Traffic Rules

1. In accordance with the traffic rules (hereinafter as rules) of the Republic of Armenia a united traffic order is determined on the territory of the Republic of Armenia to regulate the correlations regarding the application of traffic lights and traffic controller signals, special emergency signals, vehicles outward light devices and sound signals used during the traffic; the realization of traffic and traffic speed control, overtaking, stop and parking, crossroads passing, pedestrian crossings intersection, transportation means towing, educational driving, people and freight transportation in different conditions, as well as traffic signs.

2. Right-hand traffic is determined on the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

3. In the rules the following concepts and terms are used:

1) thoroughfare – 2.1 – Thoroughfare, 2.3.1 – Intersection with the Secondary Road, 2.3.2, 2.3.3 – The Secondary Road Adjacency, or 5.1 – Highway signed road towards the intersected (adjacent) one or paved road (bituminous concrete, cement concrete, stone materials, etc.) towards the dirt one, or any other road towards the one running out from an adjoining area. The existence of paved section on the unpaved one immediately opposite the crossroad does not make it equal to the intersected one;

2) traffic advantage – the right of the anterior running in the preferred direction towards the other participants of the traffic;

3) to yield the right-of-way (not to create a hindrance) – a demand addressed to the traffic participant pursuant to which he must not start, restart or keep on running, change running direction or create a hindrance by any other way, if the participants with traffic advantage are obliged to change the running direction or speed;

4) an organized column of transportation means – a group of at least two mechanical transportation means running by one and the same traffic lane immediately one after another with constantly switched on headlights led by the transportation mean with red and blue beacon lights;

5) the start of the traffic – the moment of transportation mean starting from the stop or parking lot connected with the reallocation to the neighboring traffic lane or without it;

6) maneuvering – reallocation, change of running direction (turn or U-turn) or stopping;
7) reallocation – leaving the occupied traffic lane or the occupied lane within the borders of marked traffic lane, maintaining the initial direction of the traffic;

8) change of the running direction – making turn or U-turn;

9) turn – a maneuvering realized by the transportation mean for moving to the other road or from the road – to the adjoining territory;

10) U-turn – a maneuvering realized by the transportation mean for changing the running direction with the oncoming one;

11) overtaking – the outstripping one or more running transportation means connected with leaving the occupied lane;

12) obstacle – fixed object on the traffic lane (such as a broken or damaged transportation mean, road defect, other objects, etc.) that prevents continuing movement on that lane;

13) hazard – a situation that arises during road traffic, in which continuing movement in the same direction and/or at the same speed poses a threat of a road traffic accident;

14) overtaking – the movement of a transportation mean at a speed higher than that of the adjacent vehicle without intention to change the lane;

15) dangerous goods – substances, products made from them, or hazardous waste, which due to their inherent properties can create a threat to human life and health during transportation, cause damage to the environment, damage or destroy transportation means or buildings;
16) organized transportation of a group of children – special transportation of two or more preschool and school-age children in a motor vehicle (not a public transportation mean);

17) limited visibility – the driver’s visibility in the direction of movement, limited by transportation means, terrain features, geometric parameters of the road, vegetation, buildings, structures, and other objects.

4. Green, yellow, red and white light signals are applied on the traffic lights.

5. Subject to the application aim, traffic lights are divided into: transport, pedestrian and controlling bicyclists’ traffic, and their signals into – round (without an image), as well as with images – outlining an arrow (arrows), a pedestrian or a bicycle, and X-form.

6. Traffic lights with round signals may have the additional parts (sections) in the form of one or two green arrow (arrows) signals, which are placed on the same level with green signal.

7. The round signals of the traffic lights function as follow:

1) green signal allows traffic;

2) green flashing signal allows traffic and informs that its functioning time is already over, and the prohibitory signal will be turned on soon (dials can be applied in order to inform the drivers about the remaining time of the green signal functioning termination (in seconds);

3) yellow signal prohibits traffic (with the exception of the case set by clause 19 of the rules) and warns about the upcoming change of the signal;

4) yellow flashing signal allows traffic and informs about the unsupervised crossroad or the presence of pedestrian crossing, as well as alerts to danger;

5) red signal, including the flashing one, prohibits traffic;

6) red and yellow signals combination prohibits traffic and informs about the upcoming switching-on of the green signal;

8. The red, yellow and green arrow signals of the traffic lights have the same function as the corresponding colors of the round ones, although they function only in the direction (directions) indicated by the arrows. In that case left turn allowing arrow also allows a U-turn, if it is not prohibited by the corresponding traffic sign. The green arrow of an additional section also has the same function. The switched-off signal of an additional section prohibits traffic in the direction being regulated on it.

9. Instead of red and yellow arrows, round signals with black outlined arrows of the same colors and function can be used.

10. The black outlined arrow (arrows) of the traffic lights main green signal informs drivers about the presence of an additional section and indicates other directions of the permitted traffic which are not foreseen by the signal of an additional section.

11. If the traffic lights signal outlines a pedestrian (a bicycle), then it functions only for pedestrians (bicyclists). In this case the green signal allows pedestrians’ (bicyclists’) traffic, and the red one prohibits it. To regulate the bicyclists’ traffic a reduced-size traffic lights with round signals can be applied supplemented by a white rectangular signboard (200×200 mm.) with a black image of bicycle.

12. To inform the blind pedestrians on the road about the possibility of intersecting the route, a green signal of traffic lights can be followed by the sound signal different from the sound (special) signals of transportation means.

13. To regulate the transportation means traffic on the separate lanes of the route particularly on those where the traffic direction can be changed by the oncoming one, a reversible traffic lights are applied in the shape of X-form red downward arrow with green signals, which correspondingly either prohibit or permit traffic on the lane where they are posted at the top of it. The main signals of reversible traffic lights can be supplemented by yellow signal in the form of diagonal downward, rightward or leftward arrow, the switching-on of which informs about the signal change and the necessity of reallocating to the lane indicated by an arrow. If the signals of reversible traffic lights posted from the both sides of the lane top by 1.9 line marking are switched off, then the lane entrance is prohibited.

