11.6. Is the driver allowed to drive on the tram track in the same direction in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено водієві рух по трамвайній колії попутного напрямку в даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the understanding of where a driver may use tram tracks as additional space for movement, and where this creates danger and conflict with public transport. Such situations often occur during traffic jams or road narrowing, when there is a temptation to "bypass" the flow along the rails, but the traffic rules strictly limit such maneuvers.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and movement on tram tracks (points 11.8–11.9). In the theoretical exam, it is important to distinguish between tram tracks that are at the same level as the carriageway and tracks that are separated by a dividing strip or are structurally set aside. It is precisely the tram tracks separated from the carriageway, as well as the dividing strip, that are subject to a direct prohibition on entry according to point 11.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to a key feature: "same direction" by itself does not mean permission to drive on the rails. The option allowing movement on a same-direction tram track can only be correct under the conditions of point 11.8, when the tracks are at the same level as the carriageway and all lanes are occupied, without creating obstacles for the tram. In this situation, the tracks are separated, so the prohibition from point 11.9 applies: movement along such tracks for non-rail vehicles is not allowed; only their transverse crossing is permitted during turning or entry, provided tram priority is observed.
Clause 11.9
It is prohibited to drive onto tram tracks of the opposite direction, tram tracks separated from the carriageway, and the median strip.
In this situation, the tram tracks are separated from the carriageway, therefore driving onto and moving along them by non-rail vehicles is strictly prohibited.
Clause 11.8
On roads with two or more lanes in one direction, drivers of non-rail vehicles are allowed to drive onto tram tracks of the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway, if all lanes are occupied. At the same time, no obstacles should be created for the movement of the tram.
This permission applies only to tracks that are located at the same level as the carriageway and are not separated; in the given situation, this condition is not met.
Clause 1.10 (term “Median strip”)
Median strip — a structurally designated element of the road or one marked by solid road markings 1.1 (narrow solid line), 1.2 (wide solid line), which separates adjacent carriageways. The median strip is not intended for the movement or parking of vehicles. If there is a sidewalk on the median strip, pedestrians are allowed to walk on it.
Since the tram tracks are located on a separated section (in fact, outside the carriageway, with separation), the prohibition on driving onto them applies in accordance with clause 11.9.
Thus, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, it is prohibited to drive onto tram tracks separated from the carriageway (clause 11.9), and the permission to move along tram tracks of the same direction applies only when they are at the same level as the carriageway (clause 11.8).
In this situation, the carriageway has two lanes in each direction, and the tram tracks are located separately from the carriageway and are separated from it by a dividing strip. That is, these are not the tracks that run "level" with the lanes for cars, but a dedicated tram zone.
According to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the dividing strip is intended specifically to separate adjacent carriageways and is not used for the movement of vehicles. In fact, it is a boundary that a car is not allowed to use as an "additional lane" or a bypass route.
The key rule here is found in clause 11.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: drivers are prohibited from entering tram tracks that are separated from the carriageway. Therefore, even if there is a traffic jam ahead or movement in the lanes is difficult, this does not give the right to move onto the separated tram tracks and drive along them in the same direction.
The only thing that may be permissible in such conditions is to cross the tram tracks perpendicularly when making a turn or entering/exiting, and even then, only while yielding to the tram if necessary. However, driving along such tracks as if they were a traffic lane is prohibited.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since the tram tracks in this situation are separated from the carriageway and divided by a strip, and clause 11.9 of the Traffic Rules directly prohibits entering and driving on such tracks.