Rules for the use of bicycles, motorcycles and personal mobility equipment by minors

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Often, drivers of these types of vehicles (hereinafter referred to as vehicles) do not even bother to remember the signs and laws regarding driving a small vehicle.

There are separate paragraphs of the Rules specifically provided for such participants in road traffic in Russia.

Definition

A scooter and a moped are slightly different two-wheeled vehicles, but very similar in some ways. This is why these words are sometimes used as synonyms.

If all formalities are followed, it turns out that the term “scooter” does not appear in Russian legislation at all. It rather refers to the spoken language of the Russian-speaking population, using foreign borrowings.

In any case, all questions regarding how the drivers of these cars should behave on the roads are prescribed in the Rules. This means that all points relating to a moped also apply to scooters and their operation.

Regarding the question of whether a moped is a vehicle according to traffic regulations, it should be noted that yes, it is. And if so, then what category of vehicles do scooters and mopeds fall into?

Using justification to prove the existence of a category for a given type of transport - Art. 25 of the Russian legislative act “On Road Safety”, the category of mopeds is:

In the terminology of traffic regulations, a moped is a two-wheeled vehicle, recognized as mechanical, capable of reaching speeds of no higher than 50 km/h, and having an engine with a displacement of no more than 50 cubic meters. cm.

If the vehicle exceeds one or another of the parameters listed here, then it is a motorcycle, not a moped.

Mopeds can be equipped according to the production design (delivered from the factory) with an electric motor. Then its rated power should not exceed the longest load - more than 0.25 kW, and be less than 4 kW.

If ATVs have parameters similar to those of mopeds, then they are also equated to category M or A1.

Which of the following signs prohibit the movement of moped drivers?

Answer

Only the sign for a lane for cyclists allows mopeds, but it is not in the question.

Where can I ride?

For mopeds, the DD Rules provide strictly for the following areas of the roadway:

• driving along the edge of the lane;
• driving on the side of the road;
• riding on a bicycle path, which is equipped at the edge of the roadway.

A bicycle lane sign under which mopeds and scooters are also allowed to ride.

You are allowed to ride a moped on the side of the road only if it does not interfere with pedestrians. A narrow strip on the roadway is allocated at the edge specifically for the passage of mopeds and scooters; it differs from the marking of the curb boundary.

It turns out that for this type of motorized transport it is only possible to travel in a row, one after another, if there are several mopeds moving along the highway.

The edge part of a highway or city road is allocated exclusively on the right side. Therefore, mopeds must drive strictly on the right side of the road.

However, it is not necessary to strictly observe the boundaries of such a line. In some cases, it is allowed for a moped to go around stopped public transport (buses, trolleybuses). But this is only possible in cases where the road is clear.

How I almost killed myself, or why towing mopeds and two-wheeled vehicles is prohibited.

As popular sayings say, two not very smart people are strength. So, I’m sitting here, not touching anyone. I'm waiting for a friend who is supposed to come visit me this afternoon. And then the call came, I think the gate needs to be opened. But it turns out no, I got stuck a couple of kilometers away. The gearbox in the Italian scooter, which he bought for 50 thousand, broke down (the market is 100-200, but I’m silent, this is a topic for another conversation) and he can’t walk, because the hill can’t get to me because it’s broken.

And then the wife, hearing the conversation out of the corner of her ear, says take the car and meet him. But I got to thinking, I know the traffic rules from cover to cover, I know that towing mopeds, and even motorcycles by cars, is prohibited. I don’t think everything is like it is with people. On the other hand, I remember how 20 years ago I studied at a driving school, and they told me that the rules were written in the blood of people who made mistakes on the road. I’m wondering, what kind of mistake can you make when towing two-wheeled vehicles? Especially with my experience, and not quickly.

And in general, I didn’t come up with anything smarter to deceive the system. I think I’ll go on a bicycle, they’ll stop me, so I don’t even have to show my license. Great and great. Documents at home, no need to carry them. Great idea, I'll take it and go.