14. To regulate the traffic of trams and other general transportation means running on divided lane, T-form arranged traffic lights can be applied having four round monochrome white signals. The traffic is permitted only in case if one or several of the top or bottom signals are switched on simultaneously, moreover, the left one permits traffic to the left, the middle one – in straight direction and the right one – to the right. The traffic is prohibited if one or several top signals of the traffic lights are switched on without the bottom one.

15. A round white flashing signal posted on the railway crossing permits transportation means traffic on it. If the flashing red and white signals are switched off, then the traffic is permitted within the range of visibility in case of the absence of approaching train (locomotive, trolley).

16. Traffic controller signals function as follow:

1) raised hand – transportation means and pedestrian traffic in all directions is prohibited, with the exception of the cases set by clause 19 of the rules;

2) hands outstretched aside or downward:
a) tram running is permitted from the left and right sides in straight direction only, motor transportation means – both in straight direction and to the right. Pedestrians are permitted to intersect the route from the right and the left of the controller,
b) all transportation means and pedestrian traffic is prohibited from the front and rear:

3) right hand outstretched forward:
a) tram running is permitted from the left side to the left, motor transportation means running – in all directions,
b) all the transportation means from the front side are permitted to run only to the right,
c) all the transportation means traffic from the rear and right is prohibited,
d) pedestrians are permitted to intersect the route from the rear of the controller.

17. For the proper visibility of signals controller may use a baton either with a red signal or disc with retro-reflector and give a signal by a whistle for capturing the attention of traffic participants. Controller may also give other signals comprehensible both for drivers and pedestrians by means of a hand.

18. In case of the prohibitory signal of traffic lights (except for the reversible traffic lights) or controller prohibitory signal a driver has to stop in front of the stop line marking (or Stop Line sign – 6.16) and in case of its absence:

1) before the crossroad – in front of the intersected route, taking into account clause 93 of the rules, without creating any hindrance for pedestrians;

2) before the railway crossing – according to the demands of clause 111 of the rules;

3) in diverse places – in front of the traffic lights or controller without creating any hindrance for the pedestrians and transportation means running in permitted directions.

19. In case either yellow signal is on or controller’s hand is raised, the drivers having no opportunity to stop with no sharp brake in the places designated by clause 18 of the rules, are able to keep on running. In case of that signal pedestrians on the route have to leave it and, if that is impossible, stop on the line separating the oncoming directions of transport flow.

20. Drivers and pedestrians should follow controller’s instructions and signal requirements even in the cases when they contradict the traffic lights signals and the requirements of traffic signs and lines.

21. On the railway crossings along with the red flashing signal of the traffic lights also a sound signal can be applied simultaneously, informing the traffic participants additionally about the prohibition of running along the railway crossing.

22. An emergency light signal should be on in the cases of:

1) road accident,

2) forced stop at the places with No Stopping sign,

3) dazzling headlights,

4) towing (on the towed transportation mean).

A driver should also turn the emergency light signal on in the cases when it is necessary to alert the participants of the traffic to danger.

23. After turning the emergency light signal on (as well as when it is out of order or absent), an Emergency Stop recognition sign (a red flashing light) should be posted immediately in the cases of:

1) road accident,
2) forced stop at the places with No Stopping sign, as well as at the places where the transportation mean cannot be noticed on time by the other drivers on the assumption of the visibility conditions. After the implementation of requirement, the driver should follow the instructions of clause 83 of the rules.

On the assumption of warning drivers on time, an Emergency Stop sign (a red flashing light) is posted at the dwelling zones at a distance of at least 15 m from the transportation mean and at a distance of 30 m – at non-dwelling zones.

24. In case of an emergency light signal absence or disrepairs an Emergency Stop sign is posted behind the towed transportation mean.

25. The usage of an emergency signal with the purpose of getting advantage, as well as stopping at places with No Stopping sign (except for the forced stop) is forbidden.

26. Drivers of the transportation means with switched on blue beacon lights, when fulfilling emergency services, with the provision of traffic safety may not follow the requirements of sections II (with the exception of controller’s signals), V-XVI, XIX and XXI of the Rules. In order to get the advantage towards the other participants of the traffic, drivers of such transportation means should turn on the blue beacon light and special sound signal which is the sequence of loud and subdued sound tones. Drivers can make use of the advantage only being confident they are yielded the right-of-way. Those drivers also may enjoy this right whose transportation means are accompanied by ones with blue and red beacon lights and special sound signal switched on. The auxiliary headlights of the accompanied transportation means should be switched on.

27. Under the government of the Republic of Armenia also a red beacon light of the transportation means of traffic police (hereinafter traffic police) of the RA, the state security service of the RA and the military police traffic inspection of Ministry of Defense of the RA can be switched on.

28. In case of the approaching of transportation mean with switched on blue beacon light and special sound signal drivers should yield the right-of-way for the provision of the unhindered running of the above mentioned transportation mean.

29. In case of the approaching of transportation mean with switched on blue and red beacon lights and special sound signal drivers should slow down and yield the right-of-way for the provision of the unhindered running of the above mentioned transportation mean, as well as the ones accompanied by it.

30. Approaching the stopped transportation mean with switched on blue or blue and red beacon lights, drivers should slow down in order to have an opportunity of stopping immediately when necessary.

31. Approaching the stopped transportation mean with switched on red beacon lights, drivers of transportation means running in the given direction should stop and then only keep on running when permission is given.

32. Neither yellow nor orange beacon lights give traffic advantage. They serve only to alert the other participants of traffic to danger.

