Driving a car in winter is fraught with great risk and some features. On roads, snow and mud, maybe even icy weather, so the conditions for an accident are the most suitable. And here for some motorists, the question becomes especially urgent: "What is the penalty for the absence of the sign" spikes "?" And in general, is it needed and why?
Winter tires
In mid-autumn, many Russian motorists begin to think about how to “change” their iron horses. Firstly, no one wants to stand in line for tire fitting, and secondly, there is an opinion that even at low positive temperatures, even in the absence of precipitation, summer tires lose some of their properties, as a result of which the car loses control. Of course, there are still universal all-season tires, but Russians taught by bitter experience know that it is better to “change shoes” - this makes trips safer, and each set will wear out more slowly. In addition, most have long realized that it’s not enough to spend money and buy a good car once — from the moment it is purchased, it will also become a source of expenses for fuel, accessories and maintenance. And at the same time, do not be greedy, because in an accident even the most insignificant little things can become decisive.
Spikes or Velcro?
There was no choice before, so there was no need to think about it. Now between motorists every now and then debate erupts on the topic: "Which is better?" Some believe that Velcro is designed exclusively for a mild European winter, and simply do not trust this technology, preferring something simpler and more understandable, but with good adhesion to the coating. Their opponents, however, argue that the "spikes" sharply reduce the braking distance (even compared to summer) and are necessary only in conditions where there is an ice crust on the road. In addition, various electronic systems, such as ABS, help modern motorists in critical situations.
Fortunately, the roadway is cleaned regularly in winter, so this situation is extremely rare. Another argument of Velcro lovers is that they don’t have to put the spikes on the car (traffic rules do not provide a special designation for cars with other types of winter tires). Be that as it may, the debate continues. The choice is huge now, and this applies both to the type of rubber and its cost. Meanwhile, for opponents of Velcro, the question is urgent: "What is the penalty for the absence of the sign" spikes "and is it legitimate at all?" Every winter, many face problems with DPS.
It’s useless to talk about what’s better after all: many copies are broken in discussions on this topic. The debaters refer to the laws of physics and pour in special terms, build schedules and diagrams, but practice, namely independent winter tire tests, shows that the "spikes" more effectively stop an accelerated car. But the choice is left to each individual motorist, if only he respected the rules.
Sign "Spikes"
SDA contains this pictogram in clause 8 of the Regulation on the approval of vehicles. He defines this sign as an equilateral white triangle with its top pointing upwards in a red border, in which the black letter "W" is inscribed. At the same time, it is stipulated that each side of it should be at least 20 centimeters in length.
The icon turns out to be quite impressive in size. It is not surprising that many motorists do not want to use the "Thorns" sign provided for in traffic rules. The fine and disassembly with the traffic police apparently did not frighten them. Obviously, a good view through the rear-view mirrors is much more important for them . Finally, many people think that this is simply ugly. It is rather difficult to explain the general lack of the Thorn sign by something else.
I need ...
It is difficult to unequivocally answer this question. The sign "Spikes", as well as its mention in the SDA, appeared in 1993, when winter tires of this type only began to appear on Russian roads. Then she was with a few, but seriously changed some characteristics, so it was necessary to warn all other drivers.
Now, summer or all-weather tires in winter are an exception, not a rule. But the norm in the law remained: when using tires of the appropriate type, the sign "Spikes" is mandatory.
… or not?
Here lies a curious incident, breeding the ground for heated debate and discussion. The fact is that the Code for Administrative Violations (CAO) is not punished for the absence of the "Spikes" mark. That is, there is a violation, but no consequences. Thus, to the question: "What is the penalty for the absence of the sign" Spikes "?" the answer is simple - no, but it is in theory, and in life, as often happens, everything is somewhat more complicated.
On practice
Yes, most motorists who prefer studded tires do not bother sticking the appropriate sign on the car. Others, on the contrary, ride with him year-round, even in summer, when they use summer tires. And only some observe the law by hanging and removing the “Spikes” sign in accordance with the SDA when changing tires. Fine with nothing: no need to laugh at them. By their actions, they not only worry about their safety, but also take off a lot of potential problems with the police and insurance companies.