I've arrived, my friend is bored. He asks what the hell is this and how can I tow it with a big one. And literally a month before this, I moved my old 2107 grand and accelerated it to about 30 km on a tie. I put my wife behind the wheel. I received a million comments on YouTube about the installation, and I actually know that it’s not difficult to carry a motorcycle.

They hooked it up with a rope and off they went. Now, a year later, I’m looking at the comments, everyone is writing that you guys are alternatively smart, you took such a long rope. But at the time it seemed like a good idea to me. If anything happens, there will be time to stop.

We had to make our way through every turn, we passed the traffic police building, and after a couple of kilometers there was a house. I look at the heating and power, uphill 3000W, the engine is cold, my friend on his heavy bike is in shock.

And here, I will attach a video, because otherwise many will say that this is a fiction, and I understand that usually people are friendly, or quickly cut out of the roadway with their own efforts, and so, at 4 minutes, according to the recorder, this piece of the driver runs into ours cable with your front wheel.

How will I know about this? Time stretches somewhat, and something with terrible force pulls me back, tearing me off the saddle, stopping me instantly. It’s good that the speed was more than 30 km/h, otherwise I would definitely have been killed. And there are cars nearby in both directions.

At what speed

The speed limit for mopeds involves driving at the maximum speed that this type of motor vehicle is generally capable of. But besides this, in those areas of the road infrastructure where the regime is set below the real capabilities of a scooter or moped, then the driver of a two-wheeled vehicle is required to yield to the rules that are regulated by road signs.

For example, in urban areas near schools, hospitals, kindergartens, parks, a “40” sign is often installed near the road. This suggests that you should drive here at a speed of 40 km/h, and not 50 km/h, as a moped can achieve.

Age limit for driving

The DD Rules themselves do not say anything about the minimum age limit for riding a moped. Since driving such a vehicle requires a license, then everything depends on obtaining it.

From the age of 16, you can already obtain a license for two categories related to driving motor vehicles:

Therefore, regardless of what category is assigned to the driver’s license in accordance with the type of vehicle, only persons who have reached the age of 16 have the right to study and obtain the right to drive a moped.

In practice, not only can you not ride a moped (or scooter) on the road if you are under 16 years old, but even enrolling in a driving school will be problematic.

Rules for the use of bicycles, motorcycles and personal mobility equipment by minors