33. A flashing yellow or orange beacon light should be switched on for the transportation means in the following cases:

1. performing road construction, repair, or maintenance work, loading damaged, malfunctioning, or movable vehicles;
2. escorting vehicles transporting oversized, heavy, and hazardous cargoes in accordance with Rule 163;
3. escorting vehicles transporting dangerous goods and containers.

34. Drivers of transportation means with yellow or orange flashing beacon lights while carrying out road construction, repair, or maintenance works, loading damaged, malfunctioning, or removable vehicles may deviate from the requirements of road signs 42, 55-60, 63 and 116, except for signs 2.2 The End of Thoroughfare, 2.4 Yield, 2.5 No Traffic without Stop, 2.6 Priority of Oncoming Vehicles, 3.11 Weight restriction, 3.12 Weight restriction per axle, 3.13 Height restriction, 3.14 Width restriction, 3.17.2 Danger, 3.20 No overtaking, and road markings. Drivers of vehicles with yellow or orange flashing beacon lights, under point 2 of rule 33, may deviate from the requirements of road marking of point 60 of the rules provided that the safety of road traffic is ensured.

35. Drivers of transportation means with flashing white beacon lights may switch them on along with a special sound signal only in the case when the transportation mean has been captured. These beacon lights don’t give traffic advantage but serve to attract the attention of police servants and others.

36. Before the start of the traffic and maneuvering a driver should give a signal by the illuminated indicator of corresponding direction to alert the other participants of the traffic, and in case of its absence or disrepairs – by hand. Giving a signal is not obligatory for a transportation mean if it is running along the curved line of the road without a reallocation. A signal should be given in advance before the start of the traffic and maneuvering and be ceased immediately after the stop of the traffic and maneuvering (a signal given by a hand is stopped before the immediate start of the traffic and maneuvering). It must be given quite clearly without putting the participants of the traffic to confusion, and maneuvering must not create a hindrance for them. Giving a signal to the other participants of the traffic does not give an advantage.

37. Aside directed left hand or right hand upwarded orthogonally at elbow corresponds to the left turn (U-turn) signal. Aside directed right hand or left hand upwarded orthogonally at elbow corresponds to the right turn. Upwarded right or left hand corresponds to the braking signal.

38. In case of entering the road from the adjoining territory, a driver should yield the right-of-way to the pedestrians and transportation means running on it and in case of entering the adjoining territory from the road – to pedestrians and bicyclists whose rout he is crossing.

39. When reallocating, a driver should yield the right-of-way to the transportation means running on the neighboring traffic lanes and without changing their direction. In case of simultaneous reallocation of parallel running transportation means a driver of the transportation mean running from the left hand should yield.

40. A driver should occupy in advance the corresponding edge traffic lane of the route intended for the given direction before the turn or U-turn, except for the cases when:

1) he enters a roundabout junction,

2) it is allowed to make it also from the other lanes by road signs or line markings,

3) he is not able to make it because of the dimensions of a transportation mean or any other reasons.

If tram lines of the parallel direction are available on the same plane from the left of the direction parallel to the route, then left turn and U-turn are made from those lines if another traffic regulation is not foreseen by 1.18 line marking and the following signs: 5.15.1 Traffic Directions by Lanes, 5.15.2 Traffic Directions by Lane. In that case no hindrance must be created for a tram.

41. A turn must be made so that the transportation mean should not appear on the oncoming traffic side when leaving the route intersection. During the right turn a transportation mean should run as close to the right edge of the route as possible.

42. A turn towards the road with reversible traffic must be made so that a transportation mean should appear on the right edge lane when leaving the route intersections. The reallocation is permitted during it if the driver is confident that the traffic in the given direction is permitted also on the other lanes.

43. If a driver of a transportation mean does not have an opportunity either of making a turn or U-turn because of its dimensions without breaking the requirements of clause 40 of the rules, then it is allowed, by provision of the traffic safety at the same time, not to follow them without being a hindrance for the other transportation means.

44. When making a left turn or U-turn out of the crossroads, a driver of motor transportation mean should yield the right-of-way to the oncoming transportation means and parallel running tram. But if the driver makes the turn or U-turn out of an edge lane because of its insufficiency in width, he must yield also to the parallel running transportation means.

45. In case when the routes of the transportation means are intersected and the crossing order is not defined by the rules, that driver has to yield the right-of-way whom a transportation mean is approaching from the left.

46. If the oncoming traffic is heavy, a driver having a hindrance ahead should yield the right-of-way. Regardless of the hindrance disposition the driver running in the downhill direction by the longitudinal road with the following signs – 1.13 Steep Downhill and 1.14 Steep Uphill – should yield.

47. A driver with the intention of entering the braking zone should be reallocated at the zone in advance and then only slow down. At the place of entering the road if the speeding-up path is available, a driver should keep on driving on it and be reallocated to the neighboring lane yielding to the running transportation means.

48. A backing of transportation means is permitted if it is safe and does not create any hindrance for the other participants of the traffic. А driver may have resort to the others, if necessary.

49. A backing is prohibited on the crossroads, at exiting the adjoining territory and at the places listed in clause 50.

50. A U-turn is forbidden:

1) on pedestrian crossings,

2) in tunnels,

3) on bridges, overbridges, overpasses and under them,

4) on railway crossings,

5) at the places where visibility is less than over 100 m even in one direction,

6) on those sections of the route, where general transportation means stops are available,

7) on one-way traffic roads.

51. The number of traffic lanes for motor transportation means is determined by the line markings or by the following signs: 5.15.1 Traffic directions by lanes, 5.15.2 Traffic directions by lane, 5.15.7 Traffic direction by lanes and 5.15.8 Number of lanes, but in case they are absent – by drivers, taking into account the width of the route, transportation means dimensions and the necessary distance between them.

52. In case of line marking absence on two-way traffic roads the left half of the route width is considered to be the side of the oncoming one, let alone the broadenings of the route (speeding-up and deceleration paths, broadenings for general transportation means stop, etc.)

