14.17. Is the driver allowed to overtake vehicles moving with activated orange flashing beacons?
UAЧи дозволено водієві виконати обгін транспортних засобів, що рухаються з увімкненими проблисковими маячками оранжевого кольору?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe execution of overtaking and the correct understanding of special light signals. In real traffic, drivers often encounter road maintenance vehicles, large or heavy transports, and escort vehicles with orange (yellow) flashing beacons, so it is important to know whether such signals affect the possibility of overtaking. This topic is directly related to safety: overtaking requires sufficient visibility, distance, and time to complete the maneuver.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 of the Traffic Rules (overtaking), specifically the rule prohibiting overtaking a convoy. According to the Traffic Rules, overtaking is passing with entry into the oncoming lane (a term from Section 1), and the prohibition on overtaking a convoy applies when a vehicle with a flashing beacon is moving behind the convoy, but with an exception for orange beacons (clause 14.6, subparagraph "e"). Additionally, Section 3 explains that an orange beacon only attracts attention and warns of possible danger and does not grant any right of way, so by itself it does not create "immunity" from overtaking.
That is why the option "prohibited" is incorrect: it confuses the orange beacon with special signals that accompany convoys and really do restrict overtaking. The correct answer is that overtaking is allowed, but only under general safety conditions and in the absence of other prohibitions from Section 14 (railway crossings, pedestrian crossings at specified distances, end of ascent, limited visibility, etc.). For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember the practical conclusion: the orange beacon does not grant priority, but it prompts the driver to be especially attentive and realistically assess the length of the convoy, speed, and the possibility of safely completing the maneuver.
Clause 14.6 (Section 14 “Overtaking”; subclause “e”)
Overtaking is prohibited: “e) a convoy of vehicles, behind which a vehicle with a flashing beacon (except orange) is moving.”
Brief application: the prohibition on overtaking a convoy applies if a vehicle with a flashing beacon is moving behind the convoy, but this prohibition does not directly apply when the beacon is orange.
Clause 3.4 (Section 3 “Movement of vehicles with special signals”)
“An orange (yellow) flashing beacon is activated on vehicles performing road works, on oversized and heavy vehicles, and on vehicles escorting them, as well as in other cases provided by law. The activation of an orange (yellow) flashing beacon does not grant priority in traffic, but only attracts attention and warns of possible danger.”
Brief application: the orange beacon itself does not create “immunity” from being overtaken and does not grant priority in traffic.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
“Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.”
Brief application: the question concerns the maneuver “overtaking” as defined by the Traffic Rules, i.e., with entry into the oncoming traffic lane (if such a condition exists in the specific situation).
Thus, the correct answer is “Allowed.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, overtaking a convoy is prohibited only when a vehicle with a flashing beacon (except orange) is moving behind it, and the orange beacon does not grant priority in traffic and does not establish such a prohibition.
When answering this question, it is important to understand what is meant by overtaking. According to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is passing another vehicle which involves moving into the oncoming traffic lane. That is, we are not just considering the fact of “driving faster,” but specifically the maneuver of crossing into the opposite lane.
Next, you need to refer to the rules that establish when overtaking is prohibited. In clause 14.16 (h) of the Traffic Rules, there is a prohibition on overtaking a convoy of vehicles if there is a vehicle with a flashing beacon behind it, but with an important note: this prohibition does not apply to orange beacons. That is, the restriction concerns escorts with beacons of other colors, while orange is an exception.
An orange flashing beacon is usually used by vehicles performing road or utility work, transporting oversized or heavy loads, as well as escort vehicles for such transports. It draws attention and warns of possible danger, but by itself does not give any right of way and does not automatically prohibit overtaking.
Therefore, if vehicles with orange flashing beacons are moving ahead, the driver is allowed to overtake them, provided that the maneuver does not fall under other general overtaking prohibitions and is performed safely (taking into account the length of the convoy, the required distance, and the time needed to complete the maneuver).
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed," since the prohibition on overtaking a convoy with a vehicle with a flashing beacon behind does not apply when the beacon is orange.