14.38. In which cases are you allowed to overtake at an intersection?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about maneuvering safety in high-risk zones. An intersection is a place where the paths of vehicles cross, drivers change lanes, turn, and pedestrians may also appear. In such conditions, any maneuver involving entry into oncoming traffic sharply increases the likelihood of conflict and accidents, so the traffic rules establish strict restrictions.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking" and understanding of terms from point 1.10. According to the definition in the traffic rules, overtaking is passing another vehicle by moving into the oncoming lane, and point 14.6 a) directly prohibits overtaking at intersections. That is why statements about "permission" at a controlled intersection, on the main road, or outside a populated area are incorrect: the rule contains no exceptions based on the type of intersection or traffic conditions, so the option "in all of the listed cases" also cannot be correct.
For the theoretical exam, it is important not to confuse overtaking with passing: if you are moving faster within your own direction without entering the oncoming lane (for example, on a multi-lane road), this is passing, not overtaking. The practical conclusion is simple: plan your maneuvers so that you complete overtaking before reaching the intersection, because overtaking is prohibited within its limits regardless of whether the intersection is controlled or not, and regardless of which road you are driving on.
Clause 14.6 a) (Section 14 "Overtaking")
Overtaking is prohibited: a) at an intersection.
Brief application: the prohibition applies at any intersection (regulated or unregulated, on a main or secondary road), since the Traffic Rules do not contain exceptions for overtaking specifically "at an intersection".
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Brief application: the question checks the understanding that "overtaking" in the Traffic Rules is a maneuver involving entry into the oncoming lane; therefore, at an intersection, it is directly prohibited by clause 14.6 a).
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection is a place where roads cross, join, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginnings of the curves of the edges of the carriageway of each road. The place where an exit from an adjacent territory joins the road is not considered an intersection.
Brief application: the definition is necessary to correctly determine where exactly the intersection begins/ends (and, accordingly, the area where the overtaking prohibition under clause 14.6 a) applies).
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.
Brief application: at an intersection, only "overtaking" (with entry into the oncoming lane) is prohibited, but "passing" (without entering the oncoming lane) is, as a general rule, not identical to overtaking.
That is, the correct answer is "Overtaking at any intersection is prohibited.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is passing with entry into the oncoming lane, and clause 14.6 a) directly prohibits overtaking at intersections.
To answer this question correctly, it is first important to distinguish what exactly the Traffic Rules (PDR) define as overtaking and where an intersection begins. Overtaking in the PDR is passing another vehicle, which necessarily involves moving into the oncoming traffic lane. An intersection is a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, and its boundaries are defined by imaginary lines between the beginnings of the curves of the carriageway edges.
Next, we apply the direct rule: clause 14.6 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine prohibits overtaking at intersections. That is, as soon as the maneuver requires moving into the oncoming lane and occurs within the boundaries of an intersection, it is prohibited regardless of the type of intersection. It does not matter whether it is regulated or unregulated, whether you are driving on the main or secondary road, in a populated area or outside it—the very location of the “intersection” already makes overtaking inadmissible.
The reason for the prohibition is practical and related to safety. At an intersection, traffic directions change simultaneously, vehicles may turn or change lanes, pedestrians may appear, and the situation often changes instantly. During overtaking, the driver partially loses visibility and reaction time, and also ends up closer to the trajectories of other road users. For example, the vehicle ahead may suddenly start turning left (or its intention may not be noticed in time), and an attempt to overtake at the intersection creates a high risk of collision.
It is also important not to confuse overtaking with passing. If you are on a multi-lane road and moving faster than another vehicle within your lane, without entering the oncoming lane, this is passing, not overtaking. But as soon as the maneuver requires entering the oncoming lane, it is overtaking, and at intersections it is prohibited.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Overtaking at any intersection is prohibited," since clause 14.6 a) directly prohibits overtaking at intersections, and overtaking by definition involves entering the oncoming lane, which at intersections creates increased danger.