In an attempt to save money on professional cargo transportation services, people sometimes pile rather bulky and heavy objects onto their vehicle, attaching them to the body with improvised materials. But such a design poses a serious threat to surrounding drivers and pedestrians when driving on public roads. Therefore, in order to increase safety, the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation provides for a substantial fine for oversize, which can be applied to both passenger vehicles and trucks.
Characteristics of oversized cargo
According to the traffic rules, oversized cargo can be considered to be any type of cargo that, when placed on a vehicle or trailer, hangs above the road surface from the rear, front or side. But liability for such transportation occurs only if the driver violates the standards established by GOST for luggage protrusion of less than 1 meter. In other cases, the transit of long and wide objects in a car or truck is not prohibited by law.
You can also receive a fine for transporting objects whose weight exceeds the maximum carrying capacity of the vehicle. Moreover, this also applies to the overweight on one axle. After all, such a phenomenon can provoke an imbalance of the vehicle, which at speed will cause loss of control. Well, this increases the risk of getting into an accident.
// Cargo transportation by car
Find out the cost of the service The home of each person, each family is unique. Even after settling into almost identical “typical” apartments, over time families will change them radically. Just as the apartments of different residents differ, so, in fact, the moves differ from one another. Everyone, when making a move, faces approximately the same problems, but everyone solves them in their own way, as a result, no move is similar to the other. Someone hired a company that did all the work for him, and someone even carries out cargo transportation in their own car. There is nothing special in either the first or the third option, but when placed side by side they clearly demonstrate the difference between the approaches.
The option in which all the work that can be delegated to hired specialists is good because it saves the owners a lot of time and, in fact, because all the work will be done professionally. Almost the only, but very significant drawback of the first option is its high cost. The more professional and reputable the company from which you order all your work, the more expensive these works will cost. You can, of course, save a lot and order work from a smaller company, or even from private individuals, but the cheaper the services, the less trust there is in the performers, as a rule. But we are talking about all your property after all. Therefore, if you have firmly decided and are simply forced to save significantly, then the most logical solution is to do all the work yourself. Even cargo transportation in a small vehicle is a very feasible task.
Provided, of course, that this is the car you have, that it does not consume so much fuel and, of course, that you do not have so many of these same things and, of course, furniture to transport. If you can transport all your things with a passenger car in just a few trips, then, of course, cargo transportation by car is not such a bad idea. But this way you can save a lot. Another undeniable advantage of moving with your own hands is that all your people will be under your supervision at all times. And who, except the owner himself, knows better about how to handle your things. This means that, although you will have to work hard in unusual, most likely, roles such as a loader or furniture maker, you will be rewarded for your efforts with the safety of both things and money.
Parameters of legal transportation
In the current rules of the Russian Federation, Article 23, consisting of 5 separate parts, is responsible for the permissible GOST of large-sized luggage. It describes in detail:
- How many centimeters can the load extend beyond the front, rear and side of the vehicle or trailer?
- In what cases does a motorist receive permission to transit oversized vehicles?
- Types of administrative penalties for violation of Art. 23 traffic rules.
Also, the mentioned section of these rules includes requirements for securing transported objects on your own vehicle. Indeed, if they fail while driving, the driver will bear responsibility for the damage caused.
By lenght
It is important to know! When stopping a vehicle, State Traffic Inspectorate officers can issue a fine to a citizen for being oversized only if it protrudes beyond the line of the rear or front bumpers by more than one meter.
If the object is placed on the roof of the car in such a way that it hangs out only 0.1 - 0.9 m from both the rear and the front, then such transportation will not be considered a violation. But for greater safety, traffic police inspectors will ask the motorist to attach bright red or orange ribbons to the edges of the luggage so that other road users will pay attention to it in a timely manner.
