Since April 4, 2017, changes in road rules have been in force in Russia, which relate to the presence of the “Spikes” sign on cars. Drivers suddenly had to remember about the triangle with the capital letter “Ш”, which, it seems, was not always taught in post-Soviet driving schools. There are also many people in our editorial office who drive, so we were also interested in learning the answers to the most important questions on this topic.
Spikes sign: mandatory or not, fine for absence 2017. What does the Spikes sign show?
Not such a strange question as it seems at first glance. It is important to remember: the “Spikes” sign does not just inform other road users that in winter you are using tires equipped with spikes. The sign warns that due to the presence of studs on the wheels, your braking distance on a slippery road may be much shorter than other drivers think. And, therefore, it makes sense for all of them to literally stay away from you - that is, at an increased distance, so that in the event of your sudden braking, they simply do not crash into your ass.
In addition, since studded tires are still produced in different quality, studs flying out from under the wheels of cars in front is still a common occurrence. This means that fellow travelers behind you should be warned: if they do not want to get a hard object identical to the notorious “pebble” in the windshield, then again they should keep a more respectful distance.
Fine for lack of a spike sign 2017: article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation
Yes, now definitely. By government decree (No. 333 of March 24, 2017), the absence of the “Spikes” sign is included in the list of faults for which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited. Thus, starting from April 4, any traffic inspector who did not find this sign on your car may not only issue you a fine of 500 rubles (accusing you of violating clause 2.5 part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses - failure to comply with the conditions for ensuring road safety). He has the power to simply prohibit you from moving further - until the corresponding malfunction is eliminated, that is, until you place the missing sign on your rear window.
Thorns sign: What other consequences can occur in the absence of the Thorns sign?
Another possible trouble may be an addition to another - when someone crashes into your car from behind. As we have already said, the “Spikes” sign warns the person driving behind you that your braking distance may be much shorter than theirs. Accordingly, if there is no such warning, then the traffic cop can easily admit mutual guilt, no matter how much you poke him and the other culprit of the accident into the traffic rules book (clause 9.10 about the need to keep a distance). What this means in your further communication with the insurance company is probably unnecessary to explain.
Spikes sign in summer: What if I have Velcro or it’s already summer outside?
If you do not use studded tires, then the presence or absence of the “Spikes” sign does not concern you - at least not yet. It is possible that after some time the legislator, at the suggestion of the traffic police, will return to this issue. In principle, this will be logical: like studs, the lip system on wheels is designed to combat slipping on a winter road, and therefore shorten your braking distance in the event of emergency braking.
(In fact, according to tests, at low temperatures the braking distance with Velcro is even shorter than with studs, and in this case it is not very clear what the “Spikes” signs should inform other drivers about. But let’s leave this to the conscience of the legislator ).
Now about the seasonal factor. The only rule you need to know is that the “Spikes” sign on your car must appear synchronously with the appearance of studded wheels on it. However, it is worth remembering that the use of summer tires in Russia is prohibited by law from December to February, as is, by the way, driving on spikes from June to August inclusive. The rest of the time is a period that is given to the discretion of the driver himself, who must be guided by weather conditions. In addition, the will of the local legislator is provided, who can, by regional law, increase or, conversely, shorten the summer and winter periods, again based on the climatic conditions of the area. The duration of winter in the Krasnodar Territory and Yamal, you will agree, is somewhat different.
However, the law does not provide for driver liability for the presence of the “Spikes” sign on the rear window if there are no spikes on its wheels. This means that if you did not remove this sign for the summer period, no one will punish you. So it’s not at all necessary to suffer and peel it off in order to return it in six months, or even in just a couple of months. We would even strongly recommend that everyone have one, regardless of the season and preference for the type of winter tires. Who knows, maybe a warning that you are on spikes and have an appropriate braking distance will save you from unnecessary troubles on the road?
Fine for lack of a spike sign 2017. Rules for installing the “Spike” sign. How to glue (attach) the Spikes sign?
