Topic 11. Start of movement, maneuvering (traffic regulations, chapter 8). Turning around and driving in reverse.

U-turn rules

You can turn around both at intersections and on sections of the road between them. If there is no dividing strip on the road, a turn outside the intersection should be made where there are no continuous marking lines. In order to turn around on a multi-lane road, you must first find a special place. It is marked with signs 6.3.1. or 6.3.2., or a break in the marking line 1.3.

Within the intersection, a U-turn is made, guided by the requirements of Chapter 13 of the Traffic Rules. It describes the order of traffic at an intersection. Clause 8.5. and the explanations to the road sign “Lane Directions” indicate that you need to turn around at any intersections only from the far left position on your side of the road.

To clause 8.8. The rules should be consulted if a U-turn is made outside the intersection. It also contains instructions to make a U-turn from the extreme left lane, and on a road with tram tracks laid in the middle of the roadway - from the rails in the same direction. At the same time, according to the general standards of maneuvering, the driver must, before turning, allow all oncoming trackless vehicles whose path will intersect, as well as trams traveling from behind or towards them, to pass. Outside the intersection, they also make a left turn into adjacent areas, for example, into courtyards.

Sometimes the width of the roadway is not enough to complete a turn from the far left position in one go. Accordingly, a vehicle performing a maneuver unwittingly creates obstacles for the movement of those to whom it should give way.

In such a situation, paragraph 8.8. allows you to start turning not in the extreme left position, but in the extreme right position - from the right edge of the roadway or from the right shoulder. At the same time, all oncoming and passing vehicles driving behind must give way. The driver should wait for the right moment, and then quickly turn around in one go and drive away. This way it will not interfere with other vehicles.

You can also make a U-turn outside an intersection from the right edge of the roadway on multi-lane roads. This method is especially relevant for drivers of long vehicles, the overall dimensions of which do not allow them to turn around from the leftmost lane.

However, there are no rules allowing U-turns from the middle lanes of the roadway.

Thus, before turning at an intersection, the vehicle must take the extreme left position; outside the intersection, it must take one of the two extreme positions on its side of the road.

If there is a roundabout, you can only turn around by driving around the center of the intersection. According to clause 8.6. Traffic regulations: U-turns at intersections where the road(s) have a dividing strip should be performed without entering the oncoming lane.

Reversing

When reversing, a number of difficulties may arise that are not typical for other maneuvers. It is the backing of the vehicle that is often accompanied by an accident. One of the main reasons for this is limited visibility. The driver may not always notice a person or object behind the vehicle. In addition, pedestrians and other road users often do not expect a car to move in the “wrong” direction. In such a situation, only the driver of the vehicle driving in reverse is to blame. It must ensure the safety of the maneuver and not interfere with other road users.

Clause 8.12. advises the driver to use the help of other people - a passenger or a passerby - to eliminate the threat of an accident and increase the safety of the maneuver. In this case, the driver should properly instruct the assistant. It should be positioned at a point where the vehicle is clearly visible and where the driver can see him. If there is no possibility between them to hear each other and be heard (due to noise, long distance), an agreement must be made on signals given when the path is clear, in the presence of an obstacle and if an immediate stop is necessary. These signals are given by hand. To avoid misunderstandings, any unclear signal is considered a stop signal. You can continue moving after the situation is cleared.

Places where turning and reversing are prohibited

Reversing and turning around pose a certain danger to others. The driver, performing these maneuvers, is not always able to prevent it. That is why in certain places such actions are prohibited.

Clauses 8.11. and 8.12. Traffic regulations prohibit turning and reversing:

on sections of the road with limited visibility - less than 100 meters back and forth;
at railway crossings;
at pedestrian crossings;
on bridges, overpasses, overpasses;
under bridges, overpasses, overpasses,
in tunnels;
at bus stops.

Clause 16.1. prohibits reversing and turning around across the median along the entire length of highways and roads for vehicles marked with signs 5.1. or 5.3. You can turn around on such a road only using a well-equipped transport interchange.

