12.20. What is the maximum permitted speed for a car in the situation shown?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено рух автомобіля в зображеній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of safe driving modes in areas with increased risk for pedestrians. In courtyards and residential neighborhoods, the traffic situation often changes instantly: people may walk on the roadway, children or animals may suddenly appear from behind parked cars, and other drivers may start reversing. That is why the traffic rules set separate, stricter speed requirements here.
According to the task, you need to recognize the effect of the informational sign 5.34 "Residential Area" and apply the norm from Section 12 "Speed Limits," specifically clause 12.5 of the Traffic Rules. This clause directly defines the restriction: in residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h, and the sign applies to the entire marked area. Thus, the theoretical exam checks the ability to link the road sign with the corresponding speed regulation rule.
The 20 km/h option corresponds to the direct requirement of clause 12.5 and is the only correct one for a residential area. Speeds of 40, 50, or 60 km/h are not allowed, even if the road seems clear, as these values are typical for other driving conditions (for example, general limits within or outside populated areas), but not for areas where pedestrians have priority and may walk on the roadway. In practice, this knowledge helps avoid common mistakes on the exam and reduces the risk of collisions in places where danger can arise unexpectedly.
Clause 12.5
In residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h.
Clause 33.5.34 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Informational and guiding signs", sign 5.34 "Residential zone"
Indicates entry into a territory where special traffic conditions established by these Rules apply. The sign's effect covers the entire area marked by it. Individual courtyard areas are not marked with this sign, but the requirements of section 26 of these Rules apply in such areas.
Clause 1.10 (term "Residential zone")
Residential zone — courtyard areas, as well as parts of populated areas marked with road sign 5.34 "Residential zone".
Thus, the correct answer is "20 km/h," considering that within the territory marked by sign 5.34 "Residential zone," according to clause 12.5 of the Traffic Rules, the speed limit is 20 km/h.
In the situation shown, you are entering an area marked with sign 5.34 “Residential Zone.” This sign means that special traffic rules apply to the entire residential zone area, not just to a specific section of the road.
In a residential zone, the road environment changes: pedestrians may move along the roadway and have priority, and there may be sudden appearances of children, animals, or maneuvers by vehicles exiting parking spaces. That is why the Rules establish a reduced speed so that the driver has enough time to react.
According to paragraph 12.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h. Since the vehicle in the image is moving within a residential zone, this restriction applies to it.
Therefore, the correct answer is “20 km/h,” since the vehicle is in a residential zone where, according to paragraph 12.5 of the Traffic Rules, the maximum permitted speed is 20 km/h.