14.44. Is the driver allowed to overtake while driving in conditions of insufficient visibility?
UAЧи дозволено водієві виконати обгін під час руху в умовах недостатньої видимості?
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This exam question focuses on road safety during maneuvering in difficult weather and lighting conditions. When road visibility is reduced due to fog, rain, snowfall, or twilight, the driver is less able to judge the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles, and the risk of a head-on collision increases sharply. That is why the traffic rules in such situations establish strict restrictions, which are tested in the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking" of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in particular clause 14.6 (d), as well as basic definitions from clause 1.10. The key criterion here is legal and very specific: "insufficient visibility" means that the visibility of the road in the direction of travel is less than 300 meters. Since overtaking by definition involves entering the oncoming lane, in conditions of insufficient visibility, the driver cannot reliably make sure that the oncoming lane will be clear throughout the maneuver, so the prohibition is direct and does not depend on markings or signs.
The option that allows the maneuver contradicts the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: clause 14.6 (d) directly refers insufficient visibility to the conditions under which overtaking is prohibited. Instead, the correct option reflects the logic of the rule: even if it seems that there are no oncoming vehicles, due to limited visibility they may appear too suddenly, and returning to your lane will require emergency actions and create danger for all road users.
Clause 14.6 (d) (Section 14 "Overtaking")
Overtaking is prohibited: (d) at the crest of a hill, on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, sharp bends, and other road sections with limited visibility or in conditions of insufficient visibility.
Application: in conditions of insufficient visibility, overtaking is directly prohibited regardless of the presence/absence of road markings or traffic signs, since the maneuver usually involves entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
Insufficient visibility — visibility of the road in the direction of the vehicle's movement is less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.
Application: it is precisely these conditions (less than 300 m) that are the legal criterion under which the prohibition on overtaking according to clause 14.6 (d) applies.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles associated with entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Application: overtaking differs from passing in that it involves entering the oncoming lane, which in conditions of insufficient visibility further increases the danger and is therefore prohibited by the Traffic Rules.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, insufficient visibility (less than 300 m) is the condition under which clause 14.6 (d) directly prohibits overtaking.
During overtaking, the driver is forced to move into the oncoming traffic lane and travel for some time towards possible vehicles. The safety of this maneuver directly depends on whether you can see far enough ahead to assess the situation and complete the overtaking without risk.
In the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, insufficient visibility is defined as a situation where the visibility of the road in the direction of travel is less than 300 meters (for example, at dusk, during fog, rain, or snowfall). In such conditions, the driver does not have adequate visibility to notice oncoming vehicles, obstacles, or changes in the road situation in advance.
That is why clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes a prohibition on overtaking in conditions of insufficient visibility. The logic of this rule is simple: when you can see less than 300 meters, you cannot reliably make sure that the oncoming lane will be clear for the entire duration of the maneuver. Additionally, bad weather distorts the assessment of speed and distance to oncoming vehicles, which may cause the driver to mistakenly believe they "have enough time," although in reality the danger of a head-on collision is already critical.
Imagine driving in fog or heavy rain: there is a slow vehicle ahead, and it seems there are no oncoming cars. But due to limited visibility, an oncoming vehicle may suddenly appear at too short a distance, when returning to your lane without emergency braking or risk of collision is already impossible. It is precisely such situations that the Traffic Rules aim to prevent with this prohibition.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits overtaking in conditions of insufficient visibility (less than 300 m), when the driver cannot safely control the oncoming lane for the duration of the maneuver.