14.53. In which case is overtaking allowed at an intersection?
UAУ якому випадку дозволено виконати обгін на перехресті?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of maneuvering in a high-risk area where vehicle trajectories intersect and pedestrian crossings are often present. At an intersection, the traffic situation changes rapidly: some vehicles are turning, others are starting to move from different directions, and a pedestrian may step onto the roadway. That is why the traffic rules require drivers to maintain maximum awareness and anticipation, and dangerous maneuvers are restricted here.
The question tests knowledge of Section 14 "Overtaking" and the ability to distinguish terms from Section 1 (in particular, that overtaking by definition involves entering the oncoming traffic lane). According to clause 14.6(a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking at an intersection is prohibited without exceptions: it does not matter whether the intersection is controlled by traffic lights or not, whether it is in a populated area or outside it, on a main or secondary road. This is a typical trap in the theoretical exam, when a driver tries to "justify" the maneuver by visibility conditions or a green signal.
Analysis of the options shows why common arguments do not work: a green traffic light does not cancel the prohibition of overtaking at an intersection, as it only permits movement in a certain direction but does not allow dangerous maneuvers that are directly prohibited by the rules. Similarly, the absence of oncoming vehicles does not make overtaking permissible, since the danger at an intersection is not only related to oncoming traffic, but also to possible turns, the appearance of vehicles from other directions, and pedestrians. At the same time, it is important to remember the difference between overtaking and passing: if you can move faster within your own lane or an adjacent lane in the same direction without entering the oncoming lane, this is passing, and it is only allowed if there is a safe distance and control of the situation.
Clause 14.6 [a] (Section 14 "Overtaking")
Overtaking is prohibited: a) at an intersection.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
An intersection is a place where roads cross, join, or branch at the same level, bounded by imaginary lines between the beginnings of the curves of the edges of the carriageways of each road. Exits from adjacent areas are not considered intersections.
Clause 1.10 (term "Passing" — additionally for distinguishing maneuvers)
Passing is the movement of a vehicle at a speed exceeding the speed of a parallel vehicle moving in the same direction in an adjacent lane within the same carriageway.
Thus, the correct answer is "Overtaking at an intersection is prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking (with entering the oncoming traffic lane) is directly prohibited at a place that is an intersection.
An intersection is a place where traffic flows cross or merge, and pedestrian crossings are often located there as well. In such a zone, the driver must have maximum visibility and be able to quickly react to changes in the situation, since other road users may appear from any direction.
According to clause 14.6(a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking at an intersection is prohibited. This rule applies to all types of intersections: controlled and uncontrolled, equal and unequal, both within and outside populated areas. That is, it does not matter whether you are driving on a main or secondary road—the prohibition remains unchanged.
The reason for the prohibition is practical and related to safety: during overtaking, the driver's attention and view are partially focused on the vehicle being overtaken and on the oncoming lane (or lane changes). At an intersection, this is especially dangerous because turns, exits from adjacent directions, and pedestrian crossings may occur simultaneously. In such a situation, the overtaking maneuver significantly increases the risk of conflict and accidents.
It is important to distinguish between overtaking and passing. If the width of the carriageway allows you to move faster without entering the oncoming lane, this may be considered passing, and it is possible provided a safe interval is maintained. However, overtaking as a maneuver involving entry into the oncoming lane is prohibited at intersections. It is also allowed to overtake before an intersection only if you completely finish the maneuver before entering the intersection.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Overtaking at an intersection is prohibited," since clause 14.6(a) of the Traffic Rules directly establishes a ban on overtaking at any intersection due to increased danger and the possible appearance of other vehicles and pedestrians.