The article deals with retrospective and prospective issues of providing pavement with increased crack resistance. A systematic analysis of regulatory documentation has been carried out in terms of diagnostics and certification of motor roads, assessment of the transport and operational condition of road surfaces. The conditions for the formation and development of various pavement defects, including longitudinal and transverse cracks and rutting, are considered and analyzed. The factors preceding the formation of longitudinal and transverse cracks are systematized, including taking into account the principles of landscape design. An assessment is made of the influence of road exposure on the crack resistance of coatings, their resistance to shear and rutting. A complex of field surveys and tests of road structures was carried out with strength measurement and fixation of the formation and development of transverse cracks in the areas of new construction, reconstruction and repair of highways. The authors have assessed the effectiveness of the device of modern coatings from crushed stone-mastic and cast asphalt mixtures. Recommendations are given to prevent the formation and reduce the development of cracks and rutting in road pavements, taking into account the peculiarities of the natural and climatic conditions of the automobile operation and the increase in traffic load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]