According to clause 8 of the Basic Provisions on the admission of vehicles to operation, vehicles with studded tires must be equipped with a corresponding sign of an approved type in the form of an equilateral triangle with a side length of at least 20 centimeters, with an internal red outline (width stripes - 10% of the side length) and a large letter “W” in the center of the triangle. The background of the sign is white.
Legal requirements are determined by concern for the safety of all road users - wheels with spikes can cause a traffic accident:
- The braking distance of a car with studded tires is an order of magnitude shorter than that of a vehicle of the same model and configuration, but without studs. This means that the driver behind the car most likely will not be able to stop in time, since most rely on their own experience and keep a safe distance based on the average stopping distance of a vehicle with standard tires.
- Poor-quality studding of rubber, which manifests itself in the form of studs flying off during movement. The coincidence of several factors (the speed of the car with spikes, the trajectory of the ejected spike, the proximity of the vehicle behind the car with spikes) can lead to damage to the windshield of the car behind. In addition to spikes, stones often fly out from under the wheels of a modernized vehicle.
NOTE: The absence of the “Spikes” sign on a car with studded wheels in most cases is the reason for refusal to issue a diagnostic card during a technical inspection of the car.
The sign must be clearly visible at a distance of 20 meters or more, so it must be mounted on the rear window of the car, and if the windows are tinted, it must be on the outside.
Thorns sign: Can you make this necessary sign yourself?
The question is not an idle one, given that now, in the wake of the general excitement, the “Spikes” sign has become a real shortage, and its cost sometimes even exceeds the very 500 rubles that will have to be paid for its absence. In some regions, like in the Sverdlovsk region, the leadership of the territorial divisions of the traffic police even met drivers halfway and announced a temporary moratorium on the application of sanctions for formal violations.
Experience shows that the hype is short-lived. But if there is no way to endure it (you need to drive), and the traffic cops in your area turned out to be not so loyal to those who are driving, then it is quite possible to get by with a temporary replacement of the “factory” sign.
In any case, it is useful to remember that each similar product mentioned in the rules has its own GOST. So “Spikes” is a sign in the form of an equilateral triangle of white color with the apex up with a red border, in which the letter “Ш” is inscribed in black. 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 of the triangle.
It is also important not to forget about the visibility of the sign - after all, you are hanging it not for yourself, but for other road users. It must be clearly visible from a distance of at least 20 meters, including in the dark, which should also always be remembered. If the rear window of your car is tinted, then the sign should be glued to the outside.
In general, if you can meet these requirements, then the Internet will help you - there you can find and print an image of a sign of quite acceptable quality. In this sense, it is easier for residents of big cities, where there are a lot of companies where they can quickly and cheaply produce any sign and sticker to order. On the other hand, residents of smaller settlements may not encounter rush demand for this rather specific product: they were probably delivered in sufficient quantities to the local Rospechat.
Thorn sign: What else is important to know?
The requirement to have a “Spikes” sign on a car applies to all drivers without exception. But the fact is that this is not the only sign that, by the mentioned 333rd government resolution, became mandatory for the admission of vehicles to operation. Starting from April 4, 2017, a car cannot be operated if, depending on the circumstances, it also does not have the following signs: “Road train”, “Transportation of children”, “Deaf driver”, “Educational vehicle”, “Speed limit”, “Dangerous” cargo", "Large cargo", "Slow-moving vehicle", "Long vehicle" and "Beginner driver".
Most of these signs are special. For example, the “Transportation of Children” sign applies only to buses, while the “Long Vehicle” sign is usually hung on freight vehicles. It is important to pay attention to the “Beginner Driver” sticker if you have less than two years of driving experience. Having checked your license and not finding the appropriate sign on your car, the traffic cop will fine you and prohibit you from driving further.
Many motorists have had to be fined by traffic police inspectors for not having the “Ш” sign when the vehicle had studded tires. In a particular case, the actions of traffic police inspectors are completely unlawful, because they replace points.
Is the “Spikes” sign really necessary?
Winter in most regions of Russia is replete with precipitation and ice on the road. An ice crust on the road surface significantly impairs the adhesion of car wheels to asphalt or soil. Therefore, braking on icy conditions is often not very effective and, as a rule, leads to the vehicle skidding.
