Overview of the March 1, 2023 Update to Traffic Rules
The latest edition of the Traffic Rules, taking effect on March 1, 2023, brings a set of clarifications and adjustments designed to streamline how pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles share the road. The changes emphasize practical safety, especially in locations where sidewalks, footpaths, bicycle paths, or verges are missing or inconsistent. In those cases, pedestrians may move along bike paths under specific conditions, but this comes with a clear caveat: pedestrians must yield to cyclists and to passing vehicles, and they do not gain an advantage in traffic flow as a result.
In addition to these situational adjustments, the rules on operating on the carriageway have been refined to resolve ambiguities. Pedestrians who normally walk alongside moving traffic should still face toward oncoming vehicles when they are walking on the roadway, which is the standard practice. However, there is a notable difference for pedestrians who are using SIM cards, a term referenced in the updated provisions. In those cases, pedestrians must align their behavior with passing traffic and move in a manner consistent with other road users on the right side of the road to ensure visibility and predictability for drivers.
Another important area of revision concerns markings for diagonal pedestrian crossings. The marking designated as 1.14.3 had appeared in the GOST standards for several years, dating back to June 1, 2018, but it was not clearly integrated into the traffic regulations. The March 2023 update clarifies its purpose and application, helping pedestrians and drivers understand where these diagonal crossings are intended to be used and how to navigate them safely. This clarification reduces confusion at intersections where diagonal crossings are implemented and provides a consistent reference point for enforcement and education campaigns.
Section 4.5 of the Traffic Rules has undergone a significant shift in language. The term unregulated has been removed. As a result, from March 1, 2023 onward, pedestrians are expected to take primary responsibility for their own safety at all crossing points. Even when an intersection is regulated by signals, pedestrians must actively ensure that vehicles have paused and do not continue through the intersection after a green signal has been shown. This change emphasizes personal responsibility and situational awareness, encouraging pedestrians to verify that cross-traffic has complied with signals before entering or continuing across the roadway.
- Driving demonstrations and explanations can be found in video formats on platforms that host instructional content.
These updates collectively aim to create clearer expectations for everyone sharing the road, reduce ambiguity at crossings, and promote safer interactions among pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles. They also reflect a broader commitment to practical, real‑world safety considerations in urban travel, where the presence or absence of dedicated spaces can shape how people move and how drivers anticipate pedestrian behavior.