12.13. Which of the drivers is permitted to drive at a higher speed?
UAКому з водіїв дозволено рух з більш високою швидкістю?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in areas where pedestrians are likely to appear on the roadway and increased driver attentiveness is required. In such zones, priority is given to a safe speed so that the driver can react in time to children, pedestrians, vehicles exiting courtyards, and unpredictable maneuvers by other road users.
The task tests knowledge of Section 12 "Speed Limits" of the traffic rules, specifically clause 12.5, as well as understanding of the concept of a "residential area" (clause 1.10) and the meaning of road sign 5.34 "Residential Area." If vehicles are within a residential or pedestrian zone, a special restriction applies: the maximum permitted speed for all vehicles is the same and cannot exceed 20 km/h, regardless of whether it is a car or a motorcycle.
Options that give speed advantage to a motorcycle or a car are incorrect, because in a residential area there is no "higher limit" for specific categories or types of vehicles. The correct choice in the theoretical exam is based on the fact that the requirement of clause 12.5 applies without exceptions, and knowing this rule helps avoid dangerous situations in courtyards and areas with free pedestrian movement.
Clause 12.5
In residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h.
Application explanation: if vehicles (a car and a motorcycle) are moving within a residential or pedestrian zone, then regardless of the type of vehicle, the maximum permitted speed for all is the same — no more than 20 km/h.
Clause 1.10 (term "Residential zone")
Residential zone — courtyard areas, as well as parts of populated areas marked with road sign 5.34.
Application explanation: in the image (according to the condition), entry/stay in the zone is marked with the appropriate sign, therefore the requirements of section 12 regarding speed in the residential zone apply.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and guiding signs", sign 5.34 "Residential zone"
"Residential zone". The area where special traffic conditions provided by these Rules apply.
Application explanation: sign 5.34 indicates the beginning of the area where special requirements apply, in particular the speed limit according to clause 12.5.
Thus, the correct answer is: "The speed of both must not exceed 20 km/h," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, in a residential zone (marked with sign 5.34 or in courtyard areas), a general speed limit of 20 km/h applies to all vehicles (clause 12.5).
The question concerns driving within an area marked by the 'Residential Zone' sign (5.34). This means that the drivers are not on a regular road with general speed limits, but in a special zone with increased safety requirements.
According to paragraph 12.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in residential and pedestrian zones, the speed of vehicles must not exceed 20 km/h. This restriction is established because in such places pedestrians may be present and move on the carriageway, and the driver must be able to react in time to their appearance.
It is important to understand that the 20 km/h requirement applies to all vehicles without exception. That is, it applies equally to both the car driver and the motorcycle driver, regardless of the category or type of vehicle. None of them has the right to choose a 'higher permitted' speed within the residential zone.
Therefore, the correct answer is: 'The speed of both must not exceed 20 km/h,' since in a residential zone, according to paragraph 12.5 of the Traffic Rules, the maximum permitted speed for all vehicles is 20 km/h.