With the onset of summer, a lot of bicycles, motorcyclists, as well as people using personal mobility devices appeared on the roads, which are small in size, quiet and economical, and therefore are in increasing demand. A bicycle, according to clause 1.2 of the Traffic Rules, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of October 23, 1993 No. 1090 (hereinafter referred to as the SDA), is a vehicle that has at least two wheels and is usually driven by the muscular energy of persons on the this vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or handles, and may also have an electric motor with a rated maximum power in continuous load mode not exceeding 0.25 kW, which is automatically switched off at speeds exceeding 25 km/h. Traffic rules allow the movement of cyclists over the age of 14 years on bicycle and bicycle-pedestrian paths or a lane for cyclists. Cyclists over the age of 14 years are allowed to move along the right edge of the roadway (if there are no bicycle and bicycle-pedestrian paths, a lane for cyclists or there is no opportunity to move along them; the overall width of the bicycle, its trailer or the cargo being transported exceeds 1 m; cyclists move in columns); along the side of the road (if there are no bicycle and bicycle pedestrian paths, a lane for cyclists, or there is no opportunity to move along them or along the right edge of the roadway); on a sidewalk or pedestrian path (if there are no bicycle and bicycle pedestrian paths, a lane for cyclists or there is no opportunity to move along them, as well as along the right edge of the roadway or shoulder; the cyclist is accompanying a cyclist under the age of 14 years or transporting a child under the age of 7 years on additional seat, in a bicycle stroller or in a trailer designed for use with a bicycle). Minors aged 7 to 14 years can ride bicycles only on sidewalks, pedestrian, bicycle and pedestrian paths, as well as within pedestrian zones. Cyclists under 7 years of age should only ride on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths (on the pedestrian side), as well as within pedestrian zones. Cyclists are prohibited from: – driving a bicycle without holding the handlebars with at least one hand; – transport cargo that protrudes beyond the dimensions by more than 0.5 m in length or width, or cargo that interferes with control; – carry passengers if this is not provided for by the design of the bicycle; – transport children under 7 years of age in the absence of specially equipped places for them; – turn left or turn around on roads with tram traffic and on roads that have more than one lane for traffic in a given direction (except for cases when a left turn is allowed from the right lane, and with the exception of roads located in bicycle zones); – cross the road at pedestrian crossings; – towing bicycles, as well as towing with bicycles, except for towing a trailer intended for use with a bicycle. You should warn other road users about your intention to make a turn by raising your hand to the side (right or left, depending on which direction you are turning), and about stopping - with your hand raised up. If you need to cross the roadway, you should get to the pedestrian crossing, get off your bike, cross the road along the zebra crossing in compliance with all safety rules and regulations, and only after that get back behind the wheel of your bike. In paragraph 1.2. The traffic rules outline the concepts of such types of mechanical vehicles as motorcycles and mopeds. Moped is a two- or three-wheeled mechanical vehicle, the maximum design speed of which does not exceed 50 km/h, having an internal combustion engine with a displacement not exceeding 50 cubic meters. cm, or an electric motor with a rated maximum power in continuous load mode of more than 0.25 kW and less than 4 kW. Quadricycles with similar technical characteristics are considered equal to mopeds. Motorcycle is a two-wheeled motor vehicle with or without a side trailer, the engine displacement of which (in the case of an internal combustion engine) exceeds 50 cc. cm or the maximum design speed (with any engine) exceeds 50 km/h. Motorcycles are considered tricycles, as well as quadricycles with a motorcycle seat or motorcycle-type handlebars, having an unloaded weight not exceeding 400 kg (550 kg for vehicles intended for the transport of goods), excluding the weight of batteries (in the case of electric vehicles), and the maximum effective engine power not exceeding 15 kW. Only citizens with a driver's license can drive motorcycles and other mechanical vehicles. A driver's license for the right to drive motorcycles (category “A”) can be obtained by persons over 18 years of age; mopeds and light quadricycles (category “M”), as well as motorcycles with an internal combustion engine displacement not exceeding 125 cubic centimeters and a maximum power not exceeding 11 kilowatts (category “A1”) - by persons over 16 years of age. Personal mobility device is a device intended for the movement of a person through the use of an electric motor (electric motors) and (or) human muscular energy (roller skates, scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, electric skateboards, hoverboards, Segways, unicycles and other similar means), with the exception of bicycles and wheelchairs. From the point of view of traffic rules, a person traveling on personal mobility devices is considered a pedestrian and is subject to the rules for pedestrians. This means that it is prohibited to travel on public roads on them, unlike bicycles; in case of violation of this prohibition, a person is subject to liability for crossing the road in the wrong place or a red traffic light. The lack of a clear procedure for regulating the use of personal mobility devices leads to problems in the event of litigation, since these devices do not have the status of motor vehicles. It is important to note that such vehicles can be dangerous, namely, they can reach significant speeds, which, with limited maneuverability, creates a high probability of loss of control. It is allowed to move on personal mobility devices on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, within pedestrian zones, as well as in places closed to traffic - in parks, squares, courtyards and on specially designated areas for skating. If the need arises to cross the road, you need to take the personal mobility device in your hands and cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, obeying the rules for pedestrians. Responsibility for administrative offenses in the field of road traffic is provided for in Chapter 12 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Offenses (hereinafter referred to as the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Drivers of mopeds and motorcycles are held administratively liable for violating traffic rules on the same basis as car drivers. For driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the right to drive vehicles, an administrative fine is provided in the amount of 5 to 15 thousand rubles (Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Most often, minor drivers of mopeds and motorcycles are brought to administrative responsibility for committing the following offenses: driving a vehicle that is not registered in the prescribed manner, a vehicle that has not passed state technical inspection or technical inspection (Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation); driving a vehicle by a driver who does not have the documents provided for by the Traffic Rules (Article 12.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation); violation of the rules for using seat belts or motorcycle helmets (Article 12.6 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation); exceeding the established speed (Article 12.9 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation); failure to comply with the requirements for compulsory civil liability insurance of vehicle owners (Article 12.37 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Violation of traffic rules by a person driving a bicycle entails administrative liability under Part 2 of Article 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Parents and legal representatives of minors must remember that their parents or guardians are responsible for harm caused to minors under 14 years of age. Minors aged 14 to 18 years are independently responsible for the harm caused on a general basis. If a minor aged 14 to 18 years does not have income or other property sufficient to compensate for damage, the damage is compensated in full or in the missing part by his parents (adoptive parents) or guardian. In addition, parents (legal representatives) of minors may be brought to administrative responsibility under Article 5.35 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation for failure by parents or other legal representatives of minors to fulfill their obligations for the maintenance and upbringing of minors.

