10.4. Is reversing allowed in tunnels if it is impossible to approach the object in any other way?
UAЧи дозволено рух заднім ходом у тунелях, якщо неможливо під'їхати до об'єкта іншим способом?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the understanding of where reversing maneuvers pose an increased danger to road traffic. In enclosed spaces such as tunnels, visibility and maneuvering options are limited, and drivers behind do not expect sudden movement against the flow. That is why such situations often cause traffic accidents and create critical risks for all road users.
In terms of content, this task belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding maneuvering, specifically to the requirements of paragraph 10.10 of the Traffic Rules. The theoretical exam emphasizes that 10.10 directly lists the places where reversing is prohibited without conditions or exceptions, and among them, tunnels as well as their entrances and exits are specifically named. At the same time, the wording about the "impossibility of approaching the object in another way" is an exception, but it applies only to one-way roads and does not extend to tunnels.
When comparing the options, the statement about the prohibition corresponds to the direct rule of paragraph 10.10 and reflects the unconditional restriction for tunnels. In contrast, the option that allows reversing due to the lack of another way to approach is incorrect: such a "concession" in the traffic rules is tied to a different situation (one-way traffic) and does not cancel the prohibition in a tunnel. In practice, the correct understanding of this rule helps to avoid dangerous decisions: in a tunnel, one should act so as not to create obstacles to the flow, and any maneuvers should be performed only in permitted places outside the tunnel zone.
Clause 10.10
It is prohibited to drive vehicles in reverse on motorways, roads for automobiles, railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, intersections, bridges, overpasses, flyovers, in tunnels, at their entrances and exits, as well as on road sections with limited visibility or insufficient visibility. Driving in reverse is allowed on one-way roads provided the requirements of clause 10.9 of these Rules are met and it is impossible to approach the object in any other way.
This clause directly establishes a prohibition on driving in reverse in tunnels and separately clarifies that the exception "if it is impossible to approach the object in any other way" applies only to one-way roads, not to tunnels.
Clause 10.9
When driving in reverse, the driver must not create danger or obstacles for other road users. If necessary, the driver must seek assistance from other persons.
This clause is mentioned in clause 10.10 as a condition for permitted (exceptional) reverse driving on one-way roads, but does not override the direct prohibition for tunnels.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that by definition, clause 10.10 of the Traffic Rules directly prohibits driving in reverse in tunnels, and the exception "if it is impossible to approach the object in any other way" applies only to one-way roads.
When a driver moves in reverse, they are essentially performing a maneuver that requires maximum visibility and the ability to quickly assess the situation behind. That is why the Traffic Rules strictly limit such actions in places where a mistake or sudden obstacle creates an increased risk of an accident.
Clause 10.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly prohibits reversing in a number of dangerous places, and among them, tunnels as well as their entrances and exits are specifically mentioned. That is, the very fact that you are in a tunnel automatically means: reversing there is not allowed.
An important nuance in the question is “if it is impossible to approach the object in any other way.” This condition is indeed mentioned in clause 10.10, but it applies to a different situation: one-way roads and only if safety requirements are met. This “exception” does not apply to tunnels, because for them an unconditional prohibition is established.
The logic behind this prohibition is simple: a tunnel is an enclosed space with limited visibility, often with heavy traffic flow and minimal opportunities for maneuvering. If one car starts reversing, other drivers may not expect it and may not have time to react, which is especially dangerous in conditions of limited visibility and a narrow traffic corridor. Even if the driver acts “carefully,” the maneuver itself creates an unpredictable obstacle for the flow.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since clause 10.10 of the Traffic Rules directly forbids reversing in tunnels regardless of the reasons, even if it is impossible to approach the object in any other way.