On one-way roads it is also impossible to turn around due to the inability to continue driving after the maneuver. One-way roads are similar to roads with a lane for route vehicles or cyclists. However, you can drive them in reverse in a situation where you need to go around an obstacle, park, or return to a missed turn into the yard. If there is a “No Entry” sign, driving in both forward and reverse directions is prohibited.

As for intersections, turning around is allowed at them, but reversing, on the contrary, is prohibited.

Thus, there are eight prohibitions for turning around and eight prohibitions for driving in reverse. Seven of them coincide with each other. At the same time, the requirements for road signs and markings are not canceled. You cannot turn around in the areas where the signs “No U-Turn”, “Move Straight”, “Move Right”, “Move Straight and Right” are valid. If there are signs in front of the intersection or intersection of roadways 5.15.1. and 5.15.2., prohibiting a left turn; a U-turn, accordingly, is also prohibited.

Turn around and cross the dividing strip or solid marking lines 1.1., 1.2.1., 1.3. it is forbidden.

Precautionary measures

The rules clearly indicate prohibited areas for turning and reversing. In this case, the driver has every right to perform the above maneuvers in any other place. However, in the event of an accident, the driver who performed the maneuver will be found guilty. Since he did not ensure the safety of its implementation and thereby violated the requirements of clause 8.1. Traffic rules Accordingly, when maneuvering, as well as when moving in general, permission from the Rules is not enough. It is important to exercise reasonable caution and not just blindly follow traffic rules.

No signs or markings restrict reversing. In the absence of the above prohibitions, it is permitted on any lane of the roadway. Reversing on the left lanes of the roadway is associated with some difficulties: in this situation it is difficult to ensure safety and not create interference for others.

In places of exit from adjacent territories, reversing is also permissible for the reason that they do not belong to intersections. You can turn around on a narrow road by using reverse when entering or exiting the adjacent territory. Before such a turn, to increase its safety, you should correlate the direction of movement back and the direction from which other vehicles may appear.

Article 12.4.1. and 12.4.1-1. The Code of Administrative Offenses provides for punishment for a driver who fails to give a turn signal before a maneuver or takes an incorrect position on the roadway before a turn or U-turn in the form of a warning or a fine of 500 rubles. The same penalty according to Article 12.4.3. waits for those who did not give way when maneuvering outside the intersection with a vehicle having the right of way. For the fact that the driver did not allow a pedestrian or cyclist to pass when entering/exiting the adjacent territory, as well as for driving in reverse, he may be subject to a fine of 1,500 rubles (Article 12.18.). According to Article 12.14.2. turning and reversing in areas prohibited by clause 8.11. Traffic violations in places are punishable by a fine of 500 rubles; and the same maneuvers on the highway - a fine of 2,500 rubles (Article 12.11.3.). It is obvious that the speed of vehicles on the highway is quite high, and the consequences of such offenses can be very serious.

Turning left and making a U-turn in places prohibited by road signs or markings is punishable by Article 12.16.2. and a fine from 1000 to 1500 rubles. A warning or a fine of 500 rubles awaits the driver who turns right in such a situation (Article 12.16.1.). The provisions of Article 12.16.3. for driving towards one-way traffic, a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights for a period of 4 to 6 months is provided; for repeated violation - deprivation of rights for up to 1 year.

Traffic Laws:

8.11. U-turn is prohibited:

at pedestrian crossings;
in tunnels;
at railway crossings;

Traffic Laws:

8.11. U-turn is prohibited:

at pedestrian crossings;
in tunnels;
on bridges, overpasses, overpasses and under them;
at railway crossings;
in places where visibility of the road in at least one direction is less than 100 m;
in places where route vehicles stop.

8.12. ... Reversing is prohibited at intersections and in places where turning around is prohibited in accordance with paragraph 8.11 of the Rules.

Article 12.11, part 3

Turning or driving a vehicle into technological gaps in the dividing strip on a highway or driving in reverse on a highway entails an administrative fine of 2,500 rubles.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.14, part 1

Failure to comply with the requirement of the Traffic Rules to give a signal before starting to move, change lanes, turn, make a U-turn or stop will result in a warning or an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles.

Article 12.14, part 1.1.

