The main differences between standards and traffic rules
in Russia and the US
Dear Colleagues!
I.
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We ask you to pay attention to some differences in traffic rules of
Russia and the United States that exist today:
In the United States the right turns
allowed at a red light (except for the
City of New York). In Russia, you have
a right to turn on a green light only; or
the red light on the main section and
the green arrow pointing the right turn
in the additional section;
In the US, the flashing green arrow to the left means that you can
turn to the left, allowing the right of way to all the vehicles, that
move straight in opposite direction; constantly burning green arrow
indicates that oncoming traffic lights red. In Russia, constantly
burning green arrow during the red light on the main section tells
you that you can make a turn only after you give way to the vehicles
who are moving straight in opposite direction, (they have green light
at the main section at this moment) and / or pedestrians crossing
the road with allowing traffic light. If the main section has a green
light, as well as an arrow, then you can move giving the right of way
to pedestrians only, the rest of the vehicles moving in the opposite
direction – having the red light;
In the US, a single and a double solid lines is possible
to cross while you driving to the courtyard or turning
to the local streets; in some cases it could be a
U-turn, but for this action there are certain limitations
prescribed. In Russia, - a single solid line could be
crossed only if it is located at the right of of the vehicle
(for example, temporary move to the right shoulder
of the road on the highway). The double solid line in
Russia is forbidden to cross in all situations.
The main differences between standards and traffic rules
in Russia and the US
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In the US, the color marking
indicates that this marking axial
or not - in the middle of the
road marking is yellow; at the
edges - white; markings may be
replaced with reflectors of the
respective colors. In Russia, the
permanent markings - mostly
white, yellow is used in places for public transport and taxis,
as well as in places where it is forbidden to stop / parking;
Temporary road markings is always orange; vertical elements
of road constructions (columns, bridge supports, etc.) also
have orange and black coloring;
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In the US, many cities in the street
have a backup traffic lane marked by a
broken markup - it is not intended for a
linear motion and can be used only for
left turns or coming out of the yard. In
Russia, there are no such lanes, but in
big cities, usually, there are only lanes
for the public transport, it is marked
with the letter «A»;
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In the US, the term «a hindrance on the right» does not always and not
everywhere works and it is essential mostly on unregulated intersections.
In Russia, the « a hindrance on the right « must be considered when you
crossing unregulated intersection as well as during the mutual maneuvering
on the road (while you driving straight);
The main differences between standards and traffic rules
in Russia and the US
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In the US, if at intersections are installed
flashing lights, they talk about the
priority: flashing red - you give the
right of way; flashing yellow – you
have a right of way; in the case
where the flashing red lights in all
directions, the intersection operates
as if it is in all directions were signs
- «STOP». In Russia, the blinking traffic lights speak only of coming
switching light at the traffic lights; Only the flashing yellow – that
traffic lights is out of service;
In the US, the color of the curb tells you about whether you can park here
and to whom it is permitted; In Russia, the bar is yellow indicates that
there is forbidden to stop; dotted yellow stripe - parking is forbidden;
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In the US, if you see a police car
behind you with included flashing
light - this most likely mean that
they want to talk to you; then
you have to be safely move down
to the right side of the road and
stop (do not go out of the car!),
the police will not to overtake
you. In Russia, you must give way to special-purpose vehicles with
included flashing blue signal and siren; when referring to you enabled
flashing signals of blue and red, you must take to the right and stop;
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In the United States closely follow the text signs - here they are often
longer important information than all the other signs. In Russia, most
of the text signs are informative meaning, everything important is
duplicated by traffic signs;
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In the US, the distance in miles, feet, inches;
In Russia - in meters and kilometers.
The main differences between standards and traffic rules
in Russia and the US
Dear Colleagues!
II. What motorists should know before go onto
the road in Russia:
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Driving is allowed on the right side
of the road only;
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Wearing of seat belts is mandatory in
both front and back seats;
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Dipped headlights must be used during
the day as well;
III. What to Carry in the Car
Drivers must carry at all times the originals of all the documents below:
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Passport including a valid visa
Migration card
Valid driving license
Insurance policy
Car registration paper
IV. Speed Limits
Inside towns speed is limited to 60 km / h (if no other signs
limiting the speed), 90 km / h out of settlements, and 110
km / h on the highways. Speed of movement within the
neighborhoods (in yards, residential areas, etc.) - 20 km / h.
V. Police Checks
According to Russian law, traffic police have a right to
stop a vehicle at any time and for any reason, for a
road check. The driver is not obliged to exit the vehicle,
but their documents and the papers of the car must be
shown. The police may issue a ticket for a fine and take
your the driving license, but the driver’s identity papers
and the vehicle papers should be returned.
The main differences between standards and traffic rules
in Russia and the US
Dear Colleagues!
VI. Additional information that is necessary to consider by any driver
traveling by Russian roads:
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In Russia, in order to say «thank you» for a short time, the drivers
turn on emergency lights;
In Russia, the flashing lights of oncoming cars on the road means
that you are approaching a place where the traffic police controls
“over speed traffic”;
In Russia, despite of the current rules on the road when changing lanes in
heavy traffic drivers often use the rule «to pass after one»: the machine
move one by one regardless of priority specified signs and markings. This
is - a manifestation of courtesy to the needs of other road users.
If you need to urgently change lines in heavy traffic: stop and
turn on the turning signal. However, make sure that the other
driver is giving you way!
We wish you a safe and
enjoyable driving on the
Russian roads!
Sincerely Yours
HOTLINE Team