11.36. When is it permitted to enter the far left lane on roads with two or more lanes in one direction?
UAКоли дозволено виїжджати на крайню ліву смугу на дорогах, що мають дві смуги і більше для руху в одному напрямку?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the correct positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and the safe distribution of traffic flows on multi-lane roads. Its essence boils down to the principle of "keep to the right": on roads with two or more lanes in one direction, the far left lane is not intended for continuous driving without necessity, as this creates conflicts during lane changes, reduces throughput, and increases the risk of accidents.
For the theoretical exam, this question tests knowledge of Section 11 of the Traffic Rules (in particular, clause 11.5 "Positioning of vehicles on the road") and is partially related to Section 15 (stopping and parking). Clause 11.5 directly defines the exhaustive cases when it is permitted to occupy the far left lane in your direction: for turning left or making a U-turn, as well as when the right lanes are occupied and you need to continue moving further left. A separate exception concerns one-way roads in populated areas: there, the left side can be used for stopping or parking, provided that this does not contradict the general rules of Section 15.
If you analyze the answer options, the statement about turning left or making a U-turn corresponds to clause 11.5 and is correct. The option with "right lanes are occupied" and stopping/parking on the left outside populated areas is incorrect within this rule: the Traffic Rules allow left-side stopping/parking only on a one-way road in a populated area (this is also confirmed by clause 15.3), not outside the city. Instead, the wording about occupied right lanes and about stopping/parking on the left side of a one-way road in a populated area is consistent with the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, so the combination that includes these correct provisions is the correct answer for this exam question.
Clause 11.5
On roads with two or more lanes for movement in one direction, driving onto the far left lane in the same direction is permitted if the right lanes are occupied, as well as for turning left, making a U-turn, or for stopping or parking on the left side of a one-way road within populated areas, provided this does not contradict the requirements of these Rules.
Application explanation: this clause establishes the general principle of "keeping to the right" on multi-lane roads (2+ lanes in one direction) and directly specifies the exhaustive cases when it is allowed to occupy the far left lane in your direction: (1) when the right lanes are occupied; (2) for turning left/making a U-turn; (3) for stopping/parking on the left on a one-way road within a populated area (subject to compliance with stopping/parking rules).
Clause 15.3
In populated areas, on one-way roads, stopping and parking are allowed on the left side of the road. For trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t, stopping on the left side is allowed only for loading or unloading.
Application explanation: this clause is a "confirmation" for the exception mentioned in clause 11.5 regarding the possibility of stopping/parking on the left side of a one-way road specifically within populated areas (in the absence of other prohibitions and subject to the general requirements of section 15).
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 3," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, driving onto the far left lane on such roads is allowed only when the right lanes are occupied and in cases directly provided for in clause 11.5 (in particular for turning left/making a U-turn and for stopping/parking on the left on a one-way road within a populated area).
On roads where there are two or more lanes in one direction, the principle of right-hand traffic applies: the driver must keep as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. That is, the basic rule is: we usually drive in the rightmost lanes, and do not occupy the left lane "just because".
Moving into the far left lane in the same direction is allowed when there is a justified need for it. According to paragraph 11.5 of the Traffic Rules, this includes situations when the right lanes are occupied by other vehicles and it is impossible or impractical to continue driving on the right. A practical example: you are driving on a multi-lane road, but the right lanes are densely occupied by a slow-moving flow or a column, and to continue moving you need to change to the left within your direction.
Another case when the far left lane is needed is directly related to maneuvers. If to turn left or make a U-turn it is necessary to occupy the far left lane of your direction, you have the right to change into it. This is logical: making a left turn or U-turn from the right lane is usually impossible or would violate the rules for the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway.
Separately, paragraph 11.5 mentions another situation specifically for one-way roads in populated areas: it is allowed to move into the far left lane to stop or park near the left edge of the carriageway, provided this does not contradict the general rules for stopping and parking. Here it is important to understand the difference: on a one-way road, there is no oncoming traffic, so stopping/parking on the left in the city may be allowed, whereas outside a populated area this option is not suitable within the scope of this question.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 3," since moving into the far left lane is allowed when the right lanes are occupied, as well as in a populated area on a one-way road for stopping or parking near the left edge (provided the stopping/parking rules are followed).
