10.18. Which driver violated the Traffic Rules by making a U-turn?
UAХто з водіїв порушив Правила дорожнього руху, виконавши розворот?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe execution of maneuvers and the choice of location for making a U-turn. Such situations often occur in areas with increased risk, where engineering structures limit visibility and maneuvering possibilities, so the correct application of traffic rules directly affects the safety of the driver and other road users.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules on maneuvering, specifically item 10.7 (subparagraph "b"), which establishes a direct prohibition on making U-turns on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, and underneath them. For a correct answer, it is important to understand that such a structure is defined by the terms in item 1.10, and the boundaries of the structure matter: if the vehicle is directly on the overpass or flyover, the very act of making a U-turn is already a violation, regardless of the presence or absence of additional signs.
The analysis of the options in this theoretical exam comes down to the location of the maneuver: the driver of the blue car makes a U-turn within the boundaries of the engineering structure, and thus falls under the prohibition of item 10.7 "b". The driver of the green car makes a U-turn already outside the boundaries of the overpass/flyover; according to the conditions, it is not visible that he is "under" the structure, and there are no signs of additional prohibition (markings or signs), so his actions are not subject to this item. The practical conclusion for learning: before making a maneuver, always determine whether you are on a bridge, flyover, or overpass (or underneath them), as this is one of the unconditional prohibitions on U-turns in the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 10.7 (subclause "b")
U-turns are prohibited: b) on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, and under them.
This subclause directly prohibits making a U-turn within such engineering structures (and under them). That is why the U-turn by the blue car, which is located on an overpass/flyover, is a violation.
Clause 1.10 (term "Bridge")
Bridge — a structure designed for movement across a river, ravine, or other obstacles, the boundaries of which are the beginning and end of the span structures.
Knowledge of this definition is necessary to correctly determine whether a section of the road is a "bridge" in the sense of the Traffic Rules, where the prohibition from clause 10.7 "b" applies.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overpass")
Overpass — an engineering structure of the bridge type over another road (railway) at their intersection, which provides movement on different levels and allows exit onto another road.
This definition is needed to identify the structure in the image as an "overpass," on which a U-turn is prohibited by clause 10.7 "b".
Clause 1.10 (term "Flyover")
Flyover — an engineering structure for the movement of vehicles and/or pedestrians, raising one road above another at their intersection, as well as for creating a road at a certain height, which does not have exits onto another road.
This definition is needed to distinguish a flyover from other structures and to apply the U-turn prohibition from clause 10.7 "b" specifically "on a flyover."
Therefore, the correct answer is "The driver of the blue car," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a U-turn on bridges/overpasses/flyovers (and under them) is directly prohibited by clause 10.7 "b", and the blue car is making a U-turn directly on such a structure.
When performing a U-turn, the driver must take into account not only the general safety requirements but also the direct prohibitions established by the Traffic Rules. One such prohibition is the restriction on the locations where a U-turn is allowed at all.
According to clause 10.7 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, U-turns are prohibited on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, and underneath them. The image shows an engineering structure of the bridge type (flyover or overpass), that is, a place that directly falls under this prohibition.
The blue car is making a U-turn directly on this structure, that is, on the flyover/overpass. In such a situation, the very fact of performing the maneuver in a prohibited place is already a violation of clause 10.7 (b), regardless of whether the driver interferes with others or whether there are additional signs.
The green car, on the contrary, has already left the structure and is making a U-turn outside of it. According to the conditions, there are no indications that it is "under" the flyover, and there are also no signs or markings shown that would additionally prohibit a U-turn at this location. Therefore, the requirement of clause 10.7 (b) does not apply to it in this case.
Thus, the correct answer is "The driver of the blue car," since he performed a U-turn on a flyover/overpass, where this is directly prohibited by clause 10.7 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.