14.39. At what distance from a pedestrian crossing is overtaking prohibited?
UAНа якій відстані від пішохідного переходу заборонений обгін?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe execution of overtaking near pedestrian crossings. Its purpose is to remind that the risk of a pedestrian suddenly appearing is highest before the "zebra crossing," and during overtaking, the driver usually accelerates and focuses on oncoming traffic. That is why the traffic rules establish clear distances to ensure there is enough time to spot a pedestrian and stop, which is especially important for the theoretical exam.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules about overtaking, specifically clause 14.6 (c), as well as the understanding of the term "overtaking" from clause 1.10 (which is overtaking by entering the oncoming lane and returning back). The key detail, which often leads to mistakes in the exam, is that the prohibition applies specifically to the section before the pedestrian crossing, meaning the maneuver must be completed in advance; there is no separate prohibition "after" the crossing in this clause.
The analysis of the answer options helps to identify the traps in the wording. Option 1 is incorrect because it adds a prohibition after the crossing, which is not established by clause 14.6 (c). Option 2 corresponds to the Traffic Rules: the distance differs in populated areas and outside them due to higher speeds outside populated areas and a longer braking distance. Option 3 is incorrect because it indicates other, "overstated" meters that are not in the traffic rules, although they may sound logical. In practice, this knowledge helps to plan the maneuver in advance: if there is a pedestrian crossing ahead and you are not sure you can safely complete the overtaking in advance, overtaking is not allowed.
Clause 14.6 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Overtaking is prohibited: less than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and 100 m outside a populated area.
Brief application: the prohibition applies specifically to the section before the pedestrian crossing (that is, up to it), since the clause directly establishes the distance "before the pedestrian crossing" and does not contain a prohibition "after" it.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving moving onto the lane (side of the carriageway) intended for oncoming traffic, and then returning to the previously occupied lane (side of the carriageway).
Brief application: the question checks knowledge of the restrictions specifically for overtaking (a maneuver involving moving into the oncoming lane), and not for "passing" without entering the oncoming lane.
That is, the correct answer is "Less than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and 100 m outside a populated area," given that the Traffic Rules directly prohibit overtaking at the specified distance before a pedestrian crossing (clause 14.6 (c)), and "overtaking" by definition is passing with entry into the oncoming lane (clause 1.10).
A pedestrian crossing is a place where a pedestrian has the legal right to suddenly step onto the roadway. Therefore, before the crossing, the driver must have sufficient visibility and enough time to notice the pedestrian in time and stop safely. This is why the Traffic Rules set restrictions on overtaking before a pedestrian crossing.
Overtaking, as defined in the Traffic Rules, involves entering the oncoming traffic lane and then returning to your own lane. When a driver begins overtaking before a pedestrian crossing, their attention is focused on oncoming vehicles and completing the maneuver, and their speed usually increases. If at this moment a pedestrian starts to cross, the risk of not reacting in time increases significantly, especially when there is a vehicle ahead partially blocking the view of the crossing.
Clause 14.6 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits overtaking closer than the established distance before a pedestrian crossing: in a populated area, this is 50 meters, and outside a populated area — 100 meters. The difference in meters is explained by the fact that outside populated areas, higher speeds are allowed, and a greater distance is needed for safe stopping and assessing the situation. It is important to understand: this refers specifically to the section before the crossing, meaning the maneuver must be completed in advance, not "I'll make it before the zebra".
After passing the pedestrian crossing, this particular danger is already behind, so the rule prohibiting overtaking is tied specifically to approaching the crossing, not to the distance after it.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Closer than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and 100 m outside a populated area," since the Traffic Rules (clause 14.6 c) prohibit overtaking specifically before a pedestrian crossing at these distances, so that the driver has time and space to notice the pedestrian in time and stop safely.