10.76. Is a U-turn allowed in the median openings on a motorway?
UAЧи дозволений розворот у технологічних розривах розділювальної смуги на автомагістралі?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety on motorways, where speeds are high and traffic flows are separated by a median strip. Any sudden maneuvers involving a change of direction create an increased risk of accidents, so the traffic rules set special restrictions for motorways, which are important to know precisely for the theoretical exam.
The question checks the section of the Traffic Rules on maneuvering, specifically the requirements of clause 10.7 (f): U-turns on motorways and roads for automobiles are not allowed, with exceptions only at intersections or in places specifically marked with signs 5.29 "Place for U-turn" or 5.30 "U-turn zone." Technological gaps in the median strip on a motorway are not a "general place for U-turns" for drivers: they are intended for operational and maintenance services during work or emergency response, so ordinary drivers are not allowed to use them for U-turns.
The analysis of the answer options in this exam question is straightforward: the statement about allowing a U-turn is incorrect, because the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establish a direct prohibition for motorways. The condition "if the road is clearly visible" also does not change the rule, since on a motorway the driver's assessment of visibility does not apply, but rather a clear norm with defined exceptions (intersections or signs 5.29/5.30). In practice, the correct action if you need to change direction is to continue driving to the nearest interchange or to a place where a U-turn is allowed and marked with the appropriate signs.
Clause 10.7
U-turns are prohibited: … d) on motorways, as well as on roads for motor vehicles, except at intersections and places marked with road signs 5.29 and 5.30.
Clause 1.10 (term "Motorway")
Motorway — a road specially constructed and intended for the movement of vehicles, which does not have intersections at the same level with other roads, railway or tram tracks, pedestrian or bicycle paths, and is marked with road sign 5.1 "Motorway".
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.1 "Motorway"
"Motorway" — a road on which special traffic conditions provided by the Rules apply; indicates the beginning of a motorway.
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.29 "U-turn place"
"U-turn place" — indicates a place where U-turns by vehicles are allowed; left turns are prohibited.
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.30 "U-turn zone"
"U-turn zone" — indicates a section of the road where U-turns by vehicles are allowed; left turns are prohibited.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to clause 10.7(f) U-turns on motorways are prohibited, and an exception is possible only at intersections or in places specially marked with signs 5.29 or 5.30, which do not include technological gaps in the median strip without such marking.
On a motorway, traffic is organized so that traffic flows are maximally separated and safe: opposing directions are divided by a median strip, and intersections and exits are generally arranged via interchanges. That is why any maneuvers that can suddenly change the direction of movement are strictly limited on motorways.
Clause 10.7 (f) of the Traffic Rules directly states that U-turns are prohibited on motorways and on roads for motor vehicles. Exceptions are possible only in two cases: at intersections or in places specially designated by road signs 5.29 and 5.30. If these conditions are not present, making a U-turn is not allowed for the driver.
Technological gaps in the median strip on a motorway are not "regular places for U-turns" for all drivers. They are intended for the needs of operational and maintenance services while performing official duties (for example, for organizing works or responding to an incident), and not for general use. Therefore, entering and especially making a U-turn in such a gap for an ordinary driver would be a violation of the general prohibition.
If you need to change the direction of movement on a motorway, the correct and safe action is to continue driving to the nearest interchange or to a place where a U-turn is allowed and this is clearly indicated by signs 5.29 or 5.30.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since according to clause 10.7 (f), a U-turn on a motorway is not allowed, and technological gaps are not designated U-turn locations for ordinary drivers.