For the first time, the “Beginner Driver” sign was officially introduced in Russian Federation 03/01/09 Most motorists are confident that its use is not necessary. Some people use the “U” sign instead, while others simply ignore it. Let's take a closer look at whether it is required by law to use the “Beginner Driver” sign or whether there is no such need, and also clarify the situation with penalties imposed for its absence.
Novice driver as a source of increased danger
Statistics on road accidents on Russian roads indicate that approximately a third of all accidents occur due to the inexperience of novice drivers.
This is due to the fact that motorists who have only recently received a license do not have good driving experience, and therefore are more likely to be guilty of road accidents.
Most experts are sure that this is due to the following reasons:
- lack of practical experience, since all driving schools in the Russian Federation provide few driving lessons;
- greatly increased congestion on Russian highways due to the large number of vehicles owned and used by citizens.
Now it’s worth finding out whether or not you need to use the “Beginner Driver” sign.
Is the law requiring the installation of a "novice driver" sign?
In accordance with the standards of modern legislation of the Russian Federation, on vehicles driven by motorists who do not yet have sufficient experience in this, it is necessary to install a special sign - “Beginner driver”, which is a yellow square with sides of 15 cm, on which a black Exclamation point 11 cm long.
According to the law, this sign must be affixed behind motor vehicles driven by motorists who acquired the right to drive these vehicles less than two years ago.
Exceptional cases include ownership of a motorcycle, tractor or self-propelled vehicle. These vehicles are not required to have a sign installed.
Based on the above, a motorist who has been driving a passenger car for less than two years must affix this identification mark. Otherwise, this will be regarded as a violation of the law. So the answer to the question of how long you need to drive with the “Beginner Driver” sign will be the following: at least 2 years from the day you received your driver’s license.
Purpose of installing the sign
This sign It is installed for only one purpose - to ensure traffic safety. Car owners of other cars, including pedestrians, seeing this identification sign, must understand that the following can be expected from someone who has recently graduated from a driving school:
- did not turn on the turn signals (or turned them on, but at the wrong moment);
- started to brake sharply;
- the car stalled;
- confused;
- drives at an unreasonably low speed or, on the contrary, accelerates.
And there are many more similar options. This sign allows you to avoid traffic accidents, as well as warn other road users about possible danger. This way, warned drivers will be careful about the “newbie” on the road.
For example, an experiment was conducted: an experienced driver without this sign in a car on the road behaved uncertainly, drove slowly, as a result, other road users constantly honked at him, cut him off, tried to overtake him and did not allow him to make this maneuver. But when the “Beginner Driver” sign was installed on the glass, although tension remained on the road, the drivers became more patient, giving the “newbie” various concessions while driving.
Which side to stick the sign on?
The question of which side to install this identification mark often arises among car enthusiasts. The legislation of the Russian Federation does not contain any instructions regarding this, but only stipulates general information about the location of the sign - behind vehicles.
The main condition that a car owner who has not yet gained experience must comply with is that the sign must leave the opportunity to see what is happening behind.
However, this rule does not have to be followed if there are rear-view mirrors.
Usually the sign is installed on the rear window in the upper left corner, since it is believed that this way the sign will be easier for other car owners to notice.
Fine for not having a “Beginner Driver” sign
In addition, it should be noted that according to Resolution No. 333 of March 24, 2017, it was decided to make some amendments to the traffic rules. In accordance with them, a novice motorist with less than 2 years of experience:
- does not have the right to tow other vehicles;
- must not transport people on a motorcycle or moped.
If these rules are violated, which is non-compliance with traffic rules, traffic inspectors may also impose penalties.
Is it necessary for technical inspection?
Another equally important issue is the need for a sign when conducting a technical inspection. According to established standards, if there is no “Beginner Driver” sign, the car will not pass MOT.
Video about installing the sign
According to Article 32.2 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses, it is possible to save slightly when paying a fine. Of course, this discount is not valid for all penalties, but only for those relating to Art. 12.5 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offences. It’s just important to make the payment no later than 20 days after the fine was issued.