Failure to comply with the requirement of the Traffic Rules, except for established cases, before turning right, left or making a U-turn, to take the appropriate extreme position in advance on the roadway intended for traffic in this direction, entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.14, part 2

Turning or reversing in places where such maneuvers are prohibited, except for the cases provided for in Part 3 of Article 12.11 of this Code, entails an administrative fine of 500 rubles.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.14, part 3

Failure to comply with the requirement of the Traffic Rules to give way to a vehicle enjoying the right of way, except for the cases provided for in Part 2 of Article 12.13 and Article 12.17 of this Code, entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 500 rubles.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.16, part 2

Turning left or making a U-turn in violation of the requirements prescribed by road signs or road markings shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 1,000 to 1,500 rubles.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.16, part 3

Driving in the opposite direction on a one-way road entails an administrative fine in the amount of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of 4 to 6 months.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.16, part 3.1

Repeated commission of an administrative offense provided for in Part 3 of this article entails deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of 1 year, and in the case of recording an administrative offense using special technical means operating automatically, having the functions of photo and film shooting, video recording, or by means of photo and filming, video recording - imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 5,000 rubles.

Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences:

Article 12.18

Failure to comply with the requirement of the Traffic Rules to give way to pedestrians, cyclists or other road users (except for vehicle drivers) who have the right of way in traffic shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine in the amount of 1,500 rubles.

Road with a lane for route vehicles

In fact, a road with a lane for route vehicles, marked with sign 5.11.1, is a one-way road along which a bus or trolleybus route is laid. Since public transport must be able not only to go “there”, but also to return, a separate lane is allocated for its return at the left edge of the roadway. This lane cannot be occupied by ordinary vehicles, and the remaining lanes can only be driven in one direction. The same procedure applies on a one-way road marked with sign 5.11.2, in which the left lane is allocated for oncoming traffic of bicycles and mopeds.

A must for a safe trip

City traffic is becoming increasingly crowded, and traffic jams are not uncommon. Drivers who are late for business are increasingly beginning to use reversing in conditions where, in their opinion, it is permitted. Clause 8.12, Section 8 of the Traffic Regulations defines: movement is permitted only when it does not interfere with pedestrians and cars.

Unfortunately, the rules do not specify what is meant by the condition “not to interfere” and when a fine should be imposed. A particularly difficult and uncertain situation arises when a car with a trailer needs to park on a one-way road. How to make the maneuver safe? Should the emergency lights be on or not?

How are violators punished?

Traffic inspectors decide whether the maneuver is safe or not.

They determined that he was dangerous and issued a fine for driving in reverse - Article 12.15 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of 2016.
If the driver violated the rules for positioning the vehicle on the road when overtaking or passing, he must pay from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles. A violation can be interpreted in different ways.
Paragraph 3 of Article 15 essentially allows you to turn into oncoming traffic to avoid an obstacle, you just need to pay 1000 rubles.
Clause 4 of Article 15 – for travel in the opposite direction you must pay 5,000 rubles.

Moreover, it is not indicated what type of vehicle the traffic rules apply to: a truck with a trailer or an ordinary passenger car.

Not defined: Article 12.15 applies only on city streets or driving in the courtyard of a residential building, in some cases, can also be considered an administrative violation.

In case of repeated violation of the rules for driving on a one-way road, the driver will be deprived of the right to drive a car for a period of at least 4 months and no more than 1 year. If the violation is recorded by traffic cameras, he will be given an administrative fine of five thousand rubles (Article 12.16 of the Administrative Code).

Road signs

There is no sign prohibiting driving and changing lanes in reverse in the traffic rules. There are rules prohibiting maneuvering on the roads. They are listed in the section “Signs of special regulations”. These include road sign 5.1, indicating the main highway, and sign 5.3, a road for cars.

On intercity highways you often have to go around the scene of an accident. What is the right thing to do in this case? Is it allowed to drive in reverse on the highway where the accident occurred? It is allowed, but it must be remembered that any lane change is always a difficult road maneuver. Especially for a car with a trailer, when the turning trajectory increases. It is necessary to take into account in this situation - turning the steering wheel in the right direction, turning the trailer in the opposite direction can complicate the road situation. Traffic police officers will consider this a violation and will require you to pay a fine.

