1.49. From which side is overtaking allowed on the carriageway?
UAЗ якого боку дозволено виконати випередження на проїзній частині?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns traffic safety in a flow and the interaction of vehicles on a multi-lane carriageway. In real conditions, vehicles move at different speeds, so a driver often finds themselves in a situation where one car is "going faster" than another in an adjacent lane. The key task of the traffic rules here is not "from which side," but to ensure that the maneuver does not create danger: it is necessary to control the lateral distance, speed, and the situation in adjacent lanes.
The question tests understanding of the terms from the "General Provisions" section of the Traffic Rules, in particular the definition of "overtaking" (point 1.10), as well as the requirement to maintain a safe distance (point 13.1). Overtaking in the Rules is defined as moving at a higher speed relative to a vehicle traveling in the same direction in an adjacent lane, and this adjacent lane can be either to the left or to the right. That is why it is important to remember for the theoretical exam: for overtaking, the decisive factor is the presence of an adjacent lane and safe conditions, not a fixed side of execution.
The options "only on the left" or "only on the right" are incorrect, because they unjustifiably restrict the maneuver where the traffic rules do not set such a limitation for overtaking (unlike passing, which involves entering the oncoming lane and has other requirements). The correct logic of the answer is based on the fact that overtaking can be done from either side within the adjacent lane, but only if a safe distance is maintained and the overall safety of the maneuver is ensured, which is exactly what this exam question checks.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — the movement of a vehicle at a speed exceeding the speed of a parallel vehicle moving in the adjacent lane.
Clause 1.10 (term “Passing”)
Passing — overtaking one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term “Traffic lane”)
Traffic lane — a longitudinal strip on the carriageway at least 2.75 m wide, which may be marked or unmarked by road markings and is intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles in a single row.
Clause 1.10 (term “Carriageway”)
Carriageway — the part of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term “Safe lateral clearance”)
Safe lateral clearance — the distance between the sides of moving vehicles, or between a vehicle and other objects, which ensures road safety.
Clause 13.1
The driver, depending on the speed, road conditions, cargo characteristics, and technical condition of the vehicle, must maintain a safe distance and safe lateral clearance.
That is, the correct answer is “From either side in the adjacent lane while maintaining a safe lateral clearance,” considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is performed relative to a parallel vehicle moving in the adjacent lane (and the adjacent lane may be either to the left or to the right), and at the same time the driver is required to maintain a safe lateral clearance.
When there are two or more lanes in one direction on the road, vehicles often move at different speeds. As a result, faster vehicles inevitably "catch up" with slower ones. To prevent traffic from slowing down and to avoid congestion, the Rules allow the overtaking maneuver.
To answer the question correctly, it is important to recall the definition from paragraph 1.10 of the Traffic Rules: overtaking is considered to be when your vehicle moves faster than a parallel vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane. The key point here is "in the adjacent lane" and that the definition does not tie overtaking to a specific side.
This means that overtaking is possible on the side where there is a free adjacent lane and where you can pass safely. For example, if a slower vehicle is driving on the right, you overtake it in the left lane. If the slower vehicle is on the left and moving more slowly there, and the right lane is free, you may overtake it on the right. In each case, the principle is the same: you are moving faster than the vehicle next to you in the neighboring lane.
At the same time, the decisive factor is not "left or right," but safety: you must maintain a safe distance so as not to create danger by getting too close while driving parallel, and perform the maneuver within your lane without risking others.
Therefore, the correct answer is "From either side in the adjacent lane while maintaining a safe distance," since the definition of "overtaking" in paragraph 1.10 of the Traffic Rules does not limit the side of the maneuver and allows overtaking through the adjacent lane provided it is safe.