10.53. In which case may a driver make a turn at an intersection not from the extreme position?
UAУ якому випадку водій може виконати поворот на перехресті не з крайнього положення?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe execution of turns at intersections and the predictability of maneuvers for other road users. In most situations, a driver must make a turn from the appropriate extreme position in order not to cross unnecessary lanes and not to create conflicting trajectories. Adhering to this rule is the foundation of safety when passing through intersections and is often checked in the theoretical exam.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding maneuvering, specifically the requirements of points 10.4 and 10.6. According to the general rule (p. 10.4), the driver must take the extreme position in advance for turning, unless otherwise specified by signs or markings. However, p. 10.6 establishes an exception: deviation from the extreme position is allowed when the vehicle, due to its dimensions or for other reasons, cannot safely make a turn or U-turn from the standard position, and only if this does not contradict prohibitory or mandatory signs, road markings, and does not create danger or obstacles.
The analysis of the options comes down to the fact that the reason "cannot fit due to dimensions" is a legitimate basis for a wider trajectory (typically for a bus, truck, road train, or a passenger car with a trailer), but by itself does not cancel the requirements regarding signs, markings, and safety. Conversely, even if the maneuver can theoretically be performed wider without violating signs/markings, the driver has the right to do so only when there is an objective necessity (dimensions or other reasons, such as the configuration of the intersection), and he does not interfere with others. In practice, this means controlling "blind spots," yielding to those whose trajectory may intersect, and, if necessary, using the assistance of others to safely complete the maneuver.
Clause 10.4
Before turning right, left, or making a U-turn, the driver must in advance take the appropriate extreme position on the carriageway designated for movement in that direction, except in cases where the direction of movement is determined by road signs or road markings.
This clause establishes the general rule: a turn at an intersection is made from the appropriate extreme position (the outermost lane/edge of the carriageway), unless otherwise specified by signs or markings.
Clause 10.6
If the vehicle, due to its dimensions or for other reasons, cannot make a turn or U-turn from the appropriate extreme position, it is allowed to deviate from the requirements of clause 10.4 of these Rules, provided this does not contradict the requirements of prohibitory or mandatory road signs, road markings, and does not create danger or obstacles for other road users.
This clause establishes the exception that the question checks: a turn not from the extreme position is allowed (1) due to the vehicle's dimensions or (2) for other reasons, but only if the signs/markings are observed and no danger or obstacles are created.
Thus, the correct answer is "Correct answers 1 and 2.", given that according to the Traffic Rules, deviation from turning from the extreme position is allowed if the vehicle cannot make the turn from such a position due to its dimensions or for other reasons (clause 10.6), as an exception to the general rule in clause 10.4.
The general rule is as follows: before turning at an intersection, the driver must take the appropriate extreme position on the carriageway in advance (that is, for a right turn — closer to the right edge, for a left turn — closer to the centerline of the carriageway). This is necessary so that the trajectory is predictable for other road users.
However, clause 10.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine provides an exception. If the vehicle, due to its dimensions or for other reasons, cannot make a turn or U-turn from the extreme position, the driver is allowed to deviate from this rule. A typical example is a long vehicle, bus, or a passenger car with a trailer: during a turn, the rear wheels and trailer move "inside" the turn, so when turning right there is a risk of hitting the curb or sidewalk, and when turning left — of not fitting into the radius without entering the oncoming lane. In order to perform the maneuver safely, the driver sometimes has to start the turn not from the extreme position.
At the same time, such a deviation is allowed only under the following conditions: it must not contradict the requirements of road signs or markings, and must not create danger or obstacles for other road users. That is, the driver may "take a wider turn," but is obliged to make sure that they do not interfere with vehicles in adjacent lanes, and, if necessary, must yield if the trajectories intersect.
Besides dimensions, there may be other reasons why it is impossible or dangerous to turn from the extreme position, for example, features of the intersection configuration or carriageway that do not allow making the turn from the standard position without the risk of hitting an obstacle.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Correct answers 1 and 2," since clause 10.6 allows making a turn not from the extreme position when it is impossible due to the vehicle's dimensions or for other reasons, provided there is no contradiction with signs/markings and no danger or obstacles are created.