14.55. Does the driver have the right to overtake in this traffic situation?
UAЧи має право водій виконати обгін у даній дорожній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about maneuvering safety and restrictions on overtaking in areas with increased risk. A tunnel belongs to sections with a "closed space," where visibility and opportunities for maneuvering are limited, and any mistake during overtaking can lead to a head-on collision or blockage of traffic. That is why the traffic rules establish strict prohibitions here without exceptions.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding overtaking and oncoming passing, in particular clause 14.6 (f), which directly states: overtaking in tunnels is prohibited. Additionally, it is important to remember the definition of the term "overtaking" from clause 1.10: it is overtaking that involves entering the oncoming traffic lane. In the theoretical exam, such wording checks attentiveness to direct prohibitions that do not depend on the traffic situation or the "convenience" of performing the maneuver.
The analysis of the options in this exam question comes down to one principle: no conditions override a direct prohibition. The assertion about the possibility of overtaking at a low speed of the vehicle ahead (less than 30 km/h) does not apply to tunnels, just as the argument about a "free oncoming lane" does not — clause 14.6 (f) contains no exceptions. Therefore, any combinations of these conditions also do not make the maneuver legal: in a tunnel, the driver must refrain from overtaking and continue moving in their lane, maintaining distance and speed limits.
Clause 14.6 [d]
Overtaking is prohibited: f) in tunnels.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Not allowed," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking (as a maneuver involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane) in tunnels is expressly prohibited by clause 14.6 [d].
In this situation, the driver is considering overtaking in a tunnel. Overtaking always involves moving into the oncoming traffic lane or another lane, and in the confined space of a tunnel, any mistake or sudden change in the situation creates increased danger.
Clause 14.6 (f) of the Traffic Rules explicitly prohibits overtaking in tunnels. This means that even with good visibility, no oncoming vehicles, or a slow-moving vehicle ahead, the driver cannot legally overtake in such a place.
The logic behind this prohibition is simple: in a tunnel, there are limited opportunities for maneuvering, less space for safe passing, it is more difficult to react quickly and avoid a collision, and there is practically no room to safely complete the maneuver if the situation changes. Therefore, the rule applies without exceptions and does not depend on the speed of the vehicle ahead or the road markings.
Thus, the correct answer is "Does not have the right," since overtaking in a tunnel is directly prohibited by clause 14.6 (f) of the Traffic Rules and has no exceptions.