53. It is forbidden to enter the side intended for the road with oncoming traffic on two-way traffic roads with four and more lanes.

54. On two-way traffic roads with three lanes and line markings (except for 1.9 line marking), where the middle one is used in two traffic directions, it is permitted to enter the lane only for overtaking, bypass, left turn or U-turn. It is prohibited to enter the left edge lane which is intended for oncoming traffic only.

55. In or out of dwelling zones with signs 5.1 Motorway and 5.3 Automobiles Road or where it is permitted to speed over 80 kmh, drivers should run their transportation means as close to the route right edge as possible. In this case it is prohibited to occupy left lanes of the traffic if free right side lanes are available.

56. Taking into consideration the requirements of article 24, part 8 of the Traffic Safety Law of the RA and clauses 55, 57-58, 63, 116 of the Rules, drivers of the transportation means are able to run on the preferred traffic lane at dwelling zones. During a heavy traffic when all the lanes are occupied, it is permitted to change them before the left and right turns, U-turns, hindrance bypass or stop.

57. During a heavy traffic only, in case if the rest of the lanes are occupied, it is permitted to occupy the left edge lane on all the roads if three or more lanes of the same traffic direction are available, as well as during the overtaking, left turn or U-turn; auto trucks with more than 3,5 t permitted freight and transportation means realizing regular transportations of passengers may also occupy the left edge lane only for making left turn or U-turn. The entrance to the left edge lane for stopping and parking on one-way traffic roads is realized according to clause 79 of the rules.

58. Transportation means, being unable to speed over 40 kmh or to develop such a velocity because of their technical disrepairs, have to move by the right edge lane except for the cases of bypass, overtaking or reallocation before making a turn, U-turn or stopping on the left side, if it is permitted.

59. It is permitted to run along the tramways of parallel direction located on the left side of the given traffic direction, if all the lanes of the mentioned direction are occupied, as well as in cases of overtaking, bypassing a hindrance, making left turn or U-turn, taking into account clause 40 of the rules. Moreover, no hindrance must be created for the tram. If the signs 5.15.1 Traffic Directions by Lanes and 5.15.2 Traffic Directions by Lane are posted before the crossroads, traffic along the tramways is prohibited on it. It is also prohibited to run on the tramways by oncoming direction.

60. If the route is divided into lanes by line markings, then the traffic of transportation means should be realized by marked lanes. It is permitted to intersect the broken lines only when reallocating.

61. The traffic of transportation means is prohibited on the roadsides, pavements and pedestrian paths, except for the cases of mopeds, bicycles or animals-drawn carts (sleigh) running on the roadsides, on the assumption of not putting an obstacle in pedestrians’ way, as well as the cases of pack animals driven on the roadsides and the ones designated by clause 78 of the rules. In case of the absence of another possibility, traffic is permitted for road and public servicing vehicles; transportation means, catering trade posts and other facilities located immediately on the roadsides, pavements or pedestrian paths, are permitted to approach them by shortcut, providing traffic safety.

62. In order to avoid the possibility of collision with other transportation means, a driver should keep to the appropriate distance with the vehicle running in front of him and to the side interval – with the one running aside.

63. On two-way traffic roads with one lane for each direction out of dwelling zones drivers of transportation means, having a length more than 7 m or speed limit, should provide a distance necessary for the drivers of overtaking transportation means running ahead of them to reallocate to the previously occupied lane with ease, when necessary. This rule is no longer valid for the roads with No Overtaking sign, as well as during a heavy traffic and traffic with an organized column of transportation means.

64. On two-way traffic road, if a dividing line is absent, safety islands, stands and road constructions (supporting columns of bridges, overbridges, etc.) located along the route should be bypassed by a driver.

65. A driver should not break speed limit when running a car, taking into consideration traffic intensity and the state and peculiarities of the transportation mean and freight, as well as road and weather conditions – particularly road surface condition and traffic direction visibility.

66. A driver should choose such a speed which gives him an opportunity of providing a full control of the transportation mean according to the requirements of the rules.

67. In case of causing a hindrance or hazard for the traffic, a driver should take measures for slowing down and even stopping the transportation mean, if necessary. Bypass is permitted in this case if the driver is confident it is safe for the other participants of the traffic.

68. The speed of transportation means traffic at the dwelling zones should be no more than 60 kmh and no more than 20 kmh – on the entrance and exit of the territories where there are 5.21 Dwelling Zone and 5.22 Dwelling Zone End signs, as well as yard areas.

69. Out of dwelling zones it is permitted to run at a speed of:

1) no more than 90 kmh for passenger vehicles and auto trucks with more than 3,5 t permitted freight (on the highways – with no more than 110 kmh);

2) no more than 90 kmh for interurban buses, minibuses and motorcycles on all the roads;

3) no more than 70 kmh for the rest types of the buses, passenger cars when towing a trailer and auto trucks with more than 3,5 t permitted freight (on the highways – with no more than 90 kmh).

70. A speed higher than the maximum determined traffic speed can be permitted in and out of the dwelling zones on the separate sections of the roads with the application of 3.24 Maximum Speed Limit sign.

71. It is permitted to run at a speed of:

1) no more than 60 kmh for auto trucks transporting people in the body and vehicles transporting an organized groups of children;

2) no more than 50 kmh for the mechanical transportation means towing other vehicles.

72. A driver is prohibited:

1) to exceed the maximum speed defined by the performance of the given transportation mean;

2) to exceed the maximum speed provided by the Speed Limit sign posted on the transportation mean;

3) to exceed the speed determined by the conditions of transportation agreement when transporting oversize, heavy and hazardous load;

4) to drive at a low speed without a necessity, hindering other transportation means traffic;

5) to brake sharply, if it is not necessary for averting a traffic accident.

