12.25. Is a driver allowed to drive at a very low speed without necessity?
UAЧи можна водієві без потреби рухатися з дуже малою швидкістю?
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This exam question focuses on road safety and the culture of speed management in traffic flow. According to the traffic rules, it is important not only to avoid exceeding established speed limits but also not to create obstacles for other participants: excessively slow driving without a valid reason reduces the road's capacity, provokes overtaking and unnecessary maneuvers, which increases the risk of conflict situations and accidents.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding speed, in particular point 12.9 (subpoint "v"), which directly prohibits obstructing other vehicles by driving at a very low speed without necessity. There are two key conditions here: the absence of a real need to drive slowly and the presence of an obstacle for others (when cars accumulate behind, drivers are forced to sharply reduce speed or change lanes dangerously). That is why the option "allowed" is not suitable: the traffic rules do not grant the right to intentionally "crawl" in the lane if it interferes with the general flow.
For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the practical boundary between caution and creating an obstacle. If slowness is caused by road conditions (poor visibility, slippery road), the technical condition of the car, or another objective danger, this is already a necessity and such speed may be justified. But when there are no reasons, the driver must match the pace with the flow and, if possible, keep to the right or allow others to pass safely, so as not to violate the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 12.9 (subclause "v")
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 section of road where road signs 3.29, 3.31 are installed, or on a vehicle that has an identification sign installed in accordance with subclause "i" of clause 30.3 of these Rules; c) obstructing other vehicles by driving without necessity at a very low speed; d) braking sharply (except in cases where it is impossible to prevent a traffic accident without doing so)."
Application: this subclause directly prohibits driving unnecessarily at too low a speed precisely when such movement creates an obstacle for other vehicles (for example, forcing them to sharply reduce speed or complicating the flow of traffic).
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited in conditions where it obstructs other vehicles," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is directly prohibited from obstructing other vehicles by driving unnecessarily at a very low speed (clause 12.9 "v").
While driving, the driver must not only adhere to maximum speed limits but also choose a speed that does not create problems for other road users. That is, the speed should correspond to the road situation and be in harmony with the actual flow of traffic on the road.
Clause 12.9 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits a driver from obstructing other vehicles if they are moving at a very low speed without necessity. The key words here are “without necessity” and “obstruct.” If there is no objective reason to drive slowly, and as a result, cars accumulate behind, delays occur, or drivers are forced to frequently change lanes and overtake, such movement is considered creating an obstruction.
For example, if on a dry road in a city or outside a populated area the traffic flow is moving evenly, and a driver without technical malfunctions, poor visibility, or other justified reasons maintains an excessively low speed and blocks the lane, they are effectively reducing the road’s capacity. In such conditions, other drivers are forced to maneuver, which increases the risk of conflict situations and accidents.
At the same time, if slow movement is caused by necessity (for example, difficult road conditions, danger, technical condition of the vehicle), this is no longer “without necessity.” But when slowness has no reason and interferes with others, the Traffic Rules interpret this as a violation.
Therefore, the correct answer is: “Prohibited in situations where it obstructs other vehicles,” since the Traffic Rules (clause 12.9 (c)) prohibit driving too slowly without necessity if this creates an obstruction for the movement of other cars.