12.28. Are drivers of vehicles allowed to drive in residential and pedestrian zones at a speed exceeding the established limit for such areas?
UAЧи можуть водії транспортних засобів рухатися в житлових і пішохідних зонах зі швидкістю, що перевищує встановлену для таких місць?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety in high-risk areas: in courtyards, near building entrances, and in places where pedestrians may suddenly appear on the roadway. In residential and pedestrian zones, space is limited, visibility is often reduced due to parked cars, and pedestrian movement is not always predictable, so speed is a key factor in determining the ability to avoid collisions and accidents.
For the theoretical exam, this question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed limits (points 12.5 and 12.9), as well as understanding of the definitions in the Traffic Rules regarding residential and pedestrian zones (point 1.10). The rule is unambiguous: in such zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h (point 12.5), and exceeding the established limit is explicitly prohibited (point 12.9 b). That is, no “exceptions” based on place of residence or type of work cancel the requirement for the maximum speed.
Options that allow those who live, work, or service businesses to drive faster are incorrect: the Traffic Rules of Ukraine may allow entry/movement in certain zones under certain conditions (for example, for residents or services), but the speed limit applies equally to all drivers. In practice, this means that even an “empty courtyard” is not a reason to drive 30–40 km/h: a safe speed is often even lower than 20 km/h, especially near playgrounds, in narrow driveways, and when visibility is limited.
Clause 12.5
In residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h.
Brief application: this is a direct rule that sets the maximum permitted speed in residential and pedestrian zones, so driving at a speed exceeding 20 km/h is a violation.
Clause 12.9 b)
The driver is prohibited from: b) exceeding the maximum speed specified in clauses 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7, on a section of road where road signs 3.29, 3.31 are installed, or on a vehicle on which an identification sign is installed in accordance with subparagraph "i" of clause 30.3 of these Rules.
Brief application: this clause directly prohibits exceeding the limit established, in particular, by clause 12.5 for residential and pedestrian zones.
Clause 1.10 (term "Residential zone")
Residential zone — courtyard areas, as well as parts of populated areas marked with road sign 5.31.
Brief application: defines which areas are considered a residential zone, where the speed limit under clause 12.5 applies.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian zone")
Pedestrian zone — part of the road intended for pedestrian movement, marked with road signs 5.33 and 5.34.
Brief application: defines what exactly is a pedestrian zone, for which clause 12.5 also sets a speed limit.
Thus, the correct answer is "It is prohibited to exceed the established speed," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, in residential and pedestrian zones the speed is limited to 20 km/h (clause 12.5), and exceeding this established speed is directly prohibited (clause 12.9 b).
Special traffic conditions apply in residential and pedestrian zones, so stricter requirements are imposed on the driver's speed. According to the Traffic Rules, a residential zone is a courtyard area or a section of a populated area marked with sign 5.31, that is, places where pedestrians, children, and other road users may suddenly appear on the roadway.
For such places, the Traffic Rules set a clear limit: in residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h (paragraph 12.5). This is the maximum permitted speed, not a “recommended” one. In reality, the safe speed may be even lower, for example, in a narrow courtyard between parked cars, near an entrance, or in an area with limited visibility.
Paragraph 12.9 (b) directly prohibits exceeding established speed limits. That is, if the Rules set a maximum of 20 km/h for a residential or pedestrian zone, the driver has no right to drive faster — not “for a short section,” not “if the road is empty,” and not “if they are experienced.” For example, driving at 30–40 km/h in a courtyard significantly reduces reaction time, and an obstacle (pedestrian, child, cyclist) may suddenly appear from behind a parked car.
Therefore, the correct answer is "It is prohibited to exceed the established speed," since the Traffic Rules set a maximum speed of 20 km/h in residential and pedestrian zones (p. 12.5), and p. 12.9 (b) directly prohibits exceeding such established limits.