Spikes and DPS
Despite the fact that the law says that this sign is mandatory, operation without it is not prohibited, and there is no fine. Nevertheless, some traffic police officers still stop such cars and even draw up a protocol. At the same time, part 1 of Art. 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which states the prohibition of the operation of the vehicle in the presence of some malfunctions. Obviously, the incorrect installation of the sign "Spikes" or its absence does not apply to this. Therefore, the punishment for violation of the aforementioned article - a fine of 500 rubles - is irrelevant in this case. You can declare this even before the extract of the protocol, but you can always challenge it afterwards, however, for this you will have to go to court. Be that as it may, the lack of punishment does not give the right to violate the law, endangering not only yourself, but also other road users - this is worth remembering.
In addition, if in winter it is necessary to pass inspection, tires in spikes, and there is no sign, then the TO ticket will not be issued. In any case, it is better to play it safe and at least carry the pictogram with you - just in case. Better yet, comply with the law and establish it when relevant.
In an accident
Nobody wants and loves to get into an accident. And now we are not talking about car crashes with victims and wounded: even a light blow with a slight damage to the paintwork and a dent is unpleasant even if the traffic police were waiting and the incident took place, which would result in a waste of time and nerves.
And doubly serious this winter for the lover of "Velcro" if he does not have the sign "Spikes". SDA and CAO, as we have already figured out, look at it through their fingers. But the insurance company is another matter, because it is a private organization, the decision of which is quite difficult to challenge. And current practice shows that if one of the participants in the accident has spiky rubber in the absence of an appropriate sign, the actual culprit, citing this circumstance, can come out of the water dry, especially if everything is fixed on the video recorder that almost everyone now has. And the one who really suffered will be responsible. And this will affect not only that it is necessary to solve problems with the IC - the next policy will be more expensive due to the bonus-malus coefficient. What can we say about the invaluable time and effort spent? So why is all this if you can simply set a sign?
Correct location
Where to glue the sign "Spikes"? SDA answers this question clearly: on the rear window from the driver. The function of this pictogram is to warn the neighbors in the stream about the features of a given vehicle, and therefore everyone who is behind this machine should be aware of which tires are on it in order to take this into account when planning their actions.
However, lately a lot of variations have appeared on this subject, given that drivers do not like the short-lived signs falling off at the end of December after precipitation. Now there are pictures that are glued onto the glass from the outside, ice does not freeze on them, they do not make it difficult to clear snow in the morning. True, it can be difficult to get rid of them, but, as an option, you can use a special soft pad in the form of an icon, which is placed on the left side under the rear window and is perfectly visible to everyone. And in the spring it is easy to put it in the trunk for six months, so that it does not create problems at all and certainly removes the question of what is the penalty for the absence of the "Spikes" sign.
Why is it needed?
Studded tires, compared with Velcro, significantly change the braking distance, especially in emergency cases. With ordinary rubber, this is not so noticeable. But with spikes, the car stops much faster and sharper, which can serve the poor owner. Usually the one who was driving behind is to blame for the collision. But, as already mentioned, the punishment for the absence of the "Spikes" sign can be expressed in the form of an insurance refusal to compensate the culprit for repairs. And this can subsequently result in much more significant costs than fixing the bumper. So do not think too much about whether the "Spikes" sign is required or not: as long as traffic rules imply its presence, it is better to fulfill their requirements.
Experienced car owners in any case keep their distance much more accurately than in the summer. Slippery roads, rainfall and other factors do not contribute to extra courage. But if a car is driving ahead, on which studded tires are standing and the corresponding sign hangs, you need to double your vigilance and try to visually control the distance between you and this car. Even a slight hint of braking should provoke a slowdown. It is important to remember that no electronic filling will save you if your own decisions and actions of the driver do not contribute to the correct development of events and avoid accident.
Pictures on the rear windows
Unfortunately, this topic echoes the question of the need for the Thorns sign. In recent years, some people have become attracted by the opportunity to express themselves through decorating their own vehicle. This resulted in airbrushing, gluing pictures and stickers on glass and paintwork. Of course, all this is creative and shows how unusual the owner of the car is, and just distinguishes it from the stream. But this is also a negative point, because such delights can distract the neighbors in the stream, and someone wants to drive closer to see a better funny picture, and here the distance is reduced, and with it the probability of a good outcome in case of emergency braking decreases. In everything you need to observe the measure, and too much - albeit funny or original - to stick to the car is useless. The “Apprentice” sign, an exclamation point for novice motorists who obtained rights less than 3 years ago, a pictogram indicating the presence of children in the vehicle, as well as “Spikes” - this is probably all that is necessary, because it sufficiently informs the flow neighbors about those or other features of this vehicle. Good luck on the road!