As a radical measure to combat this scourge, many motorists equip their car tires with special studs, which allow the driver to better control the car on a slippery, ice-encrusted road. Since such a device affects the driving parameters of vehicles, there must be a special pictogram on the rear window of the vehicle to warn drivers of vehicles driving behind.
This “Ш” sign should be installed only on those vehicles with studded tires on the wheels. The purpose of such a sign is to protect all participants in the DD. Wheels with studded tires may lose their studs while driving and may cause damage to nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
What fine is provided in 2017 if there is no sign “Ш”
Russian Government Decree No. 333 of March 24. 2017 states that from 04.04. 2017, a traffic police inspector may prohibit a motorist from driving a vehicle with studded tires if such a vehicle does not have a “Sh” sign.
Sanctions for such a violation are predetermined by Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Russia. The motorist faces a warning or may be fined in the amount of 5 hundred rubles.
Installation of the sign "Ш"
In paragraph 08 of the Basic Provisions on the admission of vehicles to driving with studded tires, there must be a sign in the shape of an equilateral triangle, with a red and capital letter “Ш” in the middle of the triangle on a white background.
These requirements are explained by concern for the safety of all, without exception, participants in traffic accidents, because the wheels of vehicles with spikes can easily cause a very serious accident:
The braking distance of a vehicle with studded tires is somewhat shorter than that of a vehicle of the same make and configuration without studs on the wheels.
So, a person driving a car moving behind is unlikely to have time to react and stop in a timely manner, since many rely on personal experience and keep a safe distance based on the braking performance of a vehicle with standard tires.
Poor-quality studding of tires is manifested by spikes flying out when moving, which can damage the front window of the car behind. In addition to spikes, stones often fly out from under the wheels of a vehicle.
“Ш” should be clearly visible from 20 meters, and therefore should be mounted on the rear window of the car. But if the car windows are tinted, then on the outside.
Motorist liability in case of an accident
If a car owner decides to ignore the requirements of the law, then he should prepare for the most negative consequences. If an accident occurs, the formally guilty motorist who crashed into a car with studded tires has the right to sue the careless motorist who did not deign to warn the other participants in the traffic accident about the features of his car.
Practice has repeatedly shown that judges often hold both motorists responsible for the incident. And this is important when resolving your issues with the insurance company: usually, both the first and second car owners have to repair damaged vehicles at their own expense. So, driving a vehicle presupposes mandatory strict compliance with the rules of the traffic control, and, in addition, a respectful attitude towards other participants in the traffic control. Ultimately, this behavior also affects the safety of the motorist himself.
There are rules according to which motorists must stick mandatory symbols on the rear or front window of the car, as well as on the body. These types also include a symbol indicating the presence of studded tires on a car.
During winter cold, drivers in our country often install a set of studded tires on their car - it contributes to better cross-country ability and less slipping of the vehicle in icy and snowy roads.
However, sometimes studded tires can cause an accident - to prevent this from happening, you need to place a corresponding sign on the rear window of the car or on the body.
Why do you need to glue it, the Thorns sign?
According to the 2018 traffic regulations, the sticker must be visible to all drivers on the road, so each side of the triangle with the Ш sign should not be less than 20 centimeters, and the framing border should not be less than 2 centimeters.
The sign “Ш” is needed and has the following meaning:
- To inform and maintain distance. The Studs sticker belongs to the identification category and is intended to warn other participants about maintaining the required distance, since studded tires greatly reduce the braking distance of a car during a sudden stop. During emergency braking of such vehicles, other participants driving behind may simply not have time to brake.
Accordingly, studded tires increase the risk of accidents in the absence of warning labels.
- Prevent damage. The presence of an appropriate warning sticker will help protect the driver from liability for damage to the property of other people:
Spikes can sometimes fly out from under the wheels - this happens when the number of wheel revolutions increases while sliding on a slippery surface and can lead to damage and injury to other drivers.
