12.17. What is the maximum speed limit established in populated areas indicated by this road sign?
UAЯку максимальну швидкість руху встановлено в населених пунктах, позначених даним дорожнім знаком?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of the speed limit within populated areas, which directly affects road safety. In built-up zones, the risk of encountering pedestrians, cyclists, public transport stops, and unpredictable maneuvers is significantly higher, so the traffic rules set a clear upper speed limit.
The question relates to the topic of road signs and Section 12 of the Traffic Rules regarding speed: sign 5.49 "Beginning of a Populated Area" (informational and indicative) means that from the point of its installation, the rules for driving in populated areas come into effect. According to paragraph 12.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in populated areas it is allowed to drive at a speed of no more than 50 km/h, and this rule applies after passing the sign on a white background up to sign 5.50 "End of a Populated Area," unless other signs establish a different regime on a specific section.
During the theoretical exam, it is important not to confuse the general restriction with possible exceptions: 50 km/h is the default maximum permissible speed. Options of 60, 70, and 80 km/h do not comply with paragraph 12.4 and may only be legal when expressly permitted by installed road signs on a specific section of the road. In practice, a driver may and should choose a lower speed if required by visibility, road surface conditions, traffic intensity, or the presence of hazardous locations.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and guiding signs", sign 5.49 "Beginning of a populated area"
"Used to indicate the beginning of a populated area where the requirements of these Rules, which determine the procedure for movement in populated areas, apply. The sign is installed at the actual boundary of the development adjacent to the road."
This sign means that from the place of its installation, the rules for movement in a populated area begin to apply, including the general speed limit defined in section 12 of the Traffic Rules.
Clause 12.4
"In populated areas, the movement of vehicles is permitted at a speed not exceeding 50 km/h."
This clause directly establishes the maximum speed in a populated area marked by sign 5.49.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and guiding signs", sign 5.50 "End of a populated area"
"Indicates the end of a populated area where the requirements of these Rules, which determine the procedure for movement in populated areas, applied."
This sign cancels the requirements that began to apply from sign 5.49, including the general speed limit under clause 12.4.
Thus, the correct answer is "50 km/h", considering that sign 5.49 indicates the beginning of a populated area where the requirements of the Traffic Rules for movement in populated areas apply, and clause 12.4 sets the maximum speed in them at no more than 50 km/h.
The image shows road sign 5.49 “Beginning of a populated area” on a white background. It is installed at the actual boundary of the built-up area, and from the moment you pass this sign, the driver enters a populated area, where the requirements of the Traffic Rules (PDR) regarding driving in populated areas begin to apply.
The general speed limit rule then applies. According to paragraph 12.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in populated areas, vehicles are allowed to travel at a speed of no more than 50 km/h. That is, this is not a “recommended” speed, but the upper limit that must not be exceeded.
In practice, this means the following: if you were driving, for example, at 80 km/h outside the populated area and passed sign 5.49, you must then reduce your speed to 50 km/h or less if the road situation requires greater caution. This limit can only be changed by another road sign that sets a different permitted speed limit for a specific section.
Therefore, the correct answer is “50 km/h,” since after sign 5.49 the rule of paragraph 12.4 of the Traffic Rules regarding the maximum speed in a populated area comes into effect.