73. Before overtaking a driver should be confident:

1) that the oncoming traffic lane, he is going to occupy, has enough free space for overtaking without hindering the oncoming transportation means;

2) that the transportation mean, running on the same lane behind, does not start overtaking, and the one, running before, does not give a signal for overtaking (left turn, U-turn);

3) that at finishing the overtaking, he is able to go back to the previously occupied lane, without hindering the overtaken transportation mean.

74. It is permitted to overtake a motor transportation mean from the left only. Nevertheless, if a driver of the transportation mean running ahead gave a signal of the left turn and started a maneuvering, then it may be overtaken from the right.

75. The driver of the overtaken transportation mean is prohibited to hinder the overtaking by speeding or by any other actions.

76. If it is difficult to overtake a slow-moving transportation mean with large dimensions out of dwelling zones, then its driver (when accompanied – also a driver of an accompanying vehicle) should run as close to the right side as possible, or stop and let the drivers of behind running transportation means run, if necessary.

77. The overtaking is prohibited:

1) on the crossroads,

2) on the pedestrian crossings,

3) on the railway crossings and up to 100 m before them,

4) to the transportation means, overtaking and bypassing hindrances,

5) in the tunnels and narrow spots,

6) to the transportation mean with blue beacon light and special sound signal switched on,

7) to the transportation means with red and blue beacon lights and special sound signal switched on, as well as to the vehicles accompanied by them,

8) at the end of the uphill and on the road sections with limited visibility, when the overtaking is made by entering the oncoming traffic lane.

78. The stop and the parking of transportation means are permitted on the right side of the road – alongside the pavement or on the roadsides, in case of their absence – on the route edge, as well as on the pavements in cases provided by clauses 80 and 81 of the rules.

79. The stop and the parking is permitted at the dwelling zones on the left side of the route:

1) on the roads having one traffic lane in each direction and no tramways in the middle,

2) on one-way traffic roads (auto trucks with more than 3,5 t permitted freight are allowed only to stop for loading or unloading and picking up or dropping off passengers).

80. It is permitted to park a transportation mean by a row parallel to the route edge, except for the places (local broadening of route) where other types of transportation means parking are permitted by line markings. Two-wheel transportation means without a side trailer are permitted to be parked by two rows.

81. Only passenger vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles are permitted to park alongside the route adjacent curb if 6.4 Parking Lot and 8.6.2, 8.6.3, 8.6.6-8.6.9 Parking Type of Transportation Mean on Parking Lots signs are available.

82. It is permitted to park transportation means out of dwelling zones with the purpose of long-term rest or overnight stay, etc. either at the areas intended for it or out of road borders.

83. In case of forced stopping in place with No Stopping sign, after following the requirements of clauses 22 and 23 of the rules, a driver should take all the necessary measures to withdraw the transportation mean of the mentioned place.

84. The stop is prohibited:

1) on tramways and immediately alongside them, if it is hindering trams running;

2) on railway crossings, in tunnels, as well as on overpasses, bridges, overbridges and under them;

3) at the places where the distance between the stopped transportation mean and either centre strip (except for the one pointing the rout edge out), dividing line or the edge of the route opposite side is less than 3 m;

4) on pedestrian crossings and up to 5 m before them;

5) on the route – alongside the hazardous road turns and protuberant breakings of longitudinal road profile where visibility is less than 100 m at least in one direction;

6) on the crossroads – on intersections of route and at places less than 5 m from the intersected route edge, except for the sides (in front of the side having no extension) separated by centre strip of the tripartite intersection of route sections or dividing line;

7) within 15 m from the stops of general transportation means with 1.17 line marking and in case of its absence from the indicating signs of general transportation means stops or taxi parking lots, except for the stops for picking up and dropping off passengers, if it does not hinder traffic of general transportation means and taxi;

8) at places where transportation mean does not permit traffic participants to see the signals of traffic lights, traffic signs, or it hinders traffic of other transportation means and pedestrians.

85. The stop of general transportation means is prohibited also out of the stop territories of general transportation means, except for the cases of forced stop.

86. Parking is prohibited:

1) at places with No Stopping sign;

2) out of dwelling zones – on the route of the roads with the signs 2.1 Thoroughfare;

3) within 50 m from railway crossings.

87. By making right or left turn when leaving the crossroads, a driver should yield the right-of-way to the pedestrians intersecting the route and bicyclists riding along a bicycle lane.

88. It is prohibited to enter the crossroads if traffic congestion has arisen there, making a driver stop there and hindering the traffic of other transportation means.

Signaled crossings

89. The crossroads where traffic order is determined by signals of controller or traffic lights are considered to be signaled crossroads.

90. When making left turn or U-turn in case of traffic lights green signal, a driver of motor transportation mean should yield to the one running straight or to the left from the oncoming direction. Tram drivers also should be guided by the same rule.

91. A driver, running in the direction of an additional section arrow switched on simultaneously with red or yellow signals of traffic lights, should yield to the transportation means running from other directions.

92. If signals of either controller or traffic lights allow simultaneous traffic of tram and motor transportation means, then the tram has an advantage, regardless of traffic direction. Nevertheless, in case of running in the direction of an additional section arrow switched on simultaneously with red or yellow signals of traffic lights, a driver of a tram should yield to the transportation means approaching from other directions.

93. In case if a permitting signal of traffic lights is on, a driver who entered the crossroads, should leave it in preferred direction regardless of traffic light signal, though, if there is 1.12 Stop line (or 6.16 Stop line signs) marking before the traffic lights situated in the direction of transportation mean running on the crossroads, he should be guided by signals of each traffic lights.

94. A driver should yield to the pedestrians and transportation means not finishing crossroads transition and route intersection yet, even if permitting signal of traffic lights has already been switched on.

Unsupervised crossings

95. The crossroads, where there are no traffic lights or controller, traffic lights are out of order or yellow flashing signal is on, are considered to be unsupervised.

