12.11. What is the maximum permitted speed for the red car?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено рух червоного автомобіля?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe choice of speed and the ability to consider not only general limits but also special restrictions related to a specific vehicle. In the theoretical exam, such tasks test attentiveness to identification signs and the understanding that exceeding the speed limit is dangerous and prohibited even when the road formally allows a higher speed.
The question belongs to section 12 "Speed of movement" and is based on clause 12.9 (b) of the traffic rules: the driver is prohibited from exceeding the speed indicated on the vehicle if it has an identification sign "Maximum speed limit" (clause 30.3 "i", which reflects the meaning of sign 3.29). That is, the reference point is the number on the vehicle itself, not the standard limits for a populated area, automobile road, or highway.
The explanation of the answer options comes down to a simple principle: any speed exceeding the value on the identification sign is a violation. Therefore, the values 90 km/h and 110 km/h are immediately excluded, even if such limits might be allowed for other vehicles on certain roads. 60 km/h and 50 km/h are not incorrect from a safety point of view (driving slower is allowed in the absence of obstacles and other prohibitions), but they do not correspond to the maximum permissible limit for this vehicle as determined by the identification sign. That is why the correct choice in this exam task is the speed indicated on the sign, that is, 70 km/h.
Clause 12.9 (subparagraph "b") — Section 12 "Speed Limits"
The driver is prohibited from: a) exceeding the maximum speed determined by the technical specifications of this vehicle; b) exceeding the maximum speed specified in clauses 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, and 12.7, on a road section where road signs 3.29, 3.31 are installed or on a vehicle that has an identification sign installed in accordance with subparagraph "y" of clause 30.3 of these Rules; c) obstructing other vehicles by driving unnecessarily at a very low speed; d) braking sharply (except in cases where it is impossible to avoid a traffic accident without doing so).
Brief explanation of application: if an identification sign "Maximum speed limit" is installed on the vehicle, the driver is prohibited from exceeding the speed indicated on this sign (in the task — 70 km/h).
Clause 30.3 (subparagraph "y") — Section 30 "Number, Identification Signs, Inscriptions and Markings"
The following identification signs are installed on the respective vehicles: k) "Maximum speed limit" — an image of road sign 3.29 with the permitted speed indicated (sign diameter — at least 160 mm, border width — 1/10 of the diameter). The sign is placed (applied) at the rear left on motor vehicles driven by drivers with less than 2 years of experience, heavy and large vehicles, vehicles transporting dangerous goods, in case of passenger transportation by a truck, as well as in cases where the maximum speed of the vehicle according to its technical specifications or specific traffic conditions determined by the National Police is lower than that established in clauses 12.6 and 12.7 of these Rules.
Brief explanation of application: the presence of such an identification sign on the red car means that an individual speed limit applies to it, which must be observed.
Clause 33.3.29 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.29 "Maximum Speed Limit"
"Maximum Speed Limit" — it is prohibited to drive at a speed exceeding that indicated on the sign.
Brief explanation of application: the identification sign according to p. 30.3 "y" reproduces the meaning of the prohibitory sign 3.29 with a specific numerical value (in the task — 70).
Thus, the correct answer is "70 km/h", given that according to the Traffic Rules, the driver is prohibited from exceeding the speed indicated on the identification sign "Maximum speed limit" on the vehicle (clause 12.9 "b" in combination with clause 30.3 "y" and the meaning of sign 3.29).
In this situation, the key detail is not the type of road or the general speed limit, but the vehicle itself. The red car has a 'Maximum Speed Limit' identification sign with the number 70. Such a sign is used when a lower maximum speed is set for a specific vehicle (or its operating conditions) than the general rules allow.
The Traffic Rules explicitly prohibit the driver from exceeding the speed indicated on such an identification sign. This is required by clause 12.9 (b): if a vehicle has a 'Maximum Speed Limit' sign, the driver must adhere to this limit, even if the general regulations for this road would allow a higher speed.
Therefore, regardless of where the car is driving, its maximum speed limit is already set, and it cannot be exceeded. In our case, this limit is 70 km/h.
Thus, the correct answer is "70 km/h," because the car has a speed limit sign of 70, and clause 12.9 (b) of the Traffic Rules prohibits exceeding the speed indicated on such a sign.