What documents should there be?

Since a moped is recognized as a vehicle belonging to the category of motorized transport, a license is required for it. The document must be carried with you while driving a moped, and also shown to a traffic police officer for verification upon request. This requirement is stated in clause 2.1.1 of the Rules.

Documentation for riding a moped:

• driver license;
• MTPL insurance;
• registration certificate.

Additional items that are not required to be carried:

• registration certificate;
• diagnostic inspection card.

A driver’s license can have two categories open, or one of two – M or A1. The most important thing is that it is not put in the “Special notes” column, category ML. It means that the mopedist has some health contraindications that do not allow him to drive this vehicle.

When according to traffic rules it is possible to cross a solid marking line, it is explained in the article: solid line in traffic rules. When traffic regulations require you to turn on your side lights, read here.

What is prohibited for moped drivers according to traffic regulations?

Since the traffic rules, along with cars, classify a moped as a mechanical vehicle, they are subject to the general regulations contained in clause 2.7 of the traffic rules prohibiting:

• drunk driving;
• driving a vehicle when very tired, sick or under the influence of medication, if this reduces concentration;
• transfer of a moped or scooter to persons belonging to the above categories;
• stand in organized columns;
• drink alcohol after an accident before the examination for the degree of intoxication;
• talk on the phone without a headset, eliminating the need to use your hands;
• dangerous driving (lack of proper distance between vehicles, sudden braking (except in cases of preventing an accident), failure to comply with the requirements to give way to persons with priority in traffic, etc.).

P.p. 24.7-24.9 Traffic regulations impose additional restrictions on drivers of scooters and mopeds in the form of a ban on certain actions:

• move on any sections of the roadway (allowed only along its right edge or in a bicycle lane);
• do not drive a vehicle without using your hands;
• engage in cargo transportation if the length or width of the cargo extends beyond the boundaries of the moped or scooter by half a meter or more or otherwise interferes with control;
• carry passengers if the design of the moped or scooter does not allow this;
• move persons under seven years of age without places equipped for them;
• make a U-turn or turn left on roads with more than one lane in one direction of travel and on lanes with tram lines;
• ride with or without a protective helmet;
• use pedestrian crossings on the same basis as pedestrians;
• tow vehicles yourself or allow other road users to tow their moped or scooter (except for cases of towing with a trailer specially designed for this purpose).

To summarize, it is worth noting that since a moped is also a mechanical vehicle, the traffic rules for mopeds and scooters are identical to the traffic rules developed for car owners, but with the imposition of additional responsibilities due to the specifics of their design.

Basic traffic rules for mopeds and scooters

Since mopeds are also participants in road traffic, like other types of vehicles, they are subject to general traffic rules with some exceptions provided specifically for such lightweight motor vehicles:

Turning on the low-beam headlights allows other road users to recognize that a moped is driving ahead. The rule in paragraph 19.5 is written precisely so that participants can turn on the lights to signal that their car is somehow special, different from others.

For example, when transporting children during the day, bus drivers always turn on daytime running lights. The rule has been in force in Russia since 2010.