Width
In accordance with Article 23 of the Traffic Regulations of the Russian Federation, a fine for oversized width is considered to be a protrusion of cargo beyond the permissible limits of the vehicle by more than 40 cm. In this case, the portion of luggage that does not fit on the trunk of a vehicle or trailer should be measured not at the extreme point of the body, as was the case in the first version, but by rear light signals. After all, in the dark, drivers may not notice an oversized object on the roof of a car and catch it when overtaking, causing an accident.
By height
Considering these rules of the Russian Federation (namely, Article 23, paragraph 4), it can be noted that the legislation does not provide for a specific restriction on piling luggage up high. But in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses, a fine for oversized height is issued to a motorist if the highest point of his vehicle reaches 4 or more meters above the road surface.
It is important to know! Moreover, this applies to both passenger cars and special-purpose trucks (an onboard GAZelle, a truck tractor or a tractor with a trailer).
Transportation of oversized cargo
According to the traffic rules established for the transportation of oversized items:
- You cannot transport cargo that disrupts the stability of the vehicle.
- Be sure to use the “Large Load” sign, as well as signal lights or reflectors at night. There is a white light in front and a red one in the back.
- If possible, refrain from transporting oversized items in difficult weather conditions, poor visibility and at night.
Dimensions and transportation rules
Oversized cargo is any object that protrudes beyond the vehicle in length from 1 to 2 m from the bumper, in width - 40 cm from the rear marker light.
Basic instructions for transporting such luggage:
- use a square-shaped sign with diagonally located alternating red and white stripes. The sign is placed on the most protruding part;
- in case of poor visibility, secure the lights: white in front of the car, red in the back;
- if the height is exceeded 4 m, permission must be obtained from local authorities. A warning sign is required to be placed in this case;
- when transporting dangerous goods, it is necessary to agree on the route of movement with the traffic police and not deviate from it;
- if the protrusion from the rear of the car exceeds 2 m, then such a trip will also require permission from the municipality and the traffic police.
Penalty for failure to comply with conditions
Violation of the rules for transporting large and heavy luggage in a personal car is considered a minor offense, and therefore, as a maximum punishment for it, the Code of Administrative Offenses can impose only a material penalty on the driver, the amount of which directly depends on the circumstances of the incident. We will consider below what specific fines for oversized cargo will be received by owners of passenger cars and trucks in 2021.
Inconsistency with dimensions
Most often, motorists are caught precisely because the dimensions of the transported luggage do not comply with the established GOST, which is punishable by law as follows:
- Material penalties in the amount of 1000 to 1500 rubles for individuals, and from 10 to 15 thousand rubles. for commercial organizations - if the permissible load hanging limit is exceeded by less than 10 cm;
- A fine of 3,000 to 4,000 rubles for ordinary motorists, and from 25 to 40 thousand rubles. for legal entities - in case of deviation from generally accepted standards by 10-20 cm;
- Protocol in the amount of 5,000 to 10,000 rubles for citizens, and from 35 to 40 thousand rubles. for legal entities - when exceeding GOST by 20-50 cm.
It is important to know! At the same time, it is worth noting that such a fine for oversized cargo is provided for both the length and width of the hanging. And it is used for all categories of vehicles, including special equipment (unaccompanied).
Transport without permission
We mentioned earlier that State Traffic Inspectorate employees have the right to issue a decree not only if the size of the luggage does not match, but also if its weight exceeds. The penalty for such an offense is only 500 rubles.
The same applies to drivers transporting cargo without a special permit issued by local authorities or the regional Rosavtodor. But if the oversized vehicle is equipped with reflective tapes or a corresponding sign, then traffic police inspectors may limit themselves to a verbal warning.
Large dimensions on the roof
Traffic rules regulate the transportation of large cargo. Especially if they are pipes or boards. Articles 23.1-23.5 oblige the driver to securely secure luggage and try not to block the view. The state registration plate and lighting devices must not be blocked. This is why it is prohibited to drive many cars with the trunk open, since it is all located on the back cover.