I have an opinion

Brief reversing on the road can be equated to maneuvering or considered a U-turn. According to paragraph 11 of section 8 of the traffic rules, turning around in the city is prohibited only:

at pedestrian crossings;
in places where city vehicles stop;
on roads where visibility is less than 100 meters;
on and under bridges.

Thus, the rules do not prohibit a U-turn on one-way traffic, and accordingly, a fine cannot be imposed. Please note that driving must be safe for pedestrians and vehicles. The hazard lights must also be turned on.

When a U-turn is made by a car with a trailer in the yard of a residential building, another person must insure the driver’s actions.

If all these conditions are met, it can be proven that there is no violation.

We pass the intersection

The traffic rules have an unambiguous requirement - reversing is prohibited at an intersection. Violation of this rule will result in a fine. Its minimum size is 500 rubles. Before turning on the turn signals and before turning the steering wheel, you need to remember that the driver must give way to pedestrians and other vehicles, otherwise driving may provoke an accident. When an obstacle is created to vehicles driving along the main road, Article 12.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses comes into force.

The organizer of the jam must pay twice as much - a fine of 1000 rubles. Correctly entering an intersection requires even more attention from the driver if a vehicle with a trailer is turning onto a one-way road. It is necessary to take into account the turning angle of the trailer - it increases. Leaving the adjacent territory onto the road is not considered crossing an intersection.

Movement Prohibition

Traffic rules (Chapter 9, paragraph 74) clearly prohibit cars from reversing at a pedestrian crossing and 15 meters from it. The ban is violated - a fine of 5,000 rubles. The demand is quite fair. Accidents are especially often recorded when reversing on road sections marked with special markings: zebra crossings.

Crossing collisions almost always result in severe injuries to pedestrians. In this case, the driver's driving is considered a criminal offense and not an administrative offense.

Today, cars and trailers are often parked on the road, parallel to the sidewalk. The driver needs to make a turn to enter the roadway. Entry onto the road is only permitted in a straight line.

Parking

Sometimes accidents when driving in reverse occur while parking in the courtyard of an apartment building. Not all cars are equipped with parking sensors. When parallel parking, you must not only turn on the turn signals and look in the rear-view mirrors, but also carefully alternately look at the side mirrors. Otherwise, you can crash into a car located on the side. Car collisions often occur when parking near supermarkets. It is recommended to follow the following rules: enter the parking space with the rear of the car, and exit with the front. Parking cars with a trailer is considered safe when leaving the parking space only forward.

In conclusion, it should be noted that changes and additions to traffic rules are periodically made by employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Often, and by decision of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, contradictions between the wording given in the Traffic Regulations and the Code of Administrative Offenses are eliminated.

Recently, a resolution was issued obliging judges, when considering administrative violations under Article 12.16 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, to take into account the travel conditions indicated by Article 15 of the traffic rules. It is proposed that changing lanes and maneuvering on the road while changing direction should not be considered a violation. The requirement “not to create interference” was left in the resolution.

Why do we need to know where reversing is prohibited? In fact, the most unpredictable accidents are associated with this, because when moving backwards, we see the road in the mirrors. So it is better to prevent this danger, which is what we will do now.

Why should you follow traffic rules?

On the road, motorists make many maneuvers: overtaking, turning around, turning, and others. One such maneuver is reversing. This kind of action is rare on the road. Every car owner knows how to perform this maneuver, but not everyone remembers when not to do this, because such an action is often simply not safe. Because of this, restrictions on reversing were introduced at the legislative level.

A driver who makes such a maneuver on the road must let absolutely everyone through: cars passing by, vehicles turning around or performing any other maneuver. Reversing is only permitted if this maneuver cannot interfere with other vehicles. This is also stated in section 8, clause 8.12 of the rules.

In addition, if the driver has a rather dangerous situation of entering the roadway by reversing (for example, leaving the yard), then, in order to avoid it, he must use the help of an outsider. This could be a passenger or a passerby. Otherwise, the driver again violates the rule of paragraph 8.12.

