety. Therefore, even in the absence of a special sound signal on such transport, it is desirable to give it an advantage. And don't overtake. And don't get ahead. So calmer.
The rules of the road clearly state that drivers of vehicles with a blue flashing beacon turned on, performing an urgent official task, may deviate from the requirements of some sections of the rules, except for the signals of the traffic controller. That is, they can drive through a red light, turn around or turn where it is forbidden for everyone else, move in the oncoming lane, exceed the speed limit, but subject to traffic safety. To do this, they were given a special signal to warn other drivers about possible danger.
Cars with special signals and special paint, for example, a traffic police or VAI car, can not move alone, but accompany the convoy. In this case, exceptions to the rules apply to this column.
What the driver should do when meeting with such a car is also spelled out in the rules. He is obliged to give way to ensure the unhindered passage of a car with a special signal and escorted vehicles.
The concept of "give way" is also deciphered in the rules. This requirement means that a road user must not start, resume or continue driving, or perform any maneuver, if this may force other road users who have an advantage over him to change direction or speed. That is, passing transport should take to the right, or even pull over to the side of the road, if there is such an opportunity, and stop.
If a car with special signals is moving in the oncoming lane, then drivers of both passing and oncoming cars must move and slow down so as not to interfere with the car with special signals.
Failed to give way to a car with special signals turned on - a fine of 500 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months
For violation of this paragraph of the rules, a considerable punishment threatens. If you do not give way to a car with a beacon and a siren turned on, you face a fine of 500 rubles. But if you do not give way to a car with special paint with special signals turned on, then you will already face a fine of 500 rubles or deprivation of rights for 1-3 months.
There is, however, a caveat in the rules. Drivers of cars with special signals on can take advantage of priority only after making sure that they give way.
A little about the columns that accompany with flashing lights. It is forbidden to overtake, cross, or build into them. No matter how fast such a convoy travels along the road, all passing cars will have to drag in its tail.
But how to distinguish the column from the cars just attached behind? It is quite difficult to do this. After all, not always in a column of homogeneous cars. The rules require all escorted persons to turn on their headlights. But today, on the road, most people drive with their low beams on. Maybe it would be wiser to amend the rules? For example, to oblige all escorted people to drive with the emergency signal on?
This will somehow highlight the column from the general flow. After all, the convoy is not always accompanied by two cars: one in front, the other behind. Two vehicles are allocated only for convoys with 8 or more escorted vehicles.
By the way, this is not in the rules, but the orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense clearly state that, for security reasons, columns should not travel to oncoming lane. That is, the column should not overtake passing cars. The escort car should require fellow travelers to take to the right and skip the convoy.
Infographics: "RG" / Leonid Kuleshov / Vladimir Barshev
3.1. Drivers of vehicles with a blue flashing beacon turned on, performing an urgent official task, may deviate from the requirements of sections 6 (except for the signals of the traffic controller) and 8 - 18 of these Rules, annexes 1 and 2 to these Rules, provided that traffic safety is ensured.
To gain an advantage over other road users, drivers of such vehicles must turn on a blue flashing beacon and a special sound signal. They can take advantage of priority only by making sure that they give way.
The same right shall be exercised by drivers of vehicles accompanied by vehicles that have special color schemes applied to the outer surfaces, with flashing beacons of blue and red colors and a special sound signal, in the cases established by this paragraph. On escorted vehicles, dipped headlights must be switched on.
On vehicles of the State Inspectorate for Road Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation and the Military Automobile Inspectorate, in addition to the blue flashing beacon, a red flashing beacon may be included.
Comments
If we highlight the main points in paragraph 3.1, it becomes clear to us that the advantage of travel is:
- vehicles with flashing beacons of blue or red-blue colors and a sound siren;
- vehicles with color schemes printed on the body, red-blue beacons and a sound signal turned on;
- transport, which is accompanied by the cars mentioned above.
To the above, it is worth adding what the driver is obliged to do in accordance with clause 3.2, when a special vehicle described in clause 3.1 approaches him:
- with blue beacons and a siren - must give way and provide him with free passage;
- with red and blue beacons accompanied by a sound signal - must stop at the edge of the road on the right and go further only after the passage of special vehicles.
Also, the driver is obliged to ensure unhindered passage not only for special vehicles, but also for the vehicles that he accompanies. They, in turn, can take advantage only when they are convinced that they are being let through.
Driver prohibited
It is forbidden to overtake or overtake vehicles with blue and red-blue special signals on. The rule also applies to vehicles that are accompanied by cars with blue beacons and color schemes applied to the body. Accompanied vehicles are only allowed to drive with their headlights on.
Useful: GOST requirements for special signals
flashing beacons, sound signals and color schemes of official vehicles (ambulances, fire brigade, police, FSB agencies, etc.) must comply with GOST R 50574-2002.
For example, White color ambulance body in combination with red stripes due to the requirements of this particular state standard. He also fixed what information and identification signs should be applied to a special vehicle, what volume the siren should have (not lower than 116 dB, if the sound source is located on the roof of the car), where the flashing beacon should be located (on the roof or above it). It is indicated that it is permissible to use more than one beacon on one car.
By the way, the presence of blue flashing beacons on does not relieve the driver of such a vehicle from the obligation to obey the signals of the traffic controller.
On vehicles related to the traffic police, FSO, FSB and VAI of the Russian Federation, in addition to the blue flashing beacon, a red beacon may be turned on.
