11.2. Is a car allowed to drive onto a tram track going in the same direction?
UAЧи дозволено автомобілю виконати виїзд на трамвайну колію попутного напрямку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe interaction of non-rail vehicles with tram infrastructure in urban environments. Tram tracks are a part of the road designated for the priority movement of trams, so any maneuvers by a car near them are associated with increased risk and require a clear understanding of traffic rules in order not to obstruct rail transport or provoke an accident.
The topic being tested is Section 11 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, Positioning of Vehicles on the Road, specifically clause 11.8, as well as the definition of "tram tracks" from clause 1.10. The rule allows driving onto and along a tram track in the same direction if it is at the same level as the roadway, is not prohibited by road signs or markings, and the driver in any case does not obstruct the tram. Typical permitted situations for the theoretical exam include overtaking or bypassing an obstacle when the width of the roadway is insufficient for the maneuver without entering the track.
The explanation of the answer choices comes down to the conditionality of this permission. The option regarding the possibility of driving onto the track is correct because it corresponds to clause 11.8: same direction, same level as the roadway, no prohibition by signs or markings, and no obstruction to the tram. In contrast, the statement about a complete prohibition would only be correct in other circumstances, for example, when the tracks are raised or recessed relative to the road, when prohibited by signs or markings, or if the maneuver creates an obstacle to the tram's movement.
Clause 1.10 (term "Tram tracks")
Tram tracks are an element of the road intended for the movement of rail vehicles, which is limited in width by a specially designated pavement of the tram line or road markings. The movement of non-rail vehicles on tram tracks is permitted in accordance with Section 11 of these Rules.
Brief application: defines that non-rail vehicles (in particular, cars) may move/enter tram tracks only in cases expressly provided for in Section 11 of the Traffic Rules (in particular, clause 11.8).
Clause 11.8
Driving on a tram track in the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway for non-rail vehicles, is permitted provided that it is not prohibited by road signs or road markings, as well as during overtaking, bypassing, when the width of the carriageway is insufficient to perform the bypass without entering the tram track. At intersections, it is allowed to enter the tram track in the same direction in the same cases, but provided that there are no road signs 5.16, 5.17.1, 5.17.2, 5.18, 5.19 before the intersection. Left turns or U-turns must be made from the tram track in the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway for non-rail vehicles, unless a different procedure is provided by road signs 5.16, 5.18 or marking 1.18. In all cases, no obstacles should be created for the movement of the tram.
Brief application: entering/driving on a tram track in the same direction is allowed if the track is at the same level as the carriageway, there is no prohibition by signs/markings, and the driver does not create obstacles for the tram (in particular, during overtaking/bypassing when the carriageway is not wide enough).
That is, the correct answer is "Allowed.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, movement/entering the tram track in the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway, is permitted in the cases provided for in clause 11.8 and provided there is no prohibition and no obstacles for the tram movement.
According to the definition in the Traffic Rules, tram tracks are a part of the road primarily intended for the movement of trams. At the same time, the Rules explicitly allow non-rail vehicles to drive on tram tracks, but only in cases provided for in Section 11.
According to paragraph 11.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, entering and driving on a tram track in the same direction is allowed when the track is at the same level as the roadway and when this is not prohibited by road signs or markings. Separately, the Rules allow the use of such tracks during overtaking or bypassing if the width of the roadway is insufficient to perform the maneuver without driving onto the track.
In a typical situation, when there is actually only one lane in the direction of travel and it is blocked by an obstacle (for example, a car stopped due to a forced stop), it may be physically impossible to bypass it without driving onto the tram tracks. It is precisely for such cases that paragraph 11.8 provides the possibility to enter a tram track in the same direction, if the tracks are at the same level as the road and there are no prohibitory signs or markings.
At the same time, the key condition remains unchanged: in any case, the driver must not create obstacles for the movement of the tram. That is, entering the track is permissible only to the extent necessary for the maneuver, and with readiness to immediately vacate the track for the tram.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Allowed.", since according to paragraph 11.8 of the Traffic Rules, it is permitted to enter a tram track in the same direction, located at the same level as the roadway, in particular for bypassing/overtaking when there is otherwise insufficient width, in the absence of prohibitory signs/markings and without creating obstacles for the tram.