96. The driver of a transportation mean, approaching the crossing of irregular roads by the secondary one, should yield to the transportation means running along the thoroughfare regardless of their further direction.

97. If the thoroughfare changes its direction on the crossroads, the drivers of the transportation means running along it should be guided by the rules of passing the equivalent roads of crossings. Drivers of the transportation means running along the secondary roads also should be guided by the same rules.

98. A driver of motor transportation mean on the equivalent roads crossing should yield right-of-way to the drivers of transportation means approaching from the left. Drivers of the trams also should be guided by the same rules. A tram has an advantage towards the motor transportation means on the above mentioned crossroad regardless of traffic direction.

99. When making left turn or U-turn, a driver of motor transportation mean should yield to the ones running straight or right from the oncoming direction by the equivalent road.

100. A tram has an advantage on the unsupervised crossroad towards the motor transportation means running in parallel or oncoming directions by an equivalent road, regardless of traffic direction.

101. If a driver cannot make the road surface out (whether it is snowy or muddy during the hours of darkness), and there are no advantage signs around, then he is considered to be on the secondary road.

102. The concepts of controlled and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings are cognate with the ones of signaled and unsupervised crossroads defined by clauses 89 and 95 of the rules.

103. A driver of a transportation mean should yield to the pedestrians intersecting the route by unregulated pedestrian crossing.

104. If any transportation mean slowed down or stopped before the uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, drivers of the transportation means running along the neighboring lanes may keep on running only after being confident there are no pedestrians before the mentioned transportation mean.

105. After permitting signal of traffic lights on the controlled pedestrian crossings is switched on, a driver should give the pedestrians an opportunity to finish the intersection of the route in preferred direction.

106. In case of traffic congestion after pedestrian crossing it is prohibited to enter it again, if it makes driver to stop on the pedestrian crossing.

107. A driver should everywhere yield to blind pedestrians, intersecting the route, as well as out of pedestrian crossings.

108. Blind pedestrians give а signal about their actions by a white cane.

109. Drivers of transportation means may intersect the rails only by railway crossing, yielding right-of-way to a train (locomotive, trolley).

110. Approaching the railway crossing a driver should follow the instructions of its shiftman, the requirements of line markings, signs and traffic lights, controlling traffic on the railway crossings and toll bar position, being confident that no train (locomotive, trolley) is approaching the railway crossing.

111. In case when traffic is prohibited on the railway crossing, a driver should stop alongside 1.12 Stop Line, 2.5 No Traffic without Stop sign or traffic lights, if they are absent – no less than 5 m away from the toll bar, and in case if there is also no toll bar – no less than 10 m away from the nearest rails.

112. In case of a forced stop on the railway crossing a driver should:

1) drop off the passengers immediately and take measures for leaving the railway crossing;

2) if possible, to ask at least two passengers to stay on the distance of 100 m from the railway crossing along the line (if one passenger is asked, then he should stay where the visibility is poor), explaining to them the rules of the stop signals given by the engine-driver of an approaching train;

3) remain by the transportation mean and set a general alarm;

4) go towards a train when noticing it by giving a signal of stop (alarm).

A combination of one long and three short sound signals given one after another is considered to be a general alarm, and a circular hand gesture is accepted as a stop (alarm) signal (by a vivid rag or any visible object at daytime and by a torch or lantern – at nighttime).

113. A driver is prohibited to enter the railway crossing in cases of:

1) dropped or dropping toll bar (regardless of traffic light signal);

2) prohibitory signal of traffic lights (regardless of toll bar availability and position);

3) when a traffic congestion has arisen after the railway crossing, making the driver stop on it;

4) if a train (locomotive, trolley) is approaching the railway crossing within the visibility limits;

5) prohibitory signal of railway crossing shiftman.

The position of the railway crossing shiftman standing towards a driver with his breast or back, a baton, a red lantern light, an upward flag or aside directed hands is considered to be a prohibitory signal of the shiftman.

114. Besides, driver is also prohibited :

1) to bypass transportation means stopped before the railway crossing by entering the oncoming traffic lane;

2) to lift the toll bar by himself;

3) to transport road, construction, agricultural and other machinery in non-transporting condition along the railway crossing;

4) to run by slow-moving vehicles at a speed of lower than 8 kmh along the railway crossing without a permission of the railway station master and to tow tractor mounted buck-rakes.

115. A highway is a road situated on the zone of 5.1 Highway sign, having no intersections or adjacency on the same level with other roads, railway or tram lines, pedestrian crossings or bicycle lanes and not operating on the road adjacent territories, and where oncoming traffic lanes are separated by dividing line or road fence. The beginning and the end of the road considered to be a highway are marked with the following signs: 5.1 Highway and 5.2 Highway End.

116. The following is prohibited on highways:

1) pedestrian traffic and driving of pack animals;

2) the traffic of bicycles, mopeds, trailers, tractors, self-propelled machines and those transportation means the speed of which does not exceed 40 kmh on the basis of performance and conditions;

3) the traffic of auto trucks with more than 3,5 t permitted freight along the lane located leftward from the second one;

4) the stop out of the special parking lots with the following signs: 6.4 Parking Lot and 7.11 Rest Area;

5) the U-turn and entrance to the technology gaps of dividing line, except for the transportation means realizing road maintenance and cleaning;

6) backing;

7) educational driving.

117. The requirements of the given section are applied also to the roads with 5.3 Road for Automobiles sign.

118. A dwelling zone is a territory lined with buildings the entrance and exit of which are marked by the following road signs: 5.21 Dwelling zone and 5.22 The End of Dwelling Zone.

119. The pedestrian traffic at the dwelling zone is permitted both on the pavements and the route. Pedestrians have an advantage at the dwelling zone, though they must not hinder transportation means traffic in vain.

