10.50. If there is a deceleration lane at the exit from the road, must the driver always reduce speed on it before turning onto another road?
UAЯкщо в місці з'їзду з дороги є смуга гальмування, чи завжди водій перед поворотом на іншу дорогу повинен знижувати швидкість на ній?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safe and predictable exiting from the road and the impact of the maneuver on the main traffic flow. When a driver reduces speed before turning in the general lane, they force other road users to brake sharply or change lanes dangerously, which increases the risk of accidents. That is why many road sections are equipped with acceleration-deceleration lanes, which help separate flows: some continue straight, others prepare to exit.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules on maneuvering, in particular the requirements of paragraph 10.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, as well as understanding of the term "deceleration lane" from paragraph 1.10. The logic of the rule is as follows: if a deceleration lane is present, the driver must change to it in advance and only then reduce speed to a safe level for turning. Informational and directional signs (in particular 5.20.1) and marking 1.8 often serve as guides, indicating where the separated lane for preparing to exit begins.
Analysis of the answer options in the theoretical traffic rules exam shows typical mistakes. The statement that it is allowed to brake not on the deceleration lane at "low speed" contradicts the direct requirement of paragraph 10.8: the presence of such a lane means it must be used. The option suggesting it is possible to reduce speed and turn from any lane is also incorrect, as it ignores the rule of timely occupying the appropriate position and creates obstacles for the main flow. The correct approach is "first change to the deceleration lane, then reduce speed," as this matches the purpose of the deceleration lane and the requirements of the traffic rules.
The practical significance of this rule is simple: following the correct sequence of actions reduces the risk of rear-end collisions, sudden lane changes, and conflicts in dense traffic. For students, this question is important not only for passing the exam, but also for real safety on highways, near intersections, exits, gas stations, and other places where deceleration lanes are created specifically for organized speed reduction outside the main carriageway.
Clause 10.8
Before turning right, left, or making a U-turn, the driver must in advance take the appropriate outermost position on the carriageway designated for movement in that direction, except in cases where the turn is made when entering an intersection with organized roundabout traffic, or when the direction of movement is determined by road signs or road markings. If there is a deceleration lane at the exit from the road, the driver intending to turn onto another road must timely move into this lane and reduce speed only on it.
This clause directly checks the rule: if there is a deceleration lane, speed must be reduced specifically on it, not in the main traffic lanes.
Clause 1.10 (term “Deceleration lane”)
Deceleration lane — a traffic lane intended for reducing the speed of vehicles exiting the road.
This definition explains the purpose of the deceleration lane and the logic behind the requirement in clause 10.8.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and indicative signs”, sign 5.20.1 “Start of additional traffic lane”
Indicates the start of an additional traffic lane (including transition-speed lanes — acceleration/deceleration lanes) in the direction of travel.
The sign is used to inform the driver that an additional lane appears, onto which one should timely move (including for deceleration before an exit).
Clause 34.1 — 34 “Road markings”, 1 “Horizontal markings”, marking 1.8
Marking 1.8 indicates the boundary between the main carriageway and the acceleration or deceleration lane.
It shows the place where the transition-speed lane is separated, onto which the driver must move to reduce speed.
That is, the correct answer is: “Must timely move into this lane and reduce speed only on it,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the deceleration lane is specifically intended for reducing speed when exiting, and clause 10.8 directly obliges deceleration only on it.
When you plan to exit the road or turn onto another road, the main task is to perform the maneuver in such a way as not to create obstacles for vehicles continuing straight ahead. That is why deceleration lanes may be arranged at exit points: they allow you to safely reduce speed outside the main traffic flow.
According to paragraph 10.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, if there is a deceleration lane at the exit, a driver intending to turn must change to this lane in advance. The logic of the rule is simple: first, you move to the separated lane, and only then do you reduce your speed to the required level for the turn.
Imagine a situation: you are driving in the right lane of a road with heavy traffic and suddenly start braking in the main lane before the exit. The cars behind are forced to sharply reduce their speed, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or dangerous lane changes to overtake. The presence of a deceleration lane solves this problem: you leave the main lane without reducing speed in the flow, and brake already in the specially designated area.
It is also important to understand the practical consequence of this rule: if a deceleration lane is provided, making a turn from other lanes is not allowed, since the Traffic Rules directly require you to use it to prepare for the exit. Therefore, speed reduction should not occur “where it is convenient,” but in the correct sequence: lane change — then braking.
Thus, the correct answer is "Must change to this lane in a timely manner and reduce speed only on it," since paragraph 10.8 of the Traffic Rules requires that if a deceleration lane is present, you must first occupy it so as not to slow down the main flow, and reduce speed already in this lane.