10.68. In which cases is it permitted to make a U-turn at a pedestrian crossing?
UAУ яких випадках дозволено виконати розворот на пішохідному переході?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning pedestrian safety and the correct execution of maneuvers in high-risk areas. A pedestrian crossing is designed for the predictable movement of people across the road, so any complex vehicle maneuvers in this zone increase the likelihood of conflict and hinder visibility. That is why the theoretical exam often includes rules that restrict U-turns near the "zebra" crossing.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules on maneuvering, specifically paragraph 10.7 (e). According to this paragraph, U-turns are prohibited directly on a pedestrian crossing and within 10 meters before and after it on both sides. The only exception is not related to the absence of vehicles or pedestrians, but to the fact that sometimes the crossing may be within an intersection: in this case, the maneuver is possible only as a U-turn at the intersection, if it is not prohibited by signs, markings, or other traffic rules requirements, and provided that pedestrians are given the right of way.
The option "there are no vehicles nearby" does not make the maneuver legal, because the prohibition is established by the rule and applies regardless of traffic. The statement "there are no pedestrians" is also not suitable: the rules do not allow a U-turn even on an empty crossing, since danger can arise suddenly, and visibility and predictability of movement are more important than the current situation. Therefore, the correct logic of the answer comes down to the fact that a U-turn in the pedestrian crossing zone is prohibited, and an exception is possible only when a permitted U-turn is actually performed at an intersection.
Clause 10.7 [g]
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.
Explanation of application: the general prohibition applies both directly within the pedestrian crossing and within the 10 m zone before/after it; the exception is when the U-turn is performed at an intersection where it is not prohibited by other traffic rules, signs, or markings.
Clause 1.10 (term “Pedestrian crossing”)
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway or an engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road. A pedestrian crossing is marked by road signs and/or road markings.
Explanation of application: it is the boundaries of this section (defined by signs and/or markings) that are the place where a U-turn is unconditionally prohibited, and from which the 10-meter prohibited 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 carriageway edges of each road.
Explanation of application: the exception in clause 10.7 [g] (“except in cases where a U-turn is permitted at an intersection”) applies to situations where the pedestrian crossing is located within the intersection, and the U-turn is performed precisely at the intersection and is not prohibited by other traffic rules.
That is, the correct answer is “Prohibited, except in cases where a U-turn is permitted at an intersection,” given that according to the definition of the traffic rules, a U-turn is directly prohibited at pedestrian crossings and within 10 m of them on both sides, and the exception is allowed only for a U-turn permitted at an intersection (clause 10.7 [g], terms of clause 1.10).
A pedestrian crossing is intended for the safe passage of pedestrians across the road, and it is within its boundaries that the driver must be ready to yield to pedestrians. Making a U-turn in such an area creates additional risks: the vehicle changes its trajectory, may obstruct visibility, and pedestrians do not expect a vehicle to start turning directly on the “zebra crossing.”
Therefore, according to clause 10.7 (e), a U-turn is prohibited not only directly on a pedestrian crossing, but also within 10 meters before and after it on both sides. This rule applies regardless of whether the crossing is marked only by road markings, only by signs, or by both.
The exception is related to the situation when a pedestrian crossing is located within an intersection. If making a U-turn at the intersection is generally allowed by the traffic conditions (there are no prohibitory signs, markings, or other restrictions), then the mere presence of a crossing within the intersection does not automatically prohibit the U-turn. It is important to understand: in such a case, the U-turn is performed specifically as a maneuver at the intersection, in compliance with the rules for passing intersections and with the mandatory requirement to yield to pedestrians who are on the crossing.
For example, on a straight section of road before an unregulated crossing, a U-turn is not allowed either on the “zebra crossing” or within 10 meters before or after it. But if the crossing is marked at the approach to an intersection and is within its boundaries, then a U-turn is possible only if it is permitted at the intersection itself and you do not violate the right of way of pedestrians.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited, except in the case where a U-turn is allowed at the intersection," since clause 10.7 (e) prohibits U-turns on pedestrian crossings and within 10 meters of them, and the exception applies only to U-turns performed within intersections where they are permitted.