14.3. How should the driver of the red car act in this situation in order to overtake the large-sized truck?
UAЯк в цій ситуації вчинити водієві червоного автомобіля, для того щоб обігнати великогабаритний вантажний автомобіль?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safety during overtaking in high-risk zones, particularly near railway crossings. Such road sections require maximum caution due to limited visibility (especially behind large vehicles), the possible appearance of a train, and the need to perform maneuvers without sudden acceleration or entering the oncoming lane in a dangerous place.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking" (clause 14.6 b) of the traffic rules) and understanding of road signs warning of an approaching crossing (in particular 1.31.3 and 1.28). The key rule for the theoretical exam: overtaking is prohibited on railway crossings and closer than 100 m before them, regardless of whether the truck is moving slowly or the driver thinks he "will make it in time." Therefore, the correct tactic in such a situation is to continue driving behind the truck and plan the maneuver only after passing the crossing, when the road is clearly visible and there are no other prohibitions.
Explanation of options: reference to the truck's speed being less than 30 km/h does not cancel the prohibition of overtaking in the zone before the crossing; likewise, "special caution" does not make the maneuver legal if it is directly prohibited by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. The only option that complies with the traffic rules is to overtake by entering the oncoming lane only beyond the railway crossing, provided it is safe, visibility is sufficient, and there is no solid line marking or other restrictions.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 14.6 b) (Section 14 “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is prohibited: b) at railway crossings and less than 100 m before them.
Brief application: in a situation where the red car is approaching a railway crossing, overtaking (with entry into the oncoming lane) in this zone is prohibited; the maneuver can only be planned after passing the crossing (provided it is safe and there are no other prohibitions).
Clause 33.1.28 — 33 “Road signs”, 1 “Warning signs”, sign 1.28 “Railway crossing without a barrier”
Railway crossing without a barrier.
Clause 33.1.31.3 — 33 “Road signs”, 1 “Warning signs”, sign 1.31.3 “Approaching a railway crossing”
Approaching a railway crossing.
Brief application: warning signs 1.28 and 1.31.3 additionally inform the driver that there is a railway crossing ahead and they are approaching a section where, according to clause 14.6 b), overtaking is prohibited.
That is, the correct answer is “Overtake after the railway crossing,” given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, overtaking less than 100 m before a railway crossing and on the crossing itself is prohibited (clause 14.6 b).
In this situation, the red car is moving behind a large truck as it approaches a railway crossing. The driver is alerted to the upcoming crossing by warning signs, in particular the sign indicating the approach to a railway crossing (series 1.31), which means the crossing is already near.
It is important to apply the requirement of paragraph 14.6 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: overtaking is prohibited at railway crossings and within 100 meters before them. That is, in the approach zone to the crossing, overtaking is not allowed regardless of whether the road markings permit it or if it seems possible to "make it" before the tracks. In this situation, the truck is already within the distance where overtaking is prohibited, since warning signs are installed in advance to inform about the approach to the crossing, not to leave a "window" for a risky maneuver.
Therefore, the correct tactic for the driver of the red car is not to start overtaking before the crossing and not to try to "rush through" before it. You must continue driving behind the truck, pass the railway crossing itself, and only after that, when the road section allows, and there is sufficient visibility and safety, perform the overtaking maneuver in the usual manner.
Thus, the correct answer is "Overtake after the railway crossing," since overtaking before and at the crossing is prohibited by paragraph 14.6 (b) of the Traffic Rules, and a safe and legal maneuver is only possible after passing the railway crossing.