14.40. Overtaking is prohibited:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe execution of maneuvers near pedestrian crossings. During overtaking, the driver moves into the oncoming lane and often increases speed, while before a crossing, the risk of a pedestrian suddenly appearing increases and visibility is impaired by the vehicle being overtaken. Therefore, the traffic rules preemptively restrict the places where such a maneuver is allowed to reduce the likelihood of collisions and conflicts in traffic flow.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules concerning overtaking and passing (Section 14 "Overtaking," specifically clause 14.6 c), as well as a basic understanding of the term "overtaking" from clause 1.10. The key rule is as follows: overtaking is prohibited within 50 meters before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and within 100 meters outside a populated area. The difference in distance is logical: outside populated areas, speeds are usually higher, so a greater distance is needed for visibility and stopping.
The analysis of the options in this theoretical exam boils down to the fact that the separate answers about 50 meters in the city and 100 meters outside the city do not contradict each other, but describe the same subclause 14.6 c) under two different traffic conditions. That is why the correct answer is the combination of these two situations. The statement about a ban on overtaking on any roads with one lane in each direction is incorrect: on such roads, overtaking is possible if there are no other prohibitions (markings, signs, visibility, ascent, turn, etc.), so this point should not be included in the correct answer.
Practically, this means that the driver must complete the maneuver in advance and not plan to overtake "on approach" to the crossing: within a populated area, at least 50 meters of clearance is required, and outside a populated area — 100 meters. This rule helps maintain visibility of the crossing, avoid creating dangerous situations when entering the oncoming lane, and increases pedestrian safety.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 14.6 (subclause “v”)
Overtaking is prohibited: c) less than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and 100 m — outside a populated area.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In the places specified in answers 1 and 2," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking (entering the oncoming traffic lane) is expressly prohibited less than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and less than 100 m — outside a populated area.
During overtaking, the driver moves into the oncoming traffic lane and usually increases speed. In such a situation, the main risk near a pedestrian crossing is that a pedestrian may appear suddenly, and the view of the crossing is partially blocked by the vehicle you are overtaking. That is why the Rules preemptively restrict the places where this maneuver is allowed.
According to clause 14.6 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking is prohibited closer than 50 meters before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and closer than 100 meters before a pedestrian crossing outside a populated area. That is, the prohibition is tied to the distance to the crossing and to where exactly you are driving: within a populated area or outside it.
The logic behind the different distances is simple: outside populated areas, speeds are usually higher, and therefore the stopping distance is longer. Thus, even if a pedestrian appears unexpectedly at the crossing, the driver must have a sufficient distance margin to notice the danger and stop, without creating an emergency situation during the overtaking maneuver.
For example, in the city, when approaching a pedestrian crossing, you must refrain from overtaking already 50 meters before it. And on a country road, a similar maneuver cannot be started or performed already 100 meters before the crossing. In the test, these two cases are presented as separate options, but both directly relate to the same prohibition in clause 14.6 (c).
Therefore, the correct answer is "In the places indicated in answers 1 and 2," since the Traffic Rules prohibit overtaking when approaching a pedestrian crossing: 50 m in a populated area and 100 m outside a populated area, so that the driver has sufficient visibility and stopping distance for pedestrian safety.