Still protruding parts of large cargo should not exceed a distance of 0.4 m on the sides. Moreover, it is measured not from the sides, but from the edge of the side light, that is, from the headlight. If the load is wider, then it is necessary to hang reflectors and reflective signs on it. It is important to remember that the total width of the load should not exceed 2.55 m.
You cannot hang a load from the front, as it will block your view. But behind the boards or a bundle of connected pipes must be fastened so that the rear ends swing behind the bumper no further than two meters. If the distance is shorter, then you can drive, but first post the “Large Load” sign. At night, the rules require that cargo be marked with reflective devices.
Violators of these traffic rules are punished in accordance with Article 12.21 of the Administrative Code. Part 1 (fine of 500 rubles).
Exceeding the values specified in the permit
We have already found out what the fine is for transporting oversized cargo without permission, and now it’s time to find out what a motorist faces for violating the requirements specified in the waybill. These rules say the following about this:
- In case of non-compliance with GOST established by Rosavtodor, an ordinary citizen will face a financial penalty in the amount of 5,000 rubles;
- If you ignore the requirements for permission to transport oversized items, legal entities will have to pay from 80 to 100 thousand rubles.
Administrative penalties are also provided for providing false data on the volume and weight of luggage when contacting authorized bodies. But in such cases, the driver will face not only a financial penalty, but also the evacuation of his vehicle to an impound lot for up to 1 month.
Possible controversial situations
Various situations can happen on the road. But, as practice shows, to issue a resolution under Art. 23 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations is not so simple, due to two reasons:
- It is impossible to determine a deviation from GOST by eye, and therefore stopping a car by an inspector may be unfounded, for which he is entitled to a reprimand;
- Everything that is not prohibited is permitted.
The second point implies the implementation of the reports specified in Art. 23 clause 3 of these rules:
- The transported cargo should not interfere with the driver’s good visibility or make it difficult to control the vehicle;
- Transported baggage cannot cover the vehicle's lights, license plates or identification marks;
- Luggage loaded onto a vehicle during transportation should not create much noise or pollute the environment.
Advice! If these traffic rules are not violated, then one can argue about the GOST standards for hanging cargo.
We found out what fine drivers face for transporting oversized cargo, and how you can avoid liability under Art. 23 of these rules. In conclusion, it is worth adding that in practice, traffic police inspectors rarely stop a vehicle for the reason mentioned. After all, it is very difficult to prove a motorist’s guilt due to the non-compliance of his luggage with GOST. The size of the financial penalty in this case is quite small to waste time on its preparation.
Not prohibited, but the fine is gigantic
The traffic rules do not clearly prohibit driving a car with the trunk door open. However, there are strict standards for transporting large items in cars, which are regulated by the Road Traffic Rules (TRAF). Chapter 23 of the Traffic Regulations, entitled “Transportation of goods,” contains the basic requirements.
23.1. The weight of the transported cargo and the load distribution along the axles must not exceed the values established by the manufacturer for this vehicle.
23.2. Before starting and while driving, the driver is obliged to control the placement, fastening and condition of the load in order to avoid it falling and creating obstacles to movement.
23.3. Transportation of cargo is permitted provided that it:
- does not limit the driver's visibility;
- does not complicate control and does not affect the stability of the vehicle;
- does not cover external lighting devices and reflectors, registration and identification marks, and does not interfere with the perception of hand signals;
- does not create noise, does not create dust, does not pollute the road or the environment.
Article on the topic
Methods for transporting bicycles, snowboards and other sports equipment If the condition and placement of the cargo do not meet the specified requirements, the driver is obliged to take measures to eliminate violations of the listed transportation rules or stop further movement.
Thus, the driver must monitor how far the rear door or trunk is open. If lighting devices and a registration plate are placed on it, then their readability cannot be prevented. If they are not viewed, then the provisions of the rules will prohibit the operation of such a vehicle.