Otherwise, traffic police officers will have the right not only to punish mopedists financially, but also to seize the vehicle.

How should a moped be positioned on the roadway?

1. According to paragraph 9.9 of the Rules, drivers driving a moped are prohibited from driving on pedestrian paths, dividing strips or sidewalks. Also, all vehicles except mopeds are prohibited from driving on bicycle paths.
2. According to paragraph 24.7 of the Rules, scooter drivers are required to move along the maximum right edge of the roadway or, if possible, a bicycle path. This also includes the side of the road, if this does not create inconvenience or interference with the movement of pedestrians. One should take into account the fact that the driver does not always follow these requirements, since there are situations when it is necessary to go around stopped buses or trolleybuses. Also, it is allowed to change lanes into the second row if the markings on the road prohibit him from driving on the right side.
3. According to paragraph 24.4 of the Rules, the driver must give way to all vehicles if he is in a situation where he is moving on a bicycle path that is crossed by an intersection and this section of the road is not regulated.

Is it possible to transport children

It is prohibited to transport children in the following cases:

1. The driver lacks the required category and experience.
2. A motor vehicle not equipped with special devices for the safe transportation of a child.
3. When children are not yet 7 years old.
4. The design of the moped does not imply the presence of another passenger in the seat.

Standards for passenger transportation, when it is allowed to transport children on a moped:

1. Only if you have an open category A or A1 driver’s license for 2 or more years.
2. The moped must be equipped with a special place securely attached to the rear of the motor vehicle.
3. The child should be equipped with a helmet and other attributes for the safety of hands and feet.
4. The design of the moped allows the presence of passengers in the seat behind the driver.

Such tuning on mopeds as child seats for babies is not always allowed for the reason that a moped is considered a more dangerous vehicle than a bicycle.

It is necessary that the design of the moped allows this to be done so that the seat for the baby is securely fastened and does not move when moving.

For reference: You can install a child seat on a bicycle only from the rear, on the trunk. Children are not allowed to operate a moped.

Do you need a moped license in 2021?

Thus, according to traffic rules, the owner of such a light motorcycle needs a driver's license. It is worth noting that a license of category M or another category is required for a scooter.

What are the penalties for violations?

In fact, there are many fines and other types of punishment. This is due to the fact that mopedists are also participants in road traffic. And for all cases of violations by drivers of mopeds and scooters, they apply equally.

In the table we give only a few examples of what measures of liability may be provided for in specific cases of violation of legal norms.

All types and amounts of punishment are established in accordance with the articles of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation or the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, if the elements of the crime involved criminal liability:

To summarize, it should be said that the general rules apply to all moped drivers. Special rules are thought out for them in the traffic rules from 24.7-24.9.

But besides this, traffic is also regulated by additional rules that apply to all wheeled vehicles. A moped cannot make a left turn on the roadway.

You must drive with both hands on the steering wheel. Carrying children is allowed only if they are over 7 years old and the driver has 2 or more years of experience. For violation of these and other regulations, the traffic police will impose fines and other forms of punishment.

The speed limit in courtyards according to traffic rules is described in the article: Traffic rules in courtyards. For information about window tinting according to traffic regulations, see the page.

Find out what the driver must do when turning left from this information.

Rules for using low beam

The use of low beam when riding a moped and scooter occurs in the following situations:

• in daylight (clause 19.5 of traffic rules);
• on well-lit city roads at night (paragraph 1, clause 19.2 of the traffic rules);
• when passing oncoming traffic (paragraph 2, clause 19.2 of the traffic rules);
• at any possibility of dazzling other drivers with high beam headlights (paragraph 3, clause 19.2 of the traffic rules).

Failure to comply with the specified norms of Chapter 19 of the Traffic Regulations entails liability under Art. 12.20 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, which consists of issuing a warning or collecting a fine in the amount of 500 rubles.

How to properly transport passengers on a scooter?

According to traffic regulations, the transportation of passengers on a moped and scooter is permitted if the design features of the model provide for transportation spaces. Moreover, the traffic rules require that these places be specially equipped for children under seven years of age.