We all become full-fledged road users as soon as we complete our training with driving school instructors and. But are we ready for everything that awaits us on the track? Of course not. Driving experience only comes with time. And the longer the driver spends behind the wheel, the more experience he gains. Therefore, let's look in detail at what the novice driver sign is - a hindrance or a help.
Reasons for introduction and legal regulations
Officially, the provision is valid from 03/01/2009. According to statistics, every third emergency situation occurs due to the fault of newcomers. Insufficient ability to correctly maneuver when difficult situation classifies inexperienced vehicle owners as a risk group. After cases of road traffic accidents involving novice drivers became more frequent, it was decided to introduce the sign.
A little about traffic rules
Paragraph 8 of the “Basic provisions for admission to operation” states: “On vehicles driven by drivers who have the right to drive a vehicle for less than 2 years, the identification sign “Beginner Driver” in the form of a square must be installed yellow color(side 150 mm) with a black exclamation mark 110 mm high - behind motor vehicles (excluding self-propelled cars, tractors, motorcycles)..."
Penalties for violation
The use of symbols is the responsibility of every beginner, but punishments if they are absent are not specified in the rules. They simply don't exist. So whether to use the yellow square or not is a question of the consciousness of novice car owners.
Whether or not to use the “Beginner Driver” sign is up to the car owner to decide.
It happens, of course, that they still try to impose penalties if there is no exclamation mark for novice drivers. In this case, they are guided by part 1 of article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offences. This is a “List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited” and not a word is said here about the “Beginner Driver” sign. Consequently, such actions of the traffic police - legal grounds they don’t have it under them.
Time of use of the sign
When to remove the novice driver sign? After two years, the responsibility for using the “newbie” is removed from the driver. But if the car enthusiast is unsure of his capabilities, he can continue to drive with an exclamation mark. There are also no penalties for this.
Some car owners with many years of driving experience continue to drive with a “newbie”. Not without reason considering it a good help on the road. Judge for yourself - whoever dares to cut off when a novice driver sign is pasted on the car is always allowed ahead out of harm's way.
Improving the climate on the road and other details about the sign
Everyone, without exception, is on the track both for themselves and for others. And an exclamation symbol on the rear window of a car helps to reduce difficult situations on the highway, which increases the confidence of inexperienced car drivers, as well as their ability to take adequate actions.
Cars with the “newbie” attribute are treated increased attention, they try to leave them more room for maneuvers, do not honk when they are slow, etc. And these are the right actions on the part of professionals in relation to inexperienced drivers.
Required for maintenance
If you are a novice driver, but have not put up a sign, no one will fine you for it. But you won’t get through without it. Since the absence of a “yellow mark” is a failure to comply with the requirements under which the vehicle can be allowed to operate.
Place for a sign
So, where to put the novice driver sign? The traffic rules stipulate that the sign must be attached to the back of the car, but in what exact place is silent about this. But without exception, all driving instructors recommend it as a site for installation. Namely its upper corners. Right or left, it doesn't really matter. The main thing is that the square in these places is best seen by those driving behind.
How are the neighbors doing?
A typical attitude towards newcomers to driving exists in many countries. Also, in most states, the installation of a novice driver sign is mandatory, and the penalties for a violation (lack of a “novice” sign) are considerable.
For the Czechs, a newcomer is symbolized by a picture of a hat pasted on the car. Lithuania - attributes are made on white in the shape of a maple leaf.
Upper left corner of state numbers are a place for red symbolism of inexperience. And Italy is a black “P” on a white square background; here, for the first three years, an inexperienced car owner cannot drive at a speed above 100 km/h on the highway, and within the city limits no more than 90 km/h.
As it was before with us
Back in Soviet times, the applicant for a license to drive a vehicle was issued a temporary license for two years. And he could drive at a speed of no more than 70 km/h.
