12.38. Is it permitted for drivers with more than 5 years of driving experience to exceed the maximum speed limit outside populated areas?
UAЧи дозволено водіям із досвідом водіння понад 5 років перевищувати максимально допустиме обмеження швидкості поза межами населених пунктів?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns speed limits and road safety outside populated areas. Speed restrictions are introduced on hazardous sections, in repair zones, near places with an increased risk of accidents, or for certain categories of vehicles. Adhering to such limits reduces the severity of accident consequences and gives the driver more time to react, which is why the traffic rules do not provide any “leniency” based on driving experience.
The question tests knowledge of Section 12 “Speed of Movement,” specifically the requirement of clause 12.9(b): drivers are prohibited from exceeding the maximum speed established by general norms (clauses 12.4–12.7), as well as restrictions introduced by road signs 3.29 “Maximum Speed Limit” and 3.31 “Maximum Speed Limit Zone.” Additionally, Section 30 on identification signs is taken into account: if a vehicle has a “Maximum Speed Limit” marking, exceeding the specified limit is also not allowed. Therefore, having more than 5 years of driving experience is not a reason for exceeding the limit.
Analysis of answer options in the context of the theoretical exam: the statement that experience allows you to drive faster is incorrect, because the Traffic Rules of Ukraine set the same requirements for all drivers on sections where a specific limit applies. The correct option is the one that confirms the absence of exceptions based on experience: if a restriction is set by the Rules, sign 3.29/3.31, or an identification sign on the vehicle, it must be observed regardless of how many years you have been driving.
Clause 12.9 [b] (Section 12 "Speed Limits")
The driver is prohibited from: b) exceeding the maximum speed specified in clauses 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 of these Rules, on a road section where road signs 3.29, 3.31 are installed, or on a vehicle on which an identification sign is installed in accordance with clause 30.3 of these Rules.
Application: the prohibition on exceeding the established maximum speed is general and does not contain exceptions depending on driving experience (in particular, "more than 5 years").
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.29 "Maximum Speed Limit"
It is prohibited to drive at a speed exceeding that indicated on the sign.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.31 "Maximum Speed Limit Zone"
Indicates a zone within which the maximum speed limit indicated on the sign applies.
Clause 30.3 [i] (Section 30 "Number Plates, Identification Signs, Inscriptions and Markings"; identification sign "Maximum Speed Limit")
The identification sign "Maximum Speed Limit" is installed on vehicles in cases provided for by these Rules and means that a corresponding maximum speed limit is established for this vehicle, which the driver is not allowed to exceed.
That is, the correct answer is "No.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is prohibited from exceeding the established maximum speed (general, by signs 3.29/3.31, or by the identification sign), and driving experience is not grounds for an exception.
Outside populated areas, general speed limits apply, but they are not a “bonus” for driving experience. If a certain section of the road has a different, lower speed limit set, it becomes mandatory for all drivers regardless of their driving experience.
Clause 12.9(b) of the Traffic Rules directly prohibits the driver from exceeding the maximum speed established by the Rules as the limit, as well as any additionally restricted by road signs. That is, if there is a maximum speed limit sign on a country road (for example, 70 km/h at a dangerous curve or near a repair site), the driver is not allowed to drive faster, even if the general limit outside populated areas could be higher.
Similarly, if a vehicle has a “Maximum Speed Limit” identification sign installed according to the requirements of the Traffic Rules, the driver must adhere to the limit indicated on it. Driving experience does not cancel the effect of either road signs or restrictions provided by the Rules for specific conditions or vehicles.
Therefore, the correct answer is "No," since according to clause 12.9(b) of the Traffic Rules, exceeding the established maximum speed is prohibited for all drivers regardless of experience, including outside populated areas, if the relevant limit is set by the Rules or road signs.