14.48. Are you allowed to overtake a vehicle in this case if you are driving on a bridge?
UAЧи дозволено Вам виконати обгін автомобіля в даному випадку, якщо Ви рухаєтесь на мосту?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety when performing dangerous maneuvers in areas with specific conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and flyovers have limited space for maneuvering, often poorer visibility, possible narrowings, ascents or descents, so any entry into the oncoming lane here sharply increases the risk of a head-on collision. That is why the traffic rules set clear prohibitions for such places.
The question tests Section 14 "Overtaking" and knowledge of clause 14.6 (e), which directly states: overtaking on bridges, overpasses, and flyovers (as well as under them, in tunnels) is prohibited. It is important to understand the terms from clause 1.10: overtaking is passing another vehicle involving entry into the oncoming lane, and this maneuver on a bridge is not allowed regardless of whether the road appears clear. The option "allowed" is incorrect, because the traffic rules do not provide exceptions for overtaking on bridges.
For the theoretical exam, it is also useful to distinguish overtaking from passing: if there are several lanes in one direction, sometimes it is possible to move faster within your own lane without entering the oncoming lane, but this is passing and does not cancel the prohibition specifically on overtaking. In practice, this knowledge helps to correctly assess the boundaries of the bridge as a span structure and avoid critical mistakes that most often lead to accidents on narrow and restricted sections of the road.
Clause 14.6 (Section 14 “Overtaking”), subclause g)
Overtaking is prohibited: e) on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, and under them, as well as in tunnels.
Application: if a vehicle is moving on a bridge, performing overtaking (that is, with entering the oncoming traffic lane) is prohibited regardless of additional conditions.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Application: the question checks the understanding that “overtaking” is not just “passing faster,” but a maneuver with entering the oncoming lane, which is directly prohibited on a bridge by clause 14.6 e).
Clause 1.10 (term “Passing”)
Passing — movement of a vehicle at a speed exceeding the speed of a parallel vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane.
Application: differs from overtaking in that it does not involve entering the oncoming lane; however, in this question, it specifically asks about “overtaking,” which is prohibited on a bridge.
Thus, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is performed by entering the oncoming lane, and clause 14.6 (e) directly prohibits overtaking on bridges.
When driving on a bridge, the driver must take into account that this is a section of road with specific conditions: visibility often changes, there may be narrowings, ascents or descents, as well as limited space for maneuvering. Any entry into the oncoming lane or sudden lane change here significantly increases the risk of a head-on collision or traffic accident.
The Traffic Rules explicitly prohibit overtaking on bridges, overpasses, and flyovers (paragraph 14.6 e). By definition, overtaking involves entering the oncoming lane (or an adjacent lane), so such a maneuver is not allowed on a bridge, regardless of whether the road seems clear and visibility sufficient. There are no exceptions for overtaking on a bridge in this paragraph.
It is also important to understand the boundaries of a bridge: the prohibition applies specifically within the span structure, that is, directly on the bridge. The approach embankment before the bridge is not considered a bridge, but as soon as you are on the structure itself, overtaking becomes inadmissible. If there are several lanes in your direction, passing within your own lane without entering the oncoming lane is possible, but this is a different maneuver and does not cancel the prohibition on overtaking itself.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking on bridges is directly prohibited by paragraph 14.6 g of the Traffic Rules and is performed under conditions of increased danger and limited opportunities for safe maneuvering.