- Pass inspection. In addition, the driver of a car equipped with studded tires who does not place the appropriate sticker in a visible place runs the risk of not passing the technical inspection, but it is he who authorizes the further operation of the vehicle. This means that if during a technical inspection the car was shod with studded tires, but there was no sign informing about this, it is impossible to obtain a technical inspection ticket. In order to avoid such a problem, it is better to purchase the necessary sticker in advance. This condition was mandatory in past years, but now they are more accepting.
In addition to these troubles, while such a car is moving, the traffic police inspector has every reason to stop it, since formally there is a possibility of passing a technical inspection with significant violations.
It is also worth remembering that if you get into an accident in which a car with studded tires and the absence of the Spikes symbol was driven from behind, there is a certain risk that the accident will be recognized as a mutual one.
Such scenarios can ultimately cost the car owner dearly.
Where to put the Spikes information sign?
The location of the symbol Ш on a car is not clearly regulated by the rules for operating cars:
- According to clause 8 of the Basic Provisions, this sticker should be placed simply on the back of a passenger vehicle, i.e. not necessarily so that it is clearly visible to other drivers driving behind. Depending on the make of the car, the location of the sticker can be adjusted.
Experienced driving school instructors advise sticking a similar marking at the top of the rear window - according to them, in this place the symbol is best visible to other road users. You can choose any side for gluing - the main thing is that the symbol is clearly visible and does not interfere with the view of the car enthusiast.
In the case of a tinted rear window, it would be better to place the sticker on the outside. Transparent glass does not prohibit and allows its placement from the inside. It would be better if it was located where the glass is cleared of the adhering snow mass with a wiper or brush. It can also be placed on the body or bumper.
This sticker can be purchased ready-made at the store, or you can make it yourself on thick photo paper. To stick the symbol, the best solution would be a suction cup, since after removal it will not leave marks on the glass, unlike adhesive tape. You should know that ready-made stickers in stores often do not comply with the conditions of traffic regulations, and installing a sign that is too small will not have legal force, but it will be quite difficult to fine the driver for non-compliance. In addition, ready-made stickers with an adhesive layer cannot be reused, and noticeable adhesive marks will remain on the glass after use.
Penalty for missing the Ш sign?
What is the penalty for not having a sticker? Many people are concerned about the question: is there a fine for not having the Spikes sign?
- The legislation, in accordance with clause 8 of the Basic Provisions, requires that the Studs sign be placed on cars equipped with studded tires.
- In addition, according to clause 2.3.1 of the Rules, each driver is obliged to ensure the technical serviceability of the car in accordance with the above document.
Consequently, the traffic rules oblige the installation of the symbol Ш on the rear of cars.
According to the Administrative Code, there is currently a fine for the absence of a Spikes sticker; traffic police inspectors can punish the car owner under Part 1 of Art. 12.5 - this entails either a warning or an administrative fine of 500 rubles.
Previously, the driver could challenge this decision to higher authorities, since Article 12.5 did not provide for the malfunctions that clause 8 of the Basic Provisions includes. In 2017, a change was made to clause 8 and the absence of this sign is a malfunction that prohibits movement.
In custody
The Spikes sign must be placed at the rear of the car, as it will be clearly visible to others. Despite the fact that a fine is still provided for the absence of a sticker, the presence of the Ш symbol will help the car owner avoid many troubles, including problems with obtaining a technical inspection and liability for damage to the property of other drivers.
Around the capital and region, there was talk among motorists that traffic police inspectors began issuing a fine for the absence of a “Spikes” sign in the amount of 500 rubles. In this regard, many drivers have questions about the legality of such actions on the part of the road inspection.
The fine for not having a “Spikes” sign is 500 rubles.
Fine for not having a “Spikes” sign
The sign, which is a white equilateral triangle with a red border and set with the apex up, has a contrasting image of the letter “Ш” in black in the center. The side of the triangle must be at least 2 inches. The width of the red stripe bordering the perimeter is ten times less than the side of the triangle. In accordance with the requirements of clause 8 of the Regulations on permission to operate vehicles, this sign must be installed at the rear of the vehicle in a visible place if the vehicle has winter tires with studs.
