14.29. How should the driver of the blue vehicle, moving straight ahead, act in this situation?
UAЯк повинен вчинити водій синього автомобіля, що рухається прямо, у даній ситуації?
This examination question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety when passing intersections and choosing the correct maneuver when a vehicle ahead in the same direction obstructs straight movement. In real-life conditions, such situations occur frequently: someone slows down or stops before turning left, and the driver behind must decide whether it is possible to continue driving without conflict and while maintaining a safe distance.
The question tests understanding of Section 14 of the Traffic Rules (topic "Overtaking"), specifically clause 14.6 a), which establishes a prohibition on overtaking at intersections. At the same time, it is important to distinguish overtaking from passing and bypassing (definitions in clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules): overtaking always involves entering the oncoming lane, while passing to the right within your own direction is not considered overtaking. Therefore, if the width of the carriageway allows for safe passage, the driver may bypass (or pass) the vehicle on the right, complying with the requirements of clause 13.1 regarding a safe interval and choosing a safe speed.
The option of waiting before the intersection would only be necessary if bypassing on the right is physically impossible (not enough space) or creates danger. However, in the logic of theoretical exam tasks, it is usually assumed that the maneuver is possible provided safety is maintained, and it is this knowledge that is being tested: it is prohibited to overtake at an intersection by entering the oncoming lane, but it is not prohibited to bypass an obstacle on the right within your own direction, maintaining a safe interval.
Clause 14.6 a) (section 14 "Overtaking")
Overtaking is prohibited: a) at an intersection.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Passing")
Passing is the movement of a vehicle at a speed exceeding the speed of a vehicle moving in the same direction in the adjacent lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Safe interval")
Safe interval is the distance between the sides of moving vehicles or between them and other objects, which ensures road safety.
Clause 13.1 (section 13 "Distance, interval, oncoming passing")
The driver, depending on the speed of movement, road conditions, characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval.
Thus, the correct answer is "Pass the purple car on the right, ensuring traffic safety," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, "overtaking" is only possible with entry into the oncoming lane (clause 1.10) and is prohibited at intersections (clause 14.6 a), while movement to the right within one's own direction, provided a safe interval is maintained (clause 1.10, clause 13.1), is not considered overtaking.
In this situation, the blue car approaches the intersection and sees a purple car ahead, which actually prevents it from continuing straight in the usual manner. The first thing to do is to correctly determine which maneuver is possible and what exactly the Rules prohibit.
According to the definitions in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is passing another vehicle that necessarily involves entering the oncoming lane. That is why point 14.6 (a) prohibits overtaking at intersections: in such areas, entering the oncoming lane to overtake creates increased risk and is directly prohibited by the rules.
But in the diagram, the blue car does not intend to enter the oncoming lane. It can continue moving within its own carriageway, bypassing the purple car on the right side. Such passing will either be passing (if the purple car is moving slowly/waiting for an opportunity to maneuver), or bypassing (if it has stopped). This is not overtaking, and therefore the prohibition from point 14.6 (a) does not apply here.
When bypassing on the right, the driver must ensure traffic safety: choose a safe speed, monitor the situation at the intersection, and maintain a safe interval—that is, such a lateral distance to the purple car (and other objects) as not to create danger. If the width of the carriageway is objectively insufficient, then safe bypassing is impossible and it would be necessary to wait behind, but in the context of the exam task, it is assumed that there is enough space for safe passing on the right.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Bypass the purple car on the right, ensuring traffic safety," since at the intersection only overtaking with entry into the oncoming lane is prohibited (point 14.6 (a)), while passing on the right within your own lane is considered bypassing/passing and is allowed provided a safe interval and general safety are maintained.