11.14. Which of the drivers has correctly chosen the lane before the stop?
UAЯкий з водіїв правильно зайняв смугу перед зупинкою?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe positioning of a vehicle on the roadway before stopping and the ability to “read” road signs. In real traffic, choosing the correct lane and side for stopping reduces the risk of conflicts with the traffic flow, does not create obstacles for other drivers, and helps avoid violations for which points are often lost on the theoretical exam.
The task tests knowledge of Section 11 of the Traffic Rules (Positioning of vehicles on the road) and Section 15 (Stopping and parking), as well as understanding the meaning of sign 5.5 “One-way road.” On a one-way road within a populated area, stopping is allowed not only at the right edge but also at the left, provided this does not contradict the requirements of Section 15. That is why clause 11.5 directly allows occupying the far left lane for stopping/parking on the left side, and clause 15.3 additionally confirms the possibility of stopping on the left on one-way roads within populated areas.
When evaluating the options: the statement that only the driver on the right is acting correctly is incomplete, as it ignores the permitted stop on the left on a one-way road (cl. 11.5, cl. 15.3). Similarly, the version about “only the driver on the left” does not take into account the basic rule of stopping at the right edge. In summary, the correct logic is as follows: in the absence of prohibitory signs and in compliance with the general requirements for the stopping place (including near intersections and other hazardous areas), both drivers may preemptively occupy the appropriate lane and make a stop on their respective sides.
Clause 11.5
On roads with two or more lanes in one direction, moving into the far left lane for travel in the same direction is allowed if the right lanes are occupied, as well as for turning left, making a U-turn, or for stopping or parking on the left side of a one-way road in populated areas, provided this does not contradict the stopping (parking) rules.
Brief application: this clause directly allows occupying the far left lane (and, accordingly, the left edge of the carriageway) for stopping/parking on a one-way road in a populated area — provided section 15 is observed.
Clause 15.3
In populated areas, stopping and parking vehicles is allowed on the left side of a road that has one lane in each direction (without tram tracks in the middle) and is not divided by marking 1.1, as well as on the left side of a one-way road. If the road has a boulevard or a dividing strip, stopping and parking vehicles near them is prohibited.
Brief application: on a one-way road in a populated area, stopping is allowed both on the right (as a general rule) and on the left — therefore, a driver who stops on the left has the right to occupy the left lane in advance.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and guidance signs", sign 5.5 "One-way road"
"One-way road" — a road or separated carriageway along which vehicle traffic across the entire width of the carriageway is carried out in one direction.
Brief application: this sign in the task determines that the road is one-way, and therefore the permissions for stopping on the left side (clause 11.5, clause 15.3) may be applied.
Thus, the correct answer is "Both drivers.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, on a one-way road in a populated area, stopping is allowed at the right edge of the carriageway, and it is also allowed to occupy the far left lane and stop on the left side (in the absence of prohibitions and in compliance with the stopping/parking rules).
The diagram shows a one-way road, as indicated by sign 5.5. This means all lanes on the carriageway are intended for movement in one direction. The features of the buildings also indicate that the situation takes place in a populated area.
The driver of the blue car occupies the right lane to stop on the right. This corresponds to the general rule: stopping is performed near the right edge of the carriageway, as far to the right as possible, so as not to interfere with others.
The driver of the gray car occupies the left lane to stop on the left. On a one-way road in a populated area, the Traffic Rules allow stopping and parking on the left side. That is why clause 11.5 directly permits moving into the far left lane not only for maneuvers, but also for stopping or parking on the left side of a one-way road, provided there is no conflict with the stopping rules. Clause 15.3 further confirms that in populated areas on one-way roads, stopping on the left is allowed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Both drivers," because on a one-way road in a populated area, stopping is allowed both at the right edge of the carriageway and at the left, so both drivers have correctly chosen their lane before stopping.