120. When leaving dwelling zone, drivers should yield right-of-way to other participants.

121. The following is prohibited at dwelling zones:

1) educational driving;

2) through traffic;

3) parking by functioning motor;

4) parking of buses (except for minibuses) and auto trucks with more than 3,5 t permitted freight out of the places with signs and (or) line markings intended for it.

122. The requirements of the given section apply also applied to those yard areas which are not marked with 5.21 Dwelling Zone road sign but are covered with dwelling houses.

123. A tram has an advantage towards the motor transportation means out of crossroads where tram lines intersect the route, except for the case it is leaving depot.

124. The traffic of other transportation means and the stop are prohibited on the lane intended for general transportation means and marked by following signs: 5.14. General Transportation Means Zone, 5.11 Road with a Lane for General Transportation Means, 5.13.1 and 5.13.2 Exit to the Road with Lane for General Transportation Means. If the lane is separated from the rest of the route by а general line marking, then the transportation means have to relocate to the mentioned lane, when making a turn. When entering the road, it is permitted also to enter the lane in such places for picking up and dropping off the passengers, provided that it will not create a hindrance for the general transportation means on that lane.

125. At dwelling zones drivers should yield to the trolleybuses and buses starting from the signed stops whose drivers in turn may start only after being confident they are yielded right-of-way.

126. Drivers should yield to pedestrians moving away (from the doors) or approaching the general transportation mean parked on the stop for general transportation means, if the picking up and dropping off take place on the route or stop platform situated on it.

127. The following light devices should be switched on at nighttime and in poor visibility conditions regardless of the road illumination, as well as on the transportation means running through a tunnel:

1) auxiliary and far-reaching headlights on all the mechanical transportation means and mopeds, small or big headlights – on bicycles and small headlights – on animal-drawn carts (if available);

2) fender lights – on the trailers and towed mechanical transportation means.

128. A driver should dim his headlights:

1) at dwelling zones provided that the road is illuminated;

2) at a distance of no less than 150 m from oncoming transportation mean, and if a driver of oncoming transportation mean informs about such a necessity by dimming headlights periodically – then at a further distance;

3) in any other cases – to avoid the possibility of dazzling drivers of oncoming and parallel running transportation means.

129. In case of being dazzled a driver should switch on an emergency light signal and slow down, without changing traffic lane, or stop, if necessary.

130. Fender lights of transportation mean should be switched on in case of stop or parking on the unlit parts of the road at nighttime, as well as under poor visibility conditions. Under poor visibility conditions an auxiliary headlights, fog head-lights and back fog head-lights can also be switched on along with the fender lights.

131. Back fog head-lights may be used only under poor visibility conditions.

132. Fog head-lights may be used:

1) at nighttime on the unlit parts of the road along with the auxiliary and far-reaching headlights;

2) under poor visibility conditions – separately, as well as along with the auxiliary and far-reaching headlights;

3) instead of the auxiliary headlight in cases provided by clause 133 of the rules.

133. In order to point out a transportation mean running at daytime, an auxiliary headlight of the following vehicles and cases should be switched on:

1) motorcycles and mopeds;

2) when running along an organized column of transportation means;

3) general transportation means running along special separated lane in oncoming direction towards the main flow;

4) when transporting organized groups of children;

5) when transporting oversize, heavy and hazardous load;

6) when towing mechanical transportation means (on the towing one).

134. Searchlights are permitted to use out of dwelling zones only in case of oncoming transportation means absence. At dwelling zones such spotlights can be used only by drivers of transportation means with blue or red and red beacon lights and special sound signals, when fulfilling service tasks.

135. An Articulated Lorry recognition sign of the running articulated lorry should be switched on, and taking into account the requirements of clause 130 of the rules – also when parking and stopping at nighttime and under poor visibility conditions.

136. Sound signals can be applied only:

1) for warning other drivers about an intention of overtaking out of dwelling zones;

2) in cases when it is necessary to prevent traffic accident.

137. In order to warn about an overtaking a light signal can be given instead of a sound one (or along with it) which is a periodical switching off and on of the headlights at daytime and dimming – at nighttime.

138. Towing by rigid or flexible hitch should be realized in presence of a driver at the wheel of the towed transportation mean, except for the cases when rigid hitch construction provides the running of the towed transportation mean along the trajectory of the towing one during the rectilinear traffic.

139. The transportation of people by towed bus, trolley bus and in truck body is prohibited during the towing by rigid or flexible hitch. It is prohibited to transport people in passenger compartment and body of both towed and towing transportation means, when towing by means of partial loading.

140. A distance from 4-6 m should be provided between towing and towed transportation means during towing by flexible hitch and no more than 4 m – during towing by rigid hitch.

141. In order to make a flexible interlink more visible during mechanical transportation means towing, it should be supplemented with warning appliances which are flags or signboards with red and white diagonal alternate stripes of 50 mm breadthways or with a retro-reflecting surface of 200 x 200 mm. At least two warning appliances should be fixed on the flexible interlink.

142. The construction of rigid hitch should meet the requirements of standards.

143. It is prohibited to tow:

1) two and more mechanical transportation means;

2) by means of motorcycles without side trailer or those motorcycles;

3) by flexible hitch along the ice-covered ground;

4) transportation means the windshield wipers of which are out of order in case when the towed transportation mean is driven by a driver;

5) transportation means the steering control of which does not function (except for the cases of towing by means of partial loading);

6) transportation means, braking systems of which do

7) not function and the actual mass exceeds the half of the one of towing vehicle. In case if the actual mass of the towed transportation mean is less than the half of the one of towing vehicle, towing only by means of rigid hitch or partial loading can be realized.

144. Braking and steering control systems, not allowing a driver to change running direction or to stop the transportation mean even during low-speed running, are considered to be inoperative according to subclauses 5 and 6 of the rules 143 clause.