After two years, if there were no violations, the car owner received a permanent document. Well, if offenses were still present, the careless motorist was subject to a full retake procedure.
Brief summary
- Is the “Beginner Driver” sign required? Yes, according to traffic regulations, every vehicle owner with less than two years of driving experience is required to install a yellow square. But there is no penalty for failure to install. And only passing a technical inspection can force you to stick it on.
- Why exactly two years? It is believed that this much time is needed for the driver to gain confidence and gain enough driving experience. The period is naturally conditional; for everyone these processes proceed differently. Some people need less time, some more. But be that as it may, the likelihood of an accident for an inexperienced driver is much greater than for those who have more than two years of experience.
- As with us, the use of the “newbie” symbol only makes driving on the roads easier and safer. Installing a sign is only a matter of driver awareness in our country, but abroad it is controlled by a strict system of fines.
Video about the need to use the “Beginner Driver” sign:
- Recommendations from psychologists, if you are truly an inexperienced driver: in order to protect yourself and others on the road, you need to overcome your inner pride and fully realize your inexperience by installing a “newbie” on your car.
- According to the traffic rules, the novice driver sign is attached to the rear; it is best to stick it on one of the upper corners of the rear window, this way it achieves better visibility.
And remember, whether you are a beginner or a complete pro, in any difficult situation on the road, it is important not to lose composure.
Good luck on the track! Let's participate in the discussion of the article!
In March 2009, a decree was issued introducing a new “Beginner Driver” sign into the traffic rules. It was from that moment that the request on the official websites of the traffic police for detailed information about him. Drivers are often interested in questions, which we will try to answer as best as possible in the article.
What it looks like and where to glue it
Answer. “Beginner driver” is a yellow warning sign, made in the shape of a square with sides measuring 150x150 mm. In the middle there is a black exclamation symbol, the height of which is 110 mm; it perfectly attracts the attention of other traffic participants due to the background. The warning sign is located on a self-adhesive base that adheres tightly to the glass.
Important! All signs on a yellow background are warning signs, and drivers pay attention to them!
The traffic rules do not have clear instructions on where to place the “Beginner Driver” sign, but according to an unwritten law, it should be placed on the rear window of the car. The side of placement does not matter much, as long as it is clearly visible to other road users and does not block the view of the driver himself.
Inexperienced drivers place it on windshield, but this, firstly, may interfere with the view of the road, and secondly, will not give the desired result. The greatest effect is obtained from the sign when it is located in the upper left corner of the rear window of the car.
Is the “Beginner Driver” sign required or not?
Answer. As stated in the law on the basic approval of vehicles for operation, the eighth point: drivers whose driving experience does not exceed two years must stick the “Beginner Driver” sign on their cars.
Of course, failure to comply with the law entails punishment, but in this case, no punishment, for example, in the form of a fine, is provided for disobedience. This began to be used by drivers who had not yet reached two years of experience.
But is this justified? According to statistics, 30% of accidents are caused by drivers who have not yet gained sufficient experience in driving a car. And a period of two years does not guarantee its receipt. Only constant use of the car, studying life on the road, the main route will help you gain experience faster. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to put up a “Beginner Driver” sign to warn other road users that you received your license not so long ago and are still gaining experience.
How long should a sign hang?
Answer. According to the decree, those with the “Beginner Driver” sign must be those motor vehicles, whose drivers have not yet reached two years of driving experience. It’s enough to look at your license, the date it was issued, and you can tell exactly how long the sign should hang.
Many novice drivers who have gone through this adaptation period decide to leave a sign on the glass if they are not yet fully confident in their abilities. There are no contraindications to this and is permitted by law. It is always better to prevent than to repair damage or losses later. This way you can feel more confident knowing that other drivers are understanding and patient.
Is there a fine for missing a sign?
Answer. As we said earlier, there is a special fine for the absence of a “Beginner Driver” sign on vehicles in legislative framework not provided.
