Recently, the shape, color and size of signs intended to be glued to car glass have been strictly regulated. The rules are mandatory for vehicle drivers. This also applies to the "Studded rubber" sticker. What should be the sign "Spikes" in accordance with GOST, so that it is not canceled by the traffic police inspector, imposing a significant fine? Let's examine the parameters in detail.
Although the law was enacted in the fall of 2017, many motorists still have not acquired a glass sticker. Some people think that buying a piece of paper with the letter "W" is optional. Is this really so, and why is the "Thorns" sign needed?
Description and meaning of the sign
The "Spikes" sticker is a conspicuous identification mark indicating that the owner of the vehicle is in possession of studded tires. The pointer looks like an equilateral triangle made of paper with a white background, bright red edging, and a black letter "W" is drawn inside.
According to part 8 of the set of provisions and clause 2.3.1 of the traffic rules, the sign is mandatory for use when using a car as a means of transportation. This law came into force on November 4, 2017 throughout the Russian Federation. If the driver has put studded tires, but did not place the "Ш" badge on the glass, the traffic police inspectors have the right to consider this omission a malfunction of the car, prohibiting admission to driving the vehicle. In simple words, the absence of a sticker is tantamount to a gross violation.
Place for placement
Before explaining what the Thorns sign should be, let's look at where the sticker should be placed. According to the rules, you need to stick a paper sign on the back of the vehicle. As for whether it is inside or outside, from the side, from below or from above, there are no additional explanations in the traffic code. That is, it is allowed to stick the badge on the tailgate, on the trunk lid, and on the bumper. According to statistics, most motorists prefer to place the "Ш" sign outside the rear window.
Sticker sizes in accordance with GOST
The state standard gives a clear explanation of what the "Spikes" sign should be in accordance with GOST. Here are the main parameters:
- the length of any side of the triangle is at least 20 cm;
- the width of the red edging strip along the edge is 1/10 of the size of an equilateral figure, but not less than 2 cm;
- background - only white, edging - only red;
- the letter Ш in the middle is printed, only in black.
Any unauthorized deviation from the norm is unacceptable, it is a gross violation. Even if the badge is glued, but it turns out to be smaller, the inspector will consider it missing, issuing a fine on legal grounds. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy stickers at gas stations, in souvenir stalls, if they do not look like they meet the stated requirements. However, it is not forbidden to make such a badge yourself, by printing on a printer or drawing by hand.
Car owner's responsibility
The absence of the "Studded rubber" sign is legally equated to a vehicle malfunction, therefore the inspector, having stopped the car, has every right to issue a fine to the owner. Since the spring of 2017, the amount of the penalty has remained unchanged, and is currently 500 (five hundred) rubles. This provision is spelled out in Art. 12.5 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.
Answers on questions
Many car owners do not seek to comply with the requirements of inspectors, considering buying and sticking a sign nonsense. Usually, such thoughts disappear after the very first written fine of 500 rubles, especially when you consider that the average price of a pointer is about 50 rubles.
Here are some topical questions regarding the placement of the "Spikes" sign on a car in 2017-2018.
Question # 1: What months should spike tires be installed?
Answer: In the winter months, from December to February, the vehicle must be equipped with a spike. Terms may vary depending on the region, all provisions are spelled out in the Technical Regulations.
Question # 2. If I don’t put on a spike in winter, I don’t need a sign, do I?
Answer: For the absence of winter studded tires on a car in winter, penalties are also imposed. It is necessary to "change shoes" the wheels and stick the "Ш" badge on the rear window.
Question number 3. I don't have spikes on my wheels at all, but Velcro. Will I get nothing for this?
Answer: Only owners of winter “spikes” are obliged to stick the "Ш" sign. Legislators have not yet come up with the "L" badge.
Question # 4. In general, all the thorns flew out from old age, what now, too, to glue the sticker? Or pay fines?
Answer: In this situation, everything depends on the inspector. In fact, if the studs fall out, formally the rubber is not considered studded. This means that you do not need to glue the sticker. But the case is controversial, so it is better to replace the rubber with a new one, it's safer and calmer.
