11.9. Is the driver of the white car allowed to change lanes in heavy traffic?
UAЧи дозволено водієві білого автомобіля при інтенсивному русі виконати перестроювання?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning safe interaction in dense traffic, when any lane change can provoke sudden braking, a "wave" of traffic jams, or an accident. In conditions of heavy traffic, it is especially important not to create obstacles for other participants, so the traffic rules set stricter restrictions on maneuvers than under normal road load.
The question tests knowledge of the section on the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and the rules for lane changing, in particular, clause 11.11 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. According to this clause, changing lanes in heavy traffic is not allowed "for convenience" or overtaking, but only in exceptional situations when the maneuver is objectively necessary: to bypass an obstacle, to prepare for a turn or U-turn (as well as for stopping, although this may not be among the options). That is why the correct answer is the one that reflects these permitted grounds.
The analysis of the answers comes down to the difference between a complete prohibition and a limited permission. The statement about a complete ban on lane changes in heavy traffic is incorrect, because the Traffic Rules do not prohibit lane changing absolutely, but allow it only in clearly defined cases. Instead, "bypassing an obstacle, turning, or U-turn" corresponds to clause 11.11 and the logic of safety: in dense traffic, the maneuver is justified only when it is impossible to continue moving along the route or safely travel in your lane without it.
In the theoretical exam, it is important to remember that even in permitted cases, the general rules for lane changing from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine apply: the driver must make sure the maneuver is safe and yield to vehicles moving in the same direction in the lane they plan to enter (clause 10.3). This knowledge helps to correctly assess situations in real traffic and avoid common mistakes during dense traffic.
Clause 11.11
During heavy traffic, changing lanes is allowed only for bypassing an obstacle, turning, making a U-turn, or stopping.
Clause 10.3
When changing lanes, the driver must yield to vehicles moving in the same direction without changing their direction of movement. In the case of simultaneous lane changes, the driver must yield to the vehicle on their right.
This clause applies if lane changing in heavy traffic is allowed at all (that is, it falls under the exceptions listed in clause 11.11).
Clause 1.10 (term "Lane Change")
Lane change — leaving the occupied lane or row while maintaining the original direction of movement.
Clause 1.10 (term "Obstacle to Traffic")
Obstacle to traffic — a stationary object within the lane of the vehicle or an object moving in the same direction within this lane (except for a vehicle moving against the general flow of traffic) that forces the driver to maneuver or reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle.
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed for bypassing an obstacle, turning, or making a U-turn," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, during heavy traffic (clause 11.11), changing lanes is allowed only in the specifically listed cases, which include bypassing an obstacle, turning, or making a U-turn.
The key concept in this task is intensive traffic. In such a situation, the flow is dense, the lanes are filled, and any “ordinary” lane change for the sake of faster movement or overtaking creates unnecessary conflicts and risks, as it forces other drivers to change speed or trajectory.
That is why clause 11.11 of the Traffic Rules establishes a restriction: when traffic is intensive, changing lanes is not allowed “just because.” Only those lane changes are permitted without which the driver objectively cannot continue along the required route or safely pass a section of the road. Such cases include: bypassing an obstacle in the lane, preparing for a turn, or preparing for a U-turn (as well as stopping, although in this question it is not among the answer options).
For example, if there is an object ahead in the lane that forces you to maneuver or slow down to a stop (a parked car, a work site, a vehicle that has suddenly slowed down), then a lane change to bypass it is justified. Or, if the driver needs to make a turn or U-turn, they must occupy the appropriate lane, and under intensive traffic conditions, this is also a permitted reason for changing lanes.
At the same time, even in permitted cases, the general safety requirements for lane changes remain: before maneuvering, the driver must make sure that this will not create obstacles for those already moving in the lane they intend to enter, and if necessary, abandon the maneuver and wait for a safe moment.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Permitted for bypassing an obstacle, turning, or making a U-turn,” since according to clause 11.11, in intensive traffic, changing lanes is only allowed for these necessary reasons, not for any other maneuver.