11.16. Is the driver of the yellow vehicle allowed to enter the oncoming traffic lane?
UAЧи дозволено водієві жовтого автомобіля виїхати на смугу зустрічного руху?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the understanding of safe passing and the prevention of dangerous maneuvers related to entering the oncoming traffic lane. Such situations are among the riskiest in real traffic, as head-on collisions and conflicts on the 'oncoming lane' often occur precisely because of incorrect interpretation of overtaking or bypassing permissions.
The content of the task relates to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and maneuvering, with a key focus on clause 11.4 of the Traffic Rules. It explicitly states: on two-way roads where there are at least two lanes in one direction, entering the side of the road intended for oncoming traffic is prohibited. That is, the theoretical exam includes a typical trap: even if there is slow or stopped traffic ahead, the situation must be resolved within your own lanes, without creating conflicts with oncoming vehicles.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that 'permission to overtake at speeds less than 30 km/h' does not apply here, because the very act of entering the oncoming side of the road under such traffic organization is prohibited by clause 11.4. Additionally, the prohibition is reinforced by horizontal marking 1.1 (solid line), which according to the traffic rules must not be crossed, so any attempt to perform a maneuver through the 'oncoming lane' will be incorrect regardless of the motive (overtaking, passing, or bypassing an obstacle). In practice, this means the driver must look for a safe option within their own lanes, as required by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 11.4
On two-way roads that have at least two lanes in one direction, it is prohibited to drive onto the side of the road designated for oncoming traffic.
Application: in the situation shown, the road has three lanes, of which two are in one direction, so the yellow car is prohibited from entering the oncoming traffic lane regardless of the purpose of the maneuver (detour/passing/overtaking).
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.1
1.1 — a narrow solid line that separates traffic flows of opposite directions and marks the boundaries of traffic lanes in dangerous sections of roads; marks the boundaries of the carriageway where entry is prohibited; marks the boundaries of parking spaces. Crossing line 1.1 is prohibited.
Application: if the opposing flows are separated by a solid line 1.1, crossing it to enter the oncoming lane is not allowed, which additionally confirms the prohibition of such a maneuver.
Clause 1.10 (term "Traffic lane")
Traffic lane — a longitudinal strip on the carriageway at least 2.75 m wide, marked or unmarked with road markings and intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Application: the term is needed for correct identification that several lanes are organized on the road, including the oncoming traffic lane(s), entry to which is restricted by clause 11.4.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, on a two-way road with at least two lanes in one direction (clause 11.4), driving onto the side of the road designated for oncoming traffic is prohibited, and crossing the solid line 1.1 is also prohibited (clause 34.1).
In this situation, the driver of the yellow car wants to enter the oncoming traffic lane to bypass the vehicles ahead. In fact, this means performing a maneuver that involves moving onto the opposite side of the road (a typical action when overtaking or bypassing an obstacle via the oncoming lane).
The key point here is the type of road. In the image, the road has two-way traffic, but in one direction there are at least two lanes. For such roads, paragraph 11.4 of the Traffic Rules establishes a direct prohibition: if there are two or more lanes in one direction, it is not allowed to enter the side designated for oncoming traffic.
Therefore, it does not matter whether the white car is stopped with its hazard lights on or is moving slowly. Even if the driver considers it an obstacle, the situation must be resolved within their own lanes, since there are enough lanes in this direction for safe bypassing without entering the oncoming lane.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," because on a two-way road where there are at least two lanes in one direction, paragraph 11.4 of the Traffic Rules directly prohibits entering the oncoming traffic lane.