This rule can also be used on the road, but only if there is no threat to the life of the assistant. If this maneuver is difficult to perform, then it is better to abandon it.

Places where reversing is prohibited

In addition, the driver must be aware that there are no markings or other lanes restricting reversing. But there are places that are absolutely specified in the traffic rules that prohibit this maneuver. These include intersections, tunnels, railway crossings, bridges and others. The entire list of these places is provided in paragraphs 8.11, 8.12 and 16.1 of the relevant regulatory document.

This list was not created by chance. For example, a situation on the road: the driver was moving forward towards the bridge, and suddenly he realizes that he went the wrong way - he needed to go under the bridge, but he drove onto it. In this case, using reverse gear, he will not be able to go back, and he will also not be able to turn around. Both of these maneuvers will interfere with other drivers, and accordingly an emergency situation will be created. By the way, in any driving school they will tell you that you need to think through the road in advance precisely for this reason.

Tricks for moving on a one-way street

Some drivers believe that reversing is generally prohibited, but they are deeply mistaken. For example, if a driver entered a road with a “One-way traffic” sign, and he needs to make a maneuver - back up, then he can easily do it. After all, the rules have restrictions only in that two-way traffic is prohibited on such a road, and it is forbidden to make a U-turn on this section, and the law says nothing about the fact that you cannot move backwards.

But recently, traffic police inspectors began to fine drivers who made similar maneuvers on such a section of the road. They explained their actions by saying that there is a law that prohibits oncoming traffic on a one-way section. The fine for such an offense is not small: 5,000 rubles or even deprivation of rights.

There is such a situation in the parking lot that the car in front is blocking the driver’s exit, so he is forced to back up. It is for such situations that clause 8.12 applies, which does not say anything that such a maneuver is prohibited. Thus, in order not to violate accepted norms, it is necessary to monitor all changes in legislation, as well as know the rules that are in the traffic rules. But even there, the rules are constantly changing, so even experienced drivers should periodically re-read these approved laws.

Moving backwards in a car is one of the most difficult and quite dangerous maneuvers for drivers. Of course, moving backwards allows you to park conveniently, and the rear-view mirrors make it possible to assess the situation and the distance to nearby objects and cars, but in any case, such a maneuver is complicated and has a number of disadvantages:

When driving backwards, the driver must give way to all pedestrians and all vehicles.
Not all sections of the roadway (we’ll talk about this in more detail) are allowed to move backwards.
There is a high probability of an accident when moving backwards, so such a maneuver requires vigilance from the driver.

Let's take a closer look at the second point and determine where reversing is prohibited. What does the traffic regulations say about this, what could be the fines for violation?

Where is reversing prohibited in traffic regulations?

Paragraphs 8.12 and 8.11 of the traffic rules clearly state that moving backwards is prohibited at intersections and in places where turns are not allowed. But the same paragraph of the Rules states that driving a car in reverse is allowed if the car does not interfere with other cars, pedestrians, etc. That is, this paragraph says that driving a car backwards is not allowed even in places where there are prohibitory signs.

However, there are places where reversing is prohibited:

Pedestrian areas.
Tunnels.
Railroad crossings.
Crossroads.
Highways.
Overpasses, bridges, overpasses.
Sections of roads where visibility within a radius of 100 meters is limited.
Parking areas for trolleybuses and buses.
One-way sections of the road.

Specifically in these places, where turning and reversing are prohibited, even paragraph 8.12 does not apply, according to which reversing can be done if it does not interfere with other drivers on the road.

At a pedestrian crossing

At a pedestrian crossing, moving backwards is extremely rare and completely illogical. But it happens that drivers miss the right turn. But even if there are no pedestrians at the crossing or cars, you cannot back up. This is one of those places where reversing is strictly prohibited. If the driver breaks the rule, he faces a fine. Its size can be 500-2000 rubles.

At the crossroads

It is also prohibited to drive a car in reverse at the intersection. There are reasons for this. First of all, there is limited visibility for the driver, as well as high traffic intensity. There is a high probability of getting into an accident if you drive a car backwards at an intersection. The blow can be delivered from any direction.

