14.30. Is the driver of the white car allowed to overtake at this location?
UAЧи дозволено у цьому місці водієві білого автомобіля виконати обгін?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safety of overtaking when approaching intersections and the ability to correctly interpret priority road signs. In real traffic, overtaking before an intersection often becomes the cause of accidents due to changes in trajectories, the appearance of oncoming traffic, and possible maneuvers by other drivers. Therefore, the traffic rules strictly limit overtaking in places where traffic flows intersect.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking," specifically clause 14.6(a), which prohibits overtaking at intersections. At the same time, sign 2.1 "Give Way" together with plate 7.1.1 "Distance to Object" only warns that there is an intersection ahead at a certain distance, but does not itself introduce a ban on overtaking along the entire stretch leading up to it. Thus, the key condition for the driver is that the maneuver must be fully completed before the boundaries of the intersection, that is, before entering the area where the roads cross.
The analysis of answer options in the theoretical exam comes down to the correct application of the prohibition "at the intersection." The statement that overtaking is allowed only if the maneuver is completed before the intersection is consistent with the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the logic of defining the boundaries of an intersection. The option regarding the speed of the overtaken vehicle (less than 30 km/h) is not a basis for allowing overtaking near an intersection and does not cancel the requirement of clause 14.6(a). A complete prohibition "at this location" is also incorrect: before the intersection, overtaking is possible if there are no additional restrictions (solid line marking, "No Overtaking" sign, insufficient visibility) and the driver can definitely return to their lane in advance.
Clause 14.6 a) (Section 14 "Overtaking")
Overtaking is prohibited: a) at an intersection.
Explanation of application: in the given situation, overtaking cannot be performed within the intersection, but it is allowed to start overtaking before the intersection provided that the maneuver is fully completed before entering the intersection (i.e., before its boundaries).
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Explanation of application: the question specifically checks the rules for performing the "overtaking" maneuver (not "passing"), that is, with entry into the oncoming lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginning of the rounding of the edges of the carriageways of each road.
Explanation of application: the prohibition from clause 14.6 a) applies specifically "at the intersection," so it is necessary to understand where its boundaries begin in order to complete overtaking before crossing them.
Clause 33.2 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.1 "Give Way"
Sign 2.1 "Give Way" — the driver must give way to vehicles moving on the road he is crossing or entering.
Explanation of application: the sign informs that there is a road intersection (intersection) ahead, i.e., the driver is approaching a section where overtaking within the intersection is prohibited.
Clause 33.7 — 33 "Road Signs", 7 "Plates to Road Signs", plate 7.1.1 "Distance to Object"
Plate 7.1.1 "Distance to Object" — indicates the distance from the sign to the beginning of the hazardous section, the place where the relevant restriction is introduced, or to the object.
Explanation of application: in combination with sign 2.1, the plate shows that the intersection will be after the specified distance, so overtaking is only possible if the maneuver is completed before the boundaries of the intersection.
That is, the correct answer is "Allowed provided that overtaking is completed before the intersection," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules overtaking is prohibited specifically at the intersection (clause 14.6 a), and signs 2.1 with plate 7.1.1 only warn about the approach to the intersection at a certain distance.
In this situation, the driver of the white car is traveling on a section of road where there is an advance warning about approaching an intersection. This is indicated by the priority sign “Yield” together with the “Distance to Object” plate, meaning the intersection is not immediate, but will be reached after the specified distance.
The key restriction here concerns the intersection itself. According to clause 14.6 (a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking at intersections is prohibited. This means that you cannot begin a maneuver in such a way that you end up in the oncoming lane within the intersection, or finish overtaking directly at the intersection.
At the same time, the mere presence of a warning sign about an intersection does not yet prohibit overtaking on the stretch of road before the intersection, provided there are no other prohibitions (for example, a solid line marking or a “No Overtaking” sign). Therefore, the driver of the white car may begin overtaking before the intersection, but must realistically assess the distance, speed, and the ability to safely return to their lane in advance.
Practically, this means the following: if the driver sees that there is enough space before the intersection and he can definitely complete the overtaking before its boundaries, the maneuver is allowed. However, if there is a risk that the overtaking will “drag on” and be completed at the intersection, it must not be started, as this would be a direct violation of the prohibition on overtaking at intersections.
Thus, the correct answer is “Allowed provided the overtaking is completed before the intersection,” since overtaking is prohibited precisely within the intersection (clause 14.6 (a) of the Traffic Rules), but is allowed before it, provided the maneuver is fully completed in advance.