11.37. Is the driver of a vehicle allowed to enter the tram track of the opposite direction?
UAЧи має право водій транспортного засобу виїжджати на трамвайну колію зустрічного напрямку?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns traffic safety in urban conditions and the rules for interaction between non-rail vehicles and trams. Tram tracks are a separate element of the road, and a tram cannot stop quickly or maneuver around an obstacle, so any trajectory conflicts with it are especially dangerous. In the theoretical exam, such situations are tested to ensure the driver understands that "free tracks" are not an additional lane for maneuvering.
The question tests knowledge of Section 11 of the Traffic Rules (Positioning of vehicles on the road) and the direct prohibition in clause 11.9. It is also important to remember the definition from clause 1.10: the movement of non-rail vehicles on tram tracks is only allowed within the requirements of Section 11, and movement in the oncoming direction is excluded. That is, driving any distance on oncoming tram tracks is not allowed regardless of the reason, even if it seems "convenient" for bypassing or overtaking.
The analysis of the answer options in this ticket is straightforward: the statement about the possibility of driving "in any case for bypassing" contradicts clause 11.9, which prohibits driving onto tram tracks of the oncoming direction. Instead, the correct option relies on the direct norm of the traffic rules, and is therefore the only correct one. It is also important not to confuse driving on the oncoming track with crossing it: crossing the tracks during a permitted maneuver (for example, turning or making a U-turn) may be allowed under other conditions, but using the oncoming tracks as a traffic lane is prohibited.
Clause 11.9
It is prohibited to drive onto a tram track of the opposite direction, tram tracks separated from the carriageway, and the median strip.
Application: this clause directly establishes a prohibition for non-rail vehicles to enter tram tracks of the opposite direction (regardless of the reasons and driving conditions).
Clause 1.10 (term "Tram tracks")
Tram tracks are a road element intended for the movement of rail vehicles, which is limited in width by a specially designated tram line pavement or road markings. The movement of non-rail vehicles on tram tracks is permitted in accordance with Section 11 of these Rules.
Application: the definition emphasizes that any movement of non-rail vehicles on tram tracks is only possible within the rules of Section 11, in particular taking into account the direct prohibition of clause 11.9 regarding the opposite-direction track.
That is, the correct answer is "Not allowed: driving onto the opposite-direction tram track is prohibited," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the movement of non-rail vehicles on tram tracks is permitted only in accordance with Section 11, and clause 11.9 directly prohibits entering the tram track of the opposite direction.
Tram tracks are considered in the Traffic Rules as a separate element of the road, intended primarily for the movement of rail vehicles. Non-rail vehicles are sometimes allowed to use them, but only within the rules of Section 11 and under certain conditions.
The key rule for this question is contained in clause 11.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: the driver is prohibited from entering the tram track of the oncoming direction. That is, even if it seems to you that it is a "free lane" and no tram is in sight, you cannot use the oncoming rails for driving.
The logic of the prohibition is simple: entering the oncoming tram tracks essentially creates a conflict with an oncoming tram and is analogous to driving against the flow of traffic. In practice, this often leads to dangerous situations, since a tram has limited maneuverability and cannot quickly change its trajectory like a car.
It is important to distinguish between "driving on the track" and "crossing the track." Crossing tram tracks while performing a permitted maneuver (for example, to turn left or make a U-turn) is allowed according to the rules, but this does not mean that you are allowed to drive a certain distance along the oncoming track as if it were a traffic lane. Such entry and movement are precisely what is prohibited by clause 11.9.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No right: entering the oncoming tram track is prohibited," since clause 11.9 of the Traffic Rules directly prohibits entering tram tracks of the oncoming direction.