And although an intersection is one of those places where reversing is prohibited, not all road intersections are considered intersections. For example, the junction of a secondary road with the main one and exits to the courtyard area are not intersections. But even in this case, you should be very careful when moving backwards, because... The driver's visibility will still be limited. If visibility is poor, the driver must use the help of a third party, but this still will not serve as a reason for exemption from liability in the event of an accident.

Under Articles 12.13 and 12.14 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, reversing at intersections is strictly prohibited and entails administrative penalties. We are talking about a fine of 500-1000 rubles.

At the railway crossing

Railroad crossings are areas where reversing is prohibited due to increased danger. It is also prohibited to stop in the crossing area, turn around, or drive during a prohibitory signal.

This rule is regulated by Article 12.19 of the Administrative Code. Punishment for violation is possible in the form of a fine. Its size will be 1000 rubles. Also, the traffic police inspector has the opportunity to deprive the driver’s license for 6 months, and in case of repetition of this violation - for 12 months.

For one-way traffic

And although a one-way road is an area where reversing a car is prohibited, in case of a violation you can refer to paragraph 8.12 of the traffic rules, which states that reversing is possible if it does not interfere with drivers on the road (or pedestrians).

If an obstacle to other road users occurred while moving backwards, then a report will be drawn up against the driver, and he will be forced to pay a fine of 500 rubles.

By motorway

Given the fact that the highway is a high-speed traffic zone, penalties for violations here have been toughened. Reversing and turning around on the motorway are also prohibited. In case of violation, the driver will have to pay a fine of 2,500 rubles.

Where is it allowed?

All prohibitions on driving in reverse exist solely for the purpose of ensuring road safety. Due to the rapid development of the market and increasing technical parameters of cars, tougher penalties for traffic violations are required. However, punishments and prohibitions do not protect a person from the risk of an accident in case of violation of the rules.

As for driving backwards in a car, this is allowed in almost all situations except those presented above. To broadly generalize, driving in reverse is regulated by two points of the traffic rules. Therefore, even when driving on a one-way lane, drivers have the right to back up, but only if there are no other cars behind them.

Many drivers have the impression that the list of prohibitions and fines for driving a car in reverse generally prohibits driving in reverse. But actually it is not. When there is an objective need, then moving backwards is possible if this does not interfere with other drivers or pedestrians. However, the places described above are places where reversing in Russia is strictly prohibited, and clause 8.12 does not apply there, which allows driving in the absence of other cars.

Finally

Quite often, traffic police inspectors fine drivers for driving in reverse. However, some car owners are quite savvy and can safely refer to paragraph 8.12, proving that their maneuver did not interfere with other drivers on the road.

Let us note that it was precisely in order to avoid abuse of the rules that the Resolution was issued, referring to clause 8.12. In accordance with the Decree, vehicles are allowed to move backward if this does not interfere with drivers or pedestrians. However, if traffic police inspectors regard this as a violation, then the driver will have to prove that he acted out of objective necessity, and that he did not create interference for other drivers. However, no rule or law stipulates the degree of objectivity, so quite often drivers manage to avoid fines for such an offense. Take note, but unless absolutely necessary, do not reverse your car in places where it is prohibited.

Is driving in reverse on one-way roads legal in 2020? Many drivers are simply sure that it is possible to drive backwards on such sections of roads, and they argue for this in paragraph 8.12 of the traffic rules, which clearly indicates where this is possible and where it is not. But not everything is so simple, and there are a number of subtleties here - even if you have passed the right turn.

Is it possible or not?

To answer this question, let's first read clause 8.12 of the Rules:

8.12. Reversing a vehicle is permitted provided that this maneuver is safe and does not interfere with other road users. If necessary, the driver must seek the help of others.
Reversing is prohibited at intersections and in places where turning around is prohibited in accordance with paragraph 8.11 of the Rules.

What does paragraph 8.11 say? And it prohibits on the following sections of roads:

on bridges and similar road structures,
on railway tracks and crossings,
if the road has limited visibility at a distance of less than 100 meters,
at public transport stops.

