14.32. Is it permitted to overtake a vehicle that is performing a detour or overtaking?
UAЧи дозволено обгін транспортного засобу, який виконує об'їзд або обгін?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during overtaking and the correct choice of distance and lane. Overtaking is one of the riskiest maneuvers on the road, as it often involves entering the oncoming lane and requires precise calculation of speed, visibility, and the actions of other drivers. That is why the traffic rules set clear prohibitions, which directly affect both the result of the theoretical exam and real-world safety.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking," specifically item 14.6 (sub-item g), which directly states that it is not allowed to overtake a vehicle that is already overtaking or bypassing another vehicle. The logic is simple: the preceding vehicle has already changed or is changing its trajectory, occupies space for the maneuver, and may return to its lane, while an attempt to "pass" it creates a conflict over the same section of the road and increases the risk of a side collision. Additionally, it is important to remember the definition of "overtaking" from Section 1 (item 1.10): it is passing with entry into the oncoming lane, which further increases the danger at the moment when another driver is already maneuvering.
Among the answer options, the correct one is the one that reflects the direct prohibition from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: any "permission conditions" such as a speed of less than 30 km/h do not apply here, because sub-item 14.6 (e) contains no exceptions. Likewise, the general statement about the possibility of such overtaking is incorrect, as the traffic rules prioritize the completion of the maneuver by the vehicle that has already started overtaking or bypassing, and do not allow the creation of a parallel dangerous maneuver from behind.
Clause 14.6 (subclause g) — Section 14 "Overtaking"
"Overtaking is prohibited: … g) of a vehicle that is performing an overtaking or bypass maneuver."
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
"Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entering the oncoming traffic lane."
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is a maneuver involving entering the oncoming lane, and clause 14.6 (e) directly prohibits overtaking a vehicle that is already performing an overtaking or bypass maneuver.
In the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the term "overtaking" means passing another vehicle by moving into the oncoming lane. This is one of the most risky maneuvers, so the rules specifically define situations when it is prohibited.
If the vehicle ahead has already started overtaking or bypassing, it means it is changing its trajectory, may be shifting to the left, returning to its lane, and needs space to complete the maneuver. At this moment, attempting to overtake it creates a double conflict: you are simultaneously claiming the same space and the same lane as the vehicle ahead, and you also risk not being able to safely return to your lane.
This is why clause 14.6 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits overtaking a vehicle that is already overtaking or bypassing. A typical example: the car ahead starts bypassing an obstacle or begins to overtake a slower vehicle, and the driver behind tries to "pass" it even further to the left. In such a situation, a side collision or sudden braking with entry into the oncoming lane is very likely.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since the Traffic Rules (clause 14.6 (e)) explicitly do not allow overtaking a vehicle that is already overtaking or bypassing, due to the high risk of dangerous proximity and collision during simultaneous maneuvers.