14.52. Are you permitted to overtake in the given situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам здійснити обгін в наведеній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe execution of overtaking and the assessment of the road situation in areas where the risk of a head-on collision sharply increases. Such situations most often arise on bends and in places with limited visibility, when the driver physically cannot make sure in advance that there is no oncoming traffic along the entire length of the maneuver, and therefore cannot guarantee safety.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding maneuvering and overtaking, in particular the understanding of the term "overtaking" (para. 1.10) as overtaking with entry into the oncoming lane, as well as knowledge of direct prohibitions from para. 14.6 (d). In areas with limited visibility, including sharp bends, overtaking is prohibited regardless of the speed of the vehicle ahead or the subjective feeling that "I have enough time." Additionally, in such places, a solid line marking 1.1 is often applied, crossing which is also prohibited, further emphasizing the danger of entering the oncoming lane.
The analysis of the answer options in this task comes down to the fact that "allowed" would only be possible if there is sufficient visibility and no prohibitions, but under the conditions of a bend/limited visibility, the traffic rules directly exclude overtaking. That is why it is important to remember for the theoretical exam: even if the road markings or the width of the road seem "convenient," the decisive factor is paragraph 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the actual ability to safely control the oncoming lane.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 14.6 [g]
Overtaking is prohibited: d) at the crest of a hill, on bridges, overpasses, flyovers, sharp curves, and other sections of roads with limited visibility or in conditions of insufficient visibility.
Brief application: in the given situation, the road section has limited visibility (sharp curve/other section with limited visibility), therefore overtaking (with entry into the oncoming lane) is prohibited regardless of the speed of the vehicle ahead.
Clause 34.1 — 34 “Road Markings”, 1 “Horizontal Markings”, marking 1.1
Marking 1.1 (narrow solid line) — separates traffic flows of opposite directions and marks the boundaries of traffic lanes in dangerous places on the roads; marks the boundaries of sections of the carriageway where entry is prohibited; marks the boundaries of parking spaces and the edge of the carriageway (in cases provided by the Traffic Rules). Crossing line 1.1 is prohibited.
Thus, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, overtaking in sections with limited visibility (in particular on sharp curves) is directly prohibited by clause 14.6 [g], and the solid line marking 1.1 further prohibits entry/crossing at this location.
In the given situation, you are driving behind a vehicle moving in the same direction on a section of road where there is a curve ahead, and therefore, the visibility of the oncoming lane is limited. This means you cannot be sure in advance that there are no vehicles in the oncoming lane and that the maneuver will be safe for its entire duration.
Overtaking, by definition, involves entering the oncoming traffic lane. That is why the Traffic Rules establish specific places where such a maneuver is prohibited regardless of the speed of the vehicle ahead or even if you think you "have enough time." Such places include sharp curves and other sections with limited visibility.
According to clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking is prohibited on sharp curves and other sections of roads with limited visibility. In your case, this is exactly the road situation: the curve does not allow you to control oncoming traffic and creates an increased risk of a head-on collision during overtaking.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking on a section with limited visibility (a curve) is directly prohibited by clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.