145. The initial drive learning should be realized in closed areas and automobile racetracks.

146. Educational driving on the roads is permitted with trainer only and in case if a trainee has enough driving skills. The trainee should know and be able to follow the requirements of the rules.

147. Private trainer should have a license for driving transportation means of the given class.

148. It is permitted to learn automobile and motorcycle driving at least from the age of 16.

149. Educational driving is permitted on the roads determined by local governments (by mayor – in Yerevan).

150. It is permitted to transport up to 8 passengers by C class transportation means (auto trucks) and more than 8 passengers – if a driver has a driving license for D, DE or D1, D1E class transportation means.

151. Before starting the driver of an automobile truck should instruct the passengers in the order of taking seats, locating in the truck body and dropping off. It is permitted to start only after being confident that all the conditions for people’s safe transportation are provided.

152. The number of people should not exceed the number of equipped seats in the truck body as well as in the passenger compartments of the buses transporting organized groups of children or realizing interurban or tour routes.

153. It is permitted to transport people in the truck body with side platform if it is equipped with seats fixed not lower than 0,3 m from the upwardmost side and 0,3-0,5 m higher from the bottom. Seats fixed lengthwise back part and sides should have firm seat-backs.

154. Only people with load or leaving to get it are permitted to be in the body of running trucks with a side platform and no seats for passengers’ transportation on condition that they are provided with the seats foreseen by pint 153 of the rules.

155. When transporting groups of children by buses or box body automobile trucks at least one adult should accompany them and at least two adults – when transporting by the truck body with side platform. Those transportation means should be marked with Children Transportation recognition sign from the front and behind.

156. Drivers should slow down when approaching stopped transportation mean marked with Children Transportation recognition sign, or stop to provide an unimpeded way for children, if necessary.

157. A driver should start only after closing doors and keep them closed before the full stop of the transportation mean after which only give passengers an opportunity to get in or off.

158. It is prohibited to transport people:

1) out of the cab of automobiles (except for the body of trucks with a side platform and box bodies), tractors and other self-propelled automobiles, in cargo trailers, camping trailers, motorcars body and out of seats provided by motorcycle structure;

2) the number of which exceeds the one provided by the performance of the transportation mean;

159. It is prohibited to transport children up to the age of 12:

1) in the truck body (except for the cases provided by clause 155 of the rules);

2) on the back seat of motorcycle;

3) in passenger cars:

a) on the front seat, if it is not equipped with a special child holding arrangement;

b) on the back seat by means of accommodated accessories (such as a pillow, etc.) and with unfastened safety belts provided by the structure of transportation mean .

160. The mass of transported freight and distribution of loading according to axes must not exceed the sizes defined for the given transportation mean by the manufacturing company.

161. A driver should keep watch over the freight condition, stowage and fastening, before starting and during running to avoid the possibility of freight falling and creating a hindrance for traffic by any other way.

162. In case of transcending either front and back dimensions of the transportation mean on 1 m or the side – more than on 0,4 m from the outer border of the fender light, the freight should be marked with Oversize Load recognition sign at daytime and at nighttime or poor visibility conditions – by white headlights or retro-reflector from the front and by red headlights or retro-reflector – from the back.

163. Traffic of articulated lorries with two or more trailers and transportation means with freight, transcending back dimensions on more than 2 m, is regulated by special rules in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, as well as traffic of transportation means:

1) which transport heavy and hazardous loads;

2) which are run along with two or more trailers of an articulated lorry;

3) dimensions of which (or at least one of them) either with freight or without, exceed:

a) 2,55 m breadthwise (2,6 m – in case of transportation means with isothermal or refrigerator body),

b) 12 m lengthwise and 20 m – in case of one trailer (semitrailer),

c) 4 m in height (from traffic surface).

164. The transportation of freight is prohibited if it:

1) restricts driver’s range of vision;

2) makes control of transportation mean difficult and weakens stability;

3) covers outward light devices and retro-reflectors, number plates or recognition signs, as well as prevents the perception of the given gestures;

4) causes noise, raises dust and pollutes roads and environment.

165. If it is not possible to transport freight according to requirements of the rules because of its condition and stowage, a driver should take measures not to break the rules or stop further running.

166. Traffic signs, line markings and their numbering correspond to standards.

167. Traffic signs are divided into 8 groups:

1) warning signs,

2) priority signs,

3) prohibitory signs,

4) mandatory signs,

5) special regulation signs,

6) information signs,

7) service signs,

8) additional panels.

168. Traffic line markings are applied either separately or along with traffic signs and lights.

169. Traffic line markings are divided into two groups:

1) horizontal,

2) vertical.

170. Horizontal line markings are lines, arrows, inscriptions and other markings on the route determining a definite traffic regime and order. Horizontal line markings can be:

1) permanent, white coloured, except for:

a. the lines 1.4, 1.10, 1.14.1 и 1.14.2, which are yellow coloured
b. the line 1.17, which is red coloured

2) temporary, orange coloured.

Permanent line markings are white (except for 1.4, 1.10 and 17 line markings which are yellow) and temporary ones are orange.

171. Vertical line marking is the combination of black and white stripes on the road construction and its pieces of equipment showing its dimensions and helping to orientate visually.

172. If the requirements of permanent signs contradict the ones of temporary signs fixed on mobile posts, participants of the traffic should follow temporary signs.

173. If the requirements of traffic lights signals contradict the ones of priority signs, drivers should follow traffic lights signals.

174. If line marking requirements contradict the ones of temporary signs fixed on mobile posts, participants of the traffic should follow them. If the requirements of temporary and permanent line markings contradict each other, drivers should follow the requirements of temporary one.

175. Recognition signs should be fixed or imaged on the transportation means, if necessary. It is obligatory for all the recognition signs to be fixed if the signed circumstances are available, except for Physician and Disabled Persons recognition signs which are fixed at driver’s will.