14.11. Is the driver of the grey car allowed to overtake the white car?
UAЧи дозволено водієві сірого автомобіля виконати обгін білого?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of one of the most risky maneuvers on the road — overtaking, which involves entering the oncoming traffic lane. Such situations often lead to side-swipe collisions and conflicts over space when returning to one's lane, so the traffic rules establish clear prohibitions and priorities to reduce danger for all participants.
The content of the task assesses understanding of Section 14 "Overtaking" and, in particular, clause 14.6 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, which prohibits overtaking a vehicle that is already overtaking or bypassing another vehicle. It is also important to remember the definition of the term "overtaking" from clause 1.10: it is passing ahead that involves entering the oncoming lane. If the vehicle ahead has signaled left and has already moved/entered the oncoming lane to overtake, it is in the process of overtaking, and therefore another driver does not have the right to start overtaking this car.
Analysis of answer options for the theoretical exam: the statement that the maneuver is allowed is incorrect, as it contradicts the direct prohibition of clause 14.6 (e). The option "allowed only in a populated area" is also incorrect: this prohibition does not depend on where you are driving (in the city or outside it), it always applies when the vehicle ahead is overtaking or bypassing. The practically correct behavior is to keep a distance, wait for the previous vehicle to complete the maneuver, and only then assess the possibility of overtaking according to the general requirements of Section 14 (in particular, the safety conditions of clause 14.2).
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 14.6 (e) (Section 14 “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is prohibited: of a vehicle that is itself overtaking or bypassing.
Clause 14.2 (Section 14 “Overtaking”)
Before starting to overtake, the driver must make sure that: the lane they intend to enter is clear for a sufficient distance for overtaking; their actions will not create obstacles for oncoming vehicles, as well as those moving in the same direction in that lane; no other vehicle behind has started overtaking on that lane; the vehicle ahead has not signaled its intention to turn (change lanes) to the left; after overtaking, they will be able to return to their previously occupied lane without creating obstacles for the vehicle being overtaken.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the white car is already overtaking, and clause 14.6 (e) directly prohibits overtaking a vehicle that is itself overtaking or bypassing.
Overtaking, as defined by the Traffic Rules, is passing another vehicle by moving into the oncoming traffic lane. This is a maneuver that requires special caution and clear interaction between drivers.
In the situation shown, the white car has already started overtaking: it has signaled a left turn and partially moved into the oncoming lane to overtake the tractor. This means it is the vehicle currently performing an overtaking maneuver.
Clause 14.6 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly prohibits overtaking a vehicle that is already overtaking or bypassing another vehicle. The logic behind this prohibition is simple: if the gray car starts overtaking the white one while it is already in the maneuver, there is an increased risk of dangerous proximity, side-swipe collisions, and conflict for space in the oncoming lane when returning to its own lane.
Therefore, the driver of the gray car should refrain from overtaking, wait until the white car completes its maneuver, and only then assess the possibility of overtaking in accordance with general safety requirements.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," because the white car is already overtaking, and the Traffic Rules (clause 14.6 (e)) prohibit overtaking a vehicle that is performing an overtaking or bypass maneuver.