12.18. What is the maximum permitted speed after passing this sign?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено рух після проїзду цього знака?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the basic skill of safely choosing speed when road conditions change, particularly when entering a populated area. It is within built-up areas that the number of pedestrians, public transport stops, uncontrolled crossings, and possible maneuvers by other drivers increases, so adhering to the speed limit is critically important for safety and for successfully passing the theoretical exam.
In terms of content, this question relates to Section 12 of the Traffic Rules, namely the topic of Speed, as well as Section 33 Road Signs, which defines the meaning of the informational sign 5.49 Beginning of a Populated Area (on a white background). After passing this sign, the driver is considered to have entered a populated area, and the general requirements for driving in populated areas begin to apply. According to clause 12.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the maximum permitted speed in populated areas is no more than 50 km/h, unless other signs establish a different regime.
The analysis of the answer options is simple: 50 km/h corresponds to the general restriction, which automatically comes into effect after sign 5.49. Values of 60, 70, or 80 km/h would only be possible if there were additional signs on the section allowing increased speed, or if driving was taking place outside a populated area. In practice, it is important to remember that 50 km/h is the upper limit, and in conditions of poor visibility, heavy traffic, or near pedestrian crossings, a safe speed may be lower.
Clause 33.5.49 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Direction Signs", sign 5.49 "Beginning of a Populated Area"
"Beginning of a Populated Area" — is used to indicate the start of a populated area where the requirements of these Rules, which determine the procedure for movement within populated areas, apply. The sign is installed at the actual boundary of the development adjacent to the road.
Clause 12.4
"In populated areas, the movement of vehicles is permitted at a speed not exceeding 50 km/h."
That is, the correct answer is "50 km/h," given that after sign 5.49 a populated area begins and the general speed limit established by clause 12.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine applies.
After passing this sign, the driver enters a populated area. This is precisely what distinguishes this sign: it not only indicates the name, but also enforces the rules established for driving within populated areas.
The section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed then applies. According to clause 12.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the maximum permitted speed for vehicles in populated areas is no more than 50 km/h. That is, immediately after the sign, you must follow this general restriction, unless other road signs establish a different regime.
For example, if you were driving faster outside the populated area, after the "Start of Populated Area" sign (on a white background), you must reduce your speed so that it does not exceed 50 km/h, and adhere to this limit until the "End of Populated Area" sign or another sign that changes the permitted speed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "50 km/h," because after the sign a populated area begins, and according to clause 12.4 of the Traffic Rules, within its limits the speed cannot exceed 50 km/h.