Openly accepting Russians, but through gritted teeth.
In the vast expanse of Russia's road network, a delicate balance between safety and strict adherence to traffic rules governs overtaking maneuvers.
While it's generally prohibited to overtake on a solid line, which serves as a boundary between lanes of opposite directions, there are exceptions. These exceptions come into play when it's safe to do so and the vehicle ahead is moving slowly or stopped, such as when waiting to turn right. This nuanced interpretation suggests a balance between the letter of the law and practical safety considerations.
The Constitutional Court of Russia prioritizes road safety over strict adherence to traffic rules, and court decisions reflect this. In disputed situations, Russian courts evaluate cases of overtaking on solid lines with attention to the intent, safety, and specific circumstances rather than a rigid application of the rule.
If a driver cannot safely complete an overtaking maneuver without violating traffic rules, their actions may be considered unavoidable. General jurisdiction courts often side with drivers if there's evidence of certain circumstances during an overtaking maneuver, such as avoiding a hazard or overtaking a turning vehicle.
However, overtaking should only be done when there's a real threat to safety, such as a vehicle ahead suddenly speeding up or an obstacle appearing that needs to be urgently circumvented. Courts in Russia consider the specific road situation and potential risks when deciding whether an overtaking maneuver is a violation.
In situations where visibility is poor, it's recommended to refrain from overtaking. Overtaking is one of the most dangerous maneuvers on the road and requires a driver's utmost attention.
In such disputed situations, it is recommended to record the circumstances using a dashcam. These recordings can serve as crucial evidence in court. The driver must also ensure that the lane they intend to move into is clear for a sufficient distance and that their actions will not cause obstructions or danger to other road users.
The text does not provide details about what constitutes evidence of these circumstances, but it's clear that the focus remains on ensuring safety and adherence to traffic rules in Russia's road network.
- The Constitutional Court of Russia, focusing on road safety, evaluates cases of overtaking on solid lines with consideration for the driver's intent, safety, and specific circumstances, rather than adhering strictly to the rule.
- In general jurisdiction courts, if a driver has evidence of certain circumstances during an overtaking maneuver, such as avoiding a hazard or overtaking a turning vehicle, their actions may be seen as unavoidable and the court may side with the driver.
