12.10. What is the maximum speed allowed for towing vehicles on motorways?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено буксирування транспортним засобам на автомагістралях?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe speed during towing, when two vehicles move as a “coupled” unit. This mode is particularly risky due to increased braking distance, maneuvering difficulty, and the need to constantly control the distance between vehicles (especially with a flexible coupling). Therefore, the traffic rules establish separate, special restrictions that are important for both the theoretical exam and real road safety.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, specifically clause 12.7, which directly sets the maximum limit for towing regardless of the type of road. On motorways, higher general speed limits may apply, but they do not override the special rule for towing. Additionally, it is important to remember the requirements of section 27 (motorways): according to clause 27.3, vehicles that cannot maintain at least 40 km/h are not allowed on the motorway, so in practice, towing must fit within a corridor that does not violate either the motorway regime or the towing restriction.
The analysis of the answer options in this ticket is straightforward: 50 km/h corresponds to the direct rule of clause 12.7, so this is the only correct maximum speed limit during any towing. 40 km/h may be seen as a guideline due to the minimum requirement for motorways, but it is not the “maximum” and not the standard for towing. 60 and 70 km/h contradict clause 12.7, as they exceed the established limit, even if road conditions or the permitted speed on the motorway seem favorable.
Clause 12.7
During towing, the speed must not exceed 50 km/h.
Application: this clause sets a general (for all roads, including motorways) maximum speed limit during towing — no more than 50 km/h, regardless of other permitted speeds on the section.
Clause 27.3
On motorways, except for specially equipped places, the movement of motor vehicles whose speed by technical characteristics or condition is less than 40 km/h, as well as herding and grazing animals within the road reserve, is prohibited.
Application: this clause clarifies the special traffic regime on motorways (including the minimum speed/ability of vehicles to move not slower than 40 km/h), but does not change the maximum speed limit for towing established by clause 12.7.
Thus, the correct answer is "50 km/h," given that according to the Traffic Rules, during any towing, the speed must not exceed 50 km/h (clause 12.7).
During towing, the main rule regarding speed is established not for a specific type of road, but for the maneuver itself. Therefore, even if driving on a motorway, the driver must primarily adhere to the speed limit specifically for towing.
According to clause 12.7 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, during towing the speed must not exceed 50 km/h. This restriction is general and applies to all roads, including motorways. That is, the higher speeds allowed on motorways do not override the special restriction for towing.
It is also important to understand the logic of motorways: there are requirements for minimum driving speed, and vehicles that cannot maintain a sufficient pace should not create danger or obstacles. Therefore, when towing on a motorway, you must actually drive within limits that do not violate motorway requirements and do not exceed the towing speed limit. However, the exam question concerns the maximum speed, and it is defined by clause 12.7.
Thus, the correct answer is "50 km/h," since the Traffic Rules directly state that during any towing the speed cannot exceed 50 km/h, regardless of whether it is a motorway.