This requirement is caused by the need to ensure road safety in winter, when the braking distance of cars is extended due to reduced adhesion of tires to the road surface. According to driving rules, a driver who sees a triangle with the letter “Ш” on the rear window or body of the vehicle in front must increase the distance, since the braking distance of the front vehicle with studded tires will be much shorter than expected, and a short distance may not be enough to deal with it.
This is what the “Studded tires” sign looks like
In addition, increasing the distance will increase the safety of vehicles behind from possible contact with a stud flying out of the tire when the wheel speed of the front vehicle increases during slippage. Thus, the requirement to install a warning sign “Ш” when switching to studded tires is dictated by safety considerations and is specified in the Appendix to the Traffic Regulations, that is, legal.
On the legality of a fine for the absence of a “Spikes” sign
How it was before April 4, 2017
Until April 4, 2017, the fine for the “Spikes” sign issued by traffic police inspectors in the amount of 500 rubles on the basis of Article 12.5 Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation was unlawful. This paragraph of the law literally states what can be applied for in the amount of 500 rubles. Namely, it applies when there is a fact of driving a car, the operation of which is prohibited.
In the detailed List of faults and conditions that prohibit the operation of vehicles attached to the Regulations, there was no such item as a prohibition on leaving without an installed “Spikes” sign. It turns out that the law obliged drivers to install the “Ш” sign on their car if they had studded tires on the wheels, but did not prohibit its operation without this sign. Consequently, the inspectors’ reference to Article 12. Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and the imposition of an administrative penalty of 500 rubles was unfounded, and it could be appealed in accordance with the established procedure. In fact, previously the need for the “Ш” sticker was advisory in nature.
In addition, it can be noted that not a single legislative act specifically specified the requirements for the procedure and location of installation of the sign. There was only a description of him and a general requirement that he should be at the back of the car. Automotive accessory stores sell ready-made sticker signs, which sellers recommend sticking to the upper or lower corner of the rear window on the inside. However, it should be noted that in difficult weather conditions these places are most often covered with snow, mud and are beyond the reach of the windshield wiper. That is, these are not the best places to install a sign. In addition, if the rear window is tinted, then the sign should be stuck on the outside of the glass, which significantly reduces its service life.
Place on the rear window where you can install the “Studded tires” sign
What happened on April 4, 2017
On April 4, amendments to the traffic rules, signed by D. Medvedev on March 27, 2017, came into force. More precisely, two government resolutions were signed: dated March 24, 2017 No. 333 “On amendments to the resolution of the Council of Ministers - Government of the Russian Federation dated October 23, 1993 No. 1090” and dated March 23, 2017 No. 326 “On amendments to the Rules for passing examinations for the right to drive vehicles and issuing driver’s licenses.”
According to the resolution of March 24, the “List of faults and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited” was supplemented with clause 7.15.1 - absence of the “Spikes” sign. That is, now the absence of this sign on the glass is qualified as a malfunction for which it is prohibited to operate the vehicle, and the inspector, on the basis of Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, can impose a fine of 500 rubles. But the inspector does not have the right to detain the vehicle and send the car to the impound lot.
By the way, this sign is not the only one that, under certain conditions, must be displayed by the driver. For example, there is a yellow square with an exclamation mark in the middle, called “Attention, novice driver!”, which must also be displayed at the rear of the car by a driver with less than 2 years of driving experience. Now a fine of 500 rubles is also imposed for the absence of a “Beginner Driver” sign.
You cannot ignore administrative fines, because bailiffs will still find a way to collect the required amount from you to the treasury. In addition, late payment threatens with additional penalties and more serious consequences. All that remains is to pay the fine on time.
Video: Can an inspector fine you for not having a “Studded Tires” sign?
Every driver needs to remember that the sign was introduced to ensure traffic safety in difficult winter driving conditions, and saving on such trifles as purchasing and installing a sign is fraught with more significant costs for restoring your own and someone else’s car. After all, if you don’t have a sign, then during an accident, the driver of the car who hits you from behind can point this out to the arriving inspector and accuse you of not providing the necessary safety conditions. In such cases, the damage is divided equally between both sides of the conflict.