As you can see, there is no one-way road here. It's no joke, but according to the letter of the traffic rules, nothing really prohibits you from making a U-turn. After all, logically, this is not yet a movement “against the grain.” Such a movement does not include a reversal and exists independently. You can, for example, turn around just to park, and the traffic rules in force for 2020 do not prohibit this.

But there is a subtlety

It lies in the very purpose of reversing. As a rule, such drivers have passed the desired turn on a one-way road and have only one actual goal - to leave this road back to the desired turn. And if it is implemented precisely by driving backwards, so as not to violate the Rules, then such a driver will violate them in any case:

moving in reverse on a one-way road, in order to exit it, you end up on a road where reversing is also prohibited (Section 8.12 of the Traffic Regulations),
or you reach a place where you can turn into the adjacent territory, but through traffic is prohibited on the adjacent territory (clause 1.2 of the traffic rules),
sooner or later you may also encounter a pedestrian crossing, and you also cannot drive backwards on it, according to 8.12.

But does this mean that you can directly reverse on a one-way road, and if the valiant traffic police inspectors don’t see you at crossings, adjacent or intersections, you can get away with it? Not at all.

Here, by the same logic, one should distinguish the direction of movement of the vehicle. That is, if you are driving mainly in reverse for a long distance, then something should tell you that you are thereby violating the Rules. However, such a ban is not stated directly anywhere. But there is a resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, which quite clearly answers this question.

What does the Supreme Court say?

This decree was issued back in 2012, and the corresponding text clearly defines when it is possible to drive in reverse on a one-way road and when it is not. It is still the latest, and no other decisions have been made that would correct or supplement it in any way.

At this plenum, the court explained, referring to the same paragraph 8.12 of the traffic rules, that everything depends on objective circumstances. This means that if you are moving in reverse due to objective circumstances, then you can. The court named only 2 of these:

for parking purposes,
if an obstacle does not allow you to go further forward.

Otherwise, driving backwards on one-way streets is prohibited.

In addition, the court explained that it is also impossible to backtrack onto a one-way road through a brick. And for this you will be charged not for violating a sign (500 rubles), but for driving against the road (before deprivation of rights). But more on that below.

Here is a quote from the Plenum of the RF Armed Forces:

It should be borne in mind that, based on the content of clause 8.12 of the traffic rules, Reversing on a one-way road is not prohibited, provided that this maneuver is safe for road users and, taking into account the current traffic situation, is caused by an objective need (for example, avoiding an obstacle, parking)...

What objective necessity allows you to drive in reverse?

According to the letter of the legal act, the Supreme Court listed only 2 such needs: parking and the presence of an obstacle. But he cited them as examples. This means that another objective necessity is possible.

Here it is logical to assume that such a necessity is the inability to perform the required permitted maneuver without resorting to reverse. For example, if you have passed the desired exit from a one-way road or a turn, then this need to go back in reverse is not objective, because you can drive further forward, make a circle and again in this way return to the desired turn or exit. Be careful, many drivers are deprived of their licenses precisely for this misconception.

Likewise, you cannot reverse into a passenger drop-off or parking space unless you have stopped immediately behind it to the extent necessary to parallel park, for example. What distance is allowed, 2 meters, 3 or 20, is not specified anywhere, and this is where the ambiguity lies even in clause 8.12 of the traffic rules explained by the Supreme Court regarding our issue.

In general, the very reference to objective necessity when explaining is in principle incorrect, since a clear definition of such a necessity is not given in any normative legislative act.

What is the punishment?

According to the legislation in force for 2020, for driving in reverse on a one-way road, you will be charged under Part 3 of Article 12.16 of the Administrative Code, and it provides for a fine of 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights at the discretion of the judge hearing the case.

In addition, if within a year after the end of the period of deprivation or full payment of the fine, depending on what is assigned to you, you are caught for the same violation again, you will be subject to punishment under Part 3.1 of the same article, which provides for another deprivation rights - for 1 year, or a fine of 5,000 rubles, if it was recorded on camera.