10.73. While driving on a motorway, the driver of the red car missed a right turn. Is he allowed to reverse if there are no vehicles behind?
UAПід час руху на автомагістралі водій червоного автомобіля пропустив поворот праворуч. Чи дозволено йому рухатись заднім ходом, якщо позаду немає транспортних засобів?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety on high-speed roads and common driver mistakes when there is a temptation to “go back” after missing an exit. On motorways, traffic moves at high speeds, distances between vehicles can change rapidly, and any unexpected maneuver sharply increases the risk of an accident. That is why the traffic rules set special, stricter restrictions for such sections.
The question tests the section on maneuvering, specifically the application of clause 10.10 of the Traffic Rules, which directly prohibits reversing on motorways (roads marked with sign 5.1). For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that this is an absolute prohibition: it applies regardless of whether the driver sees other vehicles behind, and is not “softened” by turning on hazard lights or any other actions.
The analysis of the options in this exam question shows a typical trap: the idea of reversing with the hazard lights on may seem safe, but the Traffic Rules of Ukraine do not allow a prohibited maneuver to be compensated by additional signals. The correct tactic in practice is the same as required by the traffic rules: continue moving forward and use the next permitted exit or place to change route, without creating danger for the high-speed flow.
Clause 10.10
Reversing vehicles is prohibited on motorways and roads for automobiles, railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, intersections, bridges, overpasses, flyovers, in tunnels, at entrances and exits from them, as well as on road sections with limited visibility or insufficient visibility.
Application: even if there are no vehicles behind, the very act of reversing on a motorway is prohibited.
Clause 1.10 (term "Motorway")
Motorway — a road marked with road sign 5.1, which has separate carriageways for each direction of traffic, separated from each other by a dividing strip, and does not have level crossings with other roads, railway or tram tracks, pedestrian or bicycle paths.
Application: the question directly refers to driving "on a motorway", that is, on a road where special restrictions apply, in particular from clause 10.10.
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and guidance signs", sign 5.1 "Motorway"
Sign 5.1 "Motorway" — a road on which special traffic conditions provided by these Rules apply.
Application: this sign marks the beginning of a section of road on which, in particular, reversing is prohibited according to clause 10.10.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No.", given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, reversing on motorways is directly prohibited by clause 10.10.
A motorway (marked with sign 5.1) is intended for uninterrupted traffic flow at high speeds. Therefore, any maneuvers that sharply change the usual direction or speed of movement create an increased risk of an accident.
If a driver misses a right exit, the natural desire may be to "just back up a little" and return to the turn. However, the Traffic Rules assess not intentions, but the danger of the consequences. Even when it seems to the driver that there is no one behind, the situation on a motorway changes very quickly: vehicles may be approaching at high speed, and drivers do not expect to see a car moving in reverse along the lane.
This is precisely why clause 10.10 of the Traffic Rules explicitly prohibits reversing on motorways. This is an absolute prohibition, which does not depend on whether there are vehicles behind at the moment the maneuver begins. The correct action in such a situation is to continue moving forward and use the next permitted place to change direction or exit.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No," since reversing on a motorway is prohibited by clause 10.10 of the Traffic Rules, regardless of the presence of vehicles behind.