11.26. How must a non-rail vehicle move on a road that has two or more lanes for traffic in each direction, is free from other vehicles, and there is no need to perform maneuvers?
UAЯк має рухатися нерейковий транспортний засіб на дорозі, яка має по дві й більше смуг для руху в кожному напрямку, вільній від інших транспортних засобів, якщо немає необхідності виконувати маневри?
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This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe and orderly positioning of a vehicle on the carriageway. On multi-lane roads, the correct choice of lane affects road capacity, the predictability of drivers’ actions, and reduces the risk of dangerous lane changes, especially when other road users are overtaking or approaching intersections.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the road, specifically the requirements of clause 11.2. According to this rule, non-rail vehicles on a road with two or more lanes in one direction must drive as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway if there is no need for maneuvers. In the context of the theoretical exam, it is important to remember the exceptions: the left lanes are allowed only for overtaking, bypassing an obstacle, or for early lane changes before turning left or making a U-turn, as well as when it is objectively impossible to drive in the right lane.
The analysis of the options in this exam question is simple: the statement about driving as close as possible to the right corresponds to the direct requirement of clause 11.2 and reflects the basic principle of right-hand traffic. The option "in any lane at the driver's discretion" is incorrect, as it contradicts the traffic rules: in the absence of maneuvers and on a free road, occupying the middle or left lane without reason is not allowed, as this complicates overtaking and creates unnecessary conflict situations.
Clause 11.2
On roads that have two or more lanes 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.
Explanation of application: in the situation described in the question (a road with two or more lanes in each direction, right lanes are free, no maneuvers are needed), the driver is required to take the farthest right position on the carriageway (the right lane/as close as possible to the right edge).
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, which may be marked or unmarked with road markings and is intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Non-rail vehicle")
Non-rail vehicle — a vehicle that moves on the road and does not use rails.
That is, the correct answer is "As close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, on roads with two or more lanes in one direction, non-rail vehicles, in the absence of the need for maneuvers, must move as far to the right as possible.
When a road has two or more lanes in one direction and it is clear, the driver must choose a lane not “for convenience,” but according to the Rules. In such a situation, the general principle applies: do not occupy the left lanes without necessity.
Clause 11.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine states that non-rail vehicles on a multi-lane road must keep as far to the right as possible. This is necessary to organize traffic: the right lane is used for normal straight-line movement, while the left lanes are reserved for cases when the driver really needs to change their position on the road.
Therefore, if you are driving straight, not planning to overtake, bypass an obstacle, or prepare for a left turn or U-turn, there is no reason to drive in the middle or left lane. For example, on an empty road with two lanes in one direction, the correct action is to drive in the right lane; moving into the left lane without reason would violate the requirement for vehicle positioning on the carriageway.
Exceptions to this rule are possible only when there is a real necessity: to overtake, bypass an obstacle, or to change lanes in advance for a left turn or U-turn, as well as when the right lane is actually unsuitable for driving. But in the question’s condition it is directly stated that the road is clear and no maneuvers are needed, so exceptions do not apply.
Therefore, the correct answer is "As close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway," because according to clause 11.2 of the Traffic Rules, on a road with two or more lanes in one direction and no need for maneuvers, the driver is required to take the rightmost position.