11.21. How must drivers of non-rail vehicles move on roads with two or more lanes for traffic in each direction?
UAЯк повинні рухатися водії нерейкових транспортних засобів на дорогах із двома смугами й більше для руху в кожному напрямку?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe and rational positioning of a vehicle on the roadway. It directly affects the road's capacity and helps prevent conflicts between drivers traveling at different speeds: when the slower flow keeps to the right, the left lanes remain available for maneuvers and more intensive movement. That is why the rules for lane selection are often included in the theoretical exam, since "occupying the left lane without necessity" creates obstacles and provokes dangerous lane changes.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the road, in particular, clause 11.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (as well as the logically related definitions of traffic lane and carriageway). The rule establishes a basic principle: on roads with two or more lanes in one direction, non-rail vehicles must keep as close as possible to the right edge, and moving to the left is allowed only in specified situations. This rule helps to avoid "blocking" the flow and makes drivers' behavior more predictable.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that statements about the possibility of driving in any lane or choosing a lane solely based on traffic intensity contradict the direct requirement of clause 11.2: the priority is right-side positioning, not arbitrary choice. The wording about keeping as close as possible to the right is correct in essence, but incomplete, as it ignores the exceptions provided by the traffic rules. The complete and regulatory position takes these exceptions into account: moving to the left is allowed for overtaking, bypassing an obstacle, or in advance of turning left or making a U-turn, after which the driver must return to the right as soon as it is safe and there is no need for the maneuver.
Clause 11.1
The number of lanes for non-rail vehicles is determined by road markings or road signs, and in their absence — by the drivers themselves, taking into account the width of the carriageway in the relevant direction, the dimensions of the vehicles, and safe intervals between them.
Clause 11.2
On roads that have two or more lanes for movement in one direction, non-rail vehicles must move as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except in cases when overtaking, bypassing, or changing lanes before turning left or making a U-turn.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
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, intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
That is, the correct answer is: "They must move as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except in cases when overtaking, bypassing, or changing lanes before turning left or making a U-turn," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, clause 11.2 directly establishes the obligation to move as close as possible to the right on roads with two or more lanes in one direction and defines the exceptions when deviation from this position is allowed.
When you are driving on a road with two or more lanes in one direction, it is important to correctly choose your position on the carriageway. The Traffic Rules are based on a simple principle: the main flow should keep to the right so that the road operates without traffic jams and mutual "blockages."
That is why, according to point 11.2, non-rail vehicles must drive as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. In practice, this means: if the right lane is free and you do not need to perform a maneuver, you drive in the right lane, not occupying the left lanes without necessity. This way, you do not interfere with drivers who are moving faster or performing maneuvers.
Moving to the left is allowed not "for convenience," but in clearly defined situations. First, for overtaking: you temporarily move to the left lane, overtake (pass), and return to the right when it is safe. Second, to bypass an obstacle: for example, if a broken-down car is in the right lane or there is another obstacle, you go around it and then return to the right lane. Third, before turning left or making a U-turn: to perform such a maneuver, you change to the appropriate lane (usually the left one) in advance and only then make the turn or U-turn.
The logic of the rule is simple: driving closer to the right edge increases the road's capacity and reduces conflicts between drivers with different speeds. If you drive in the left lane without reason when the right lane is free, you are essentially creating an obstacle for other road users.
Therefore, the correct answer is: "Must drive as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except in cases when overtaking, bypassing, or changing lanes before turning left or making a U-turn," since point 11.2 of the Traffic Rules establishes the right-side position as basic, and moving to the left is allowed only for specific maneuvers.