10.26. In which location did the driver correctly perform a U-turn?
UAУ якому місці водій правильно виконав розворот?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe change of direction in an area of increased risk for pedestrians. Making a U-turn near a pedestrian crossing requires maximum attention, as the driver, during the maneuver, crosses lanes, changes trajectory, and may not notice a pedestrian stepping onto the crosswalk in time. That is why the traffic rules set clear restrictions to reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
The question tests knowledge of Section 10 "Starting to Move and Changing Direction" and the practical application of clause 10.7 (e) of the Traffic Rules: making a U-turn is prohibited on pedestrian crossings and within 10 meters of them on both sides (an exception is possible only for a permitted U-turn at an intersection). In the given situation, the correct option is the one where the maneuver is performed outside the crossing and outside the 10-meter prohibited zone, that is, at a sufficient distance for safe visibility and anticipation of pedestrian actions.
Analysis of the trajectories shows that in one case, the driver turns around directly on the pedestrian crossing, which is strictly prohibited, and in another, performs the maneuver too close to the crossing, not maintaining the minimum 10 meters. Only the trajectory that passes outside the crossing and outside the 10-meter zone complies with the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, so it is the correct one for the theoretical exam. In practice, this means: the maneuver should be planned so that the U-turn is completed before entering the prohibited zone, reducing speed in advance, assessing the situation, and giving priority to pedestrians.
Clause 10.7 (e) (Section 10 "Starting Movement and Changing Its Direction")
U-turns are prohibited: (e) at pedestrian crossings and within 10 m of them on both sides, except in cases where a U-turn is permitted at an intersection.
Brief application: in options B and C, the U-turn is performed at a pedestrian crossing or within 10 m of it, which is directly prohibited; at location A, the maneuver is performed outside the pedestrian crossing and outside the 10-meter zone, so it is allowed (provided that the general safety requirements for the maneuver are observed).
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian Crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway or an engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road. Pedestrian crossings are marked with road signs and/or road markings.
Brief application: the question checks the ability to identify the boundaries of a pedestrian crossing as the object from which the 10 m prohibited U-turn zone is measured.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginnings of the rounding of the edges of the carriageway of each road.
Brief application: the exception in clause 10.7 (e) ("except in cases where a U-turn is permitted at an intersection") refers specifically to U-turns within the intersection; in the given situation, the U-turn is assessed in relation to the pedestrian crossing outside this exceptional condition.
Thus, the correct answer is "At location A.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, making a U-turn is prohibited at a pedestrian crossing and within 10 m of it on both sides, and trajectory A passes outside this prohibited zone.
During a U-turn, the driver crosses traffic lanes and is focused on the maneuver’s trajectory for a certain period. Near a pedestrian crossing, this is especially risky because the likelihood of pedestrians appearing on the roadway is highest there, and the driver may not notice them in time.
That is why clause 10.7 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly prohibits making a U-turn on pedestrian crossings, as well as within 10 meters of them on both sides (the only exception is for permitted U-turns at intersections, but in this situation, the crossing is located outside the intersection, so the exception does not apply).
Let’s consider three options. At location B, the U-turn is made directly on the pedestrian crossing, which is clearly prohibited. At location V, the driver makes a U-turn within the 10-meter zone before or after the crossing, which also violates the Traffic Rules’ requirement for minimum distance.
At location A, the maneuver is performed at a sufficient distance from the crossing: the driver does not enter the prohibited 10-meter zone and does not create danger for pedestrians at the crossing.
Therefore, the correct answer is "At location A," since a U-turn is only allowed outside the pedestrian crossing and not closer than 10 meters from it, and this requirement is met only at location A.