However, if a traffic police officer stops you on the road and finds out that your driving experience does not exceed two years, and the vehicle does not have a sign, then be prepared to be fined. As many drivers testify, punishment follows for the vehicle’s unreadiness for use on the road, under Art. 12.5 part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Of course, this is illegal, because this article talks about specific malfunctions in vehicles for which they can be fined, and this list does not include the absence of a sign.
Important! If you wish, you can appeal the decision of the traffic police inspector in court.
But frankly speaking, a fine is the only way to oblige a young and inexperienced driver to hang a warning sign. Thus, you protect not only your life and property, but also other people.
Experiment: a car with a “Beginner Driver” sign - drivers’ reaction
Vladimir, Moscow
“I have more than 10 years of driving experience. After the adoption of a new sign in the traffic rules, I decided to personally verify its necessity. There is a regular route that I take every day to work. Constant traffic jams, everyone honks, swears, shouts. Sometimes you have to jump between cars at speed in order to get into the traffic.
A week ago I hung the “Beginner Driver” sign on the rear window, and now I can draw conclusions about the changing situation on the road. When I got out on the road, I pretended to be an inexperienced driver: I drove slowly, sometimes made sudden movements, or suddenly braked. The first thing I noticed was that I wasn’t being pressed by cars from all sides. Everyone tried to give me more space and kept their distance. I had the opportunity to calmly maneuver in the flow, everyone treated me with understanding.
Secondly, almost no one honked at me or the cars nearby. After all, as you know, a sharp signal can confuse a beginner and cause an emergency. So I calmly got to work.
After driving for a week with the “Beginner Driver” badge, I catch myself thinking, shouldn’t I keep it? Now I can confidently advise newcomers to be sure to hang a warning sign.”
The conclusion is up to you
Let's summarize all of the above:
- the appearance of a new warning sign has caused a large number of questions that boil down to several basic ones: what kind of sign is this, where to place it and who needs to have it. How long to drive with the “Beginner Driver” sign and its impact on surrounding drivers;
- There is no penalty in the form of a fine for failure to warn. However, it is strongly recommended that beginners attach it to their vehicle in order to avoid accidents;
- The presence of the “Beginner Driver” sign helps a young, inexperienced driver quickly get used to the road. At the same time, all participants in the movement actively help him in this: someone lets him go ahead, someone waits patiently behind him, others do not honk or shout. All this creates a calm environment and gives confidence to the beginner;
- the sign can be left on the glass after the expiration of two years. Until a person is completely confident in his abilities and gains more riding skills, the sign has the right to remain in its place.
Important! The purpose of a Novice Driver warning sign is to provide awareness to a new and inexperienced road user.
Of course, you can give many arguments in favor of having a sign on the glass, but the main decision remains yours: whether to have it or not. As the experiment shows, you will gain more from his presence than you will lose.
How to get over yourself
Some drivers think and are afraid of this, that if they hang a sign on their car “Beginner Driver”, then they will become outcasts on the road, everyone will harass or insult them. As practice shows, 90% of the movement participants were understanding and patient. If you only came across the remaining 10%, then it’s worth noting to them that they too were once just as unsure and inexperienced. Don't pay any attention to them!
According to psychologists, most participants in the movement have an adequate reaction to the mistakes of other people, they understand this and treat it with patience. Those who, from childhood, showed disdain for younger children or in the army - oppressed those of lower rank, such people show aggressiveness and disrespect. It’s good that the number of such people is not large and meeting them on the road is rare.
The sign does not make you an outcast, but rather gives you a number of advantages and makes your ride easier. In addition, try to think about your safety first, and only then about other people’s opinions of you. So don’t be shy, feel free to step over your fear and inconvenience and stick it on the glass.
Where can I buy?
Your firm decision to hang up a “Beginner Driver” sign should be followed by a corresponding action: purchase it. You can buy a sticker in any specialized store in your city, on the market, or order delivery on the website. It doesn’t matter where you buy it, its meaning doesn’t change. The main thing is that it is a black exclamation mark on a yellow background.