14.14. Is overtaking allowed in this traffic situation?
UAЧи дозволено виконати обгін у даній дорожній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety during overtaking and the choice of maneuver in conditions of limited visibility. Overtaking is one of the riskiest actions on the road, as it involves entering the oncoming traffic lane; therefore, the traffic rules establish clear prohibitions for places where the driver does not have enough space and time to react.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking" of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, specifically clause 14.6 (f), which directly states that overtaking in tunnels is prohibited. It is also important to understand the definition from clause 1.10: overtaking is an advance involving entry into the oncoming lane. In a tunnel, maneuverability is limited, the carriageway is often narrow, and near the exit there is an additional effect of a sudden change in lighting, which can make it difficult to notice oncoming vehicles in time.
That is why the correct answer is the prohibition: it corresponds to the direct rule of the Traffic Rules, which applies throughout the entire length of the tunnel, regardless of whether the "exit is already visible." Options that allow overtaking at speeds below 30 km/h or if the "oncoming lane is clear" are incorrect, because these conditions do not override the prohibition in clause 14.6 (f) and do not make the tunnel a safe section for entering the oncoming lane. Such nuances often appear in the theoretical exam, so it is worth remembering: overtaking in tunnels is not allowed under any circumstances.
Clause 14.6 (Section 14 “Overtaking”), subclause d)
Overtaking is prohibited: … d) in tunnels.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking in tunnels is expressly prohibited by clause 14.6 (f).
Overtaking, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules (paragraph 1.10), is the passing of a vehicle involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane. That is, for overtaking, the driver must change lanes and partially end up facing possible oncoming traffic, which always increases the risk.
In this situation, vehicles are moving in a tunnel, even if the exit is already visible. The exact location of the maneuver is decisive: paragraph 14.6(f) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly prohibits overtaking in tunnels. This means the prohibition applies throughout the entire length of the tunnel, regardless of road markings, the speed of the vehicle ahead, or how close you are to the exit.
The practical reason for this rule is simple: in a tunnel, visibility and the ability to maneuver are limited, and when approaching the exit, a sudden change in lighting additionally affects the situation — the driver may be blinded by daylight and may notice an oncoming vehicle too late. Combined with the narrow space, this makes overtaking dangerous.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking in tunnels is explicitly forbidden by paragraph 14.6(f) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.