11.34. In which case is it prohibited to enter the adjacent tram tracks located at the same level as the carriageway?
UAУ якому випадку заборонено в'їжджати на попутні трамвайні колії, розташовані на одному рівні з проїзною частиною?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns traffic safety in urban conditions and the correct interaction with rail transport. Parallel tram tracks at the same level as the carriageway may sometimes be used by cars, but only as an exception and under strict conditions, since the tram has priority and requires a clear corridor for movement. Understanding these restrictions directly affects safety, helps avoid traffic jams, and prevents common mistakes on the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of Section 11 of the Traffic Rules, specifically point 11.8, which regulates the movement of non-rail vehicles on parallel tram tracks. The logic of the rule is as follows: entering the tracks is allowed only when it is not prohibited by traffic organization (signs/markings) and when there is a real need (for example, during bypassing or overtaking when the lane is too narrow), and also provided that you do not create an obstacle for the tram. That is why the correct combination of answers covers all the key prohibitions provided by the Traffic Rules.
To briefly analyze the options: the statement about prohibition due to road signs or markings is correct, as they can directly determine the directions/usage of lanes and may not allow cars to drive on the tracks. The option about sufficient width of the carriageway is also correct: when bypassing or overtaking can be performed without entering the rails, driving onto the tracks becomes groundless and prohibited. The third condition is fundamental for all situations: if your maneuver forces the tram to brake or stop, this is a violation of the traffic rules. In practice, this helps you act correctly in traffic flow and confidently answer similar exam questions on the theoretical test.
Clause 1.10 (term "Tram tracks")
Tram tracks — 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 allowed in accordance with Section 11 of these Rules.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles. A road may have several carriageways, the boundaries of which are dividing strips.
Clause 11.8
It is permitted to drive on a same-direction tram track located at the same level as the carriageway for non-rail vehicles, provided that it is not prohibited by road signs or road markings, and also during overtaking or bypassing, when the width of the carriageway is insufficient to perform the maneuver without entering the tram track. At an intersection, it is allowed to enter the same-direction tram track 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 performed from the same-direction tram track located at the same level as the carriageway for non-rail vehicles, unless another order of movement is provided by road signs 5.16, 5.18 or marking 1.18. In all cases, no obstacles must be created for the movement of the tram.
Brief application to the question: entry onto same-direction tram tracks located at the same level as the carriageway is prohibited if (1) it is prohibited by signs/markings, (2) during overtaking/bypassing the width of the carriageway is sufficient to perform the maneuver without entering the tracks, or (3) an obstacle will be created for the movement of the tram.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.16 "Directions of movement by lanes"
Sign 5.16 "Directions of movement by lanes" — shows the directions of movement by lanes at an intersection.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.17.1 "Direction of movement by lanes"
Sign 5.17.1 "Direction of movement by lanes" — shows the permitted directions of movement for each lane.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.17.2 "Direction of movement by lanes"
Sign 5.17.2 "Direction of movement by lanes" — shows the permitted directions of movement for each lane.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.18 "Direction of movement by lane"
Sign 5.18 "Direction of movement by lane" — shows the permitted direction(s) of movement by lane.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and direction signs", sign 5.19 "Lane use"
Sign 5.19 "Lane use" — informs about the procedure for using traffic lanes (lane distribution/mode of movement by lanes).
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.18
Marking 1.18 — arrows on the carriageway that show the permitted directions of movement by lanes.
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 1, 2, and 3.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules (clause 11.8), entry onto same-direction tram tracks located at the same level as the carriageway is prohibited when it is prohibited by signs/markings, when there is no need to enter the tracks (the width of the carriageway is sufficient), or when it creates an obstacle for the movement of the tram.
Tram tracks are a separate element of the road, primarily intended for tram movement. For a car, driving on them is an exception rather than the rule, so the Traffic Rules allow entering the parallel tram tracks at the same level as the carriageway only under clearly defined conditions and only when it does not interfere with the tram.
According to clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules, the main prohibition arises when movement on the tracks is restricted by traffic organization. If there are road signs or road markings that do not allow occupying the tram tracks (for example, if the directions of movement in the lanes are defined so that the track is not intended for cars), you may not enter them, even if they are at the same level as the carriageway.
The second typical prohibition situation is related to overtaking or bypassing. Clause 11.8 allows entering the parallel tram tracks for such maneuvers only when the width of the carriageway is insufficient to perform the maneuver without driving onto the tracks. For example, if there is a parked car ahead, but there is enough space in your lane to safely bypass it without crossing the rails, then entering the tracks would be a violation.
The third prohibition concerns safety and tram priority: in any case, you may not create an obstacle for the tram. That is, if a tram is approaching, moving behind or ahead on these same tracks, and your entry would force it to brake or stop, entering the tracks is prohibited, even if there are no other restrictions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1, 2, and 3," since entering the parallel tram tracks at the same level is prohibited when it is forbidden by signs/markings, when there is enough carriageway width for overtaking or bypassing without entering the tracks, and in any case when you create an obstacle for the tram.