14.47. Are you permitted to begin overtaking in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам розпочати обгін у цій ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety during overtaking and passing, when a driver is required to move into the oncoming traffic lane. Such maneuvers are among the most dangerous, especially on curves and sections where it is impossible to assess the traffic situation and the appearance of oncoming vehicles in advance.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding overtaking (point 14), as well as the understanding of the terms "overtaking" and "limited visibility" (p. 1.10). According to p. 14.6 "g", overtaking is prohibited on sharp curves and other sections with limited visibility or in conditions of insufficient visibility, since the driver cannot be sure that the oncoming lane is clear for the entire length of the maneuver. That is why the option allowing the start of overtaking is incorrect: even if the road markings do not seem strict, the general prohibition due to visibility conditions takes priority for safety.
It is important to remember for the theoretical exam: markings and signs only supplement the rules, but do not cancel prohibitions related to limited visibility. In real traffic, this knowledge helps to avoid head-on collisions, when an oncoming car may suddenly appear from behind a curve, and there will not be enough time or distance to safely complete the maneuver.
Clause 14.6 (subclause "g")
Overtaking is prohibited: d) at the crest of a hill, on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, sharp curves, and other road sections with limited visibility or in conditions of insufficient visibility.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Limited visibility")
Limited visibility — the visibility of the road in the direction of travel, restricted by the terrain, geometric parameters of the road, vegetation, buildings, structures, etc.
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.1
1.1 — a narrow solid line that separates traffic flows of opposite directions; marks the boundaries of traffic lanes in hazardous areas on roads; marks the boundaries of the carriageway that are prohibited to enter; crossing it is prohibited.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, overtaking (entering the oncoming traffic lane) is prohibited on sharp curves and other sections with limited visibility (clause 14.6 "g"), and in the presence of solid line 1.1, crossing it is prohibited (clause 34.1, marking 1.1).
In this situation, the key factor is not only the road markings, but primarily the road conditions. In the image, the road curves, and visibility of the oncoming lane ahead is limited. This means the driver cannot make sure in advance that there are no vehicles in the oncoming lane and that overtaking will be safe for its entire duration.
The rules establish a direct prohibition on starting to overtake in areas with limited visibility. Such places include, in particular, sharp bends and other sections of road where, due to the terrain or the trajectory of the road, it is impossible to see the oncoming traffic far enough ahead. This is exactly the situation created on a bend: even if no one is visible ahead at the moment, an oncoming car may appear suddenly when you have already entered the oncoming lane.
It is important to understand that the absence of a solid line marking by itself does not permit overtaking under any conditions. Markings only regulate whether lines can be crossed, but do not override general prohibitions related to safety and visibility. Therefore, even if there is a broken line marking, overtaking on a bend with limited visibility remains unacceptable.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking in an area with limited visibility (a bend) is prohibited by clause 14.6 [g] and creates danger due to the inability to control oncoming traffic in advance.