14.7. Is overtaking permitted in this traffic situation?
UAЧи дозволено обгін у даній дорожній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during one of the riskiest maneuvers on the road — overtaking. In real traffic, overtaking often occurs at higher speeds and involves entering the oncoming lane, so the traffic rules establish clear prohibitions near places where the driver must be as prepared as possible for the sudden appearance of pedestrians or the need to stop.
The task checks the section of the Traffic Rules about overtaking (point 14.6) and understanding of terms from point 1.10, in particular that overtaking is passing with entry into the oncoming lane, and a pedestrian crossing is a section where a pedestrian has the legal right to cross the roadway. In a situation outside a populated area, the requirement of point 14.6 (c) applies: overtaking is prohibited closer than 100 m before a pedestrian crossing, that is, the maneuver must be completed in advance. That is why similar examples are often included in the theoretical exam — they show that danger arises not only "at the crossing" but also on the approach to it, when the view may be partially blocked by the vehicle ahead.
The analysis of the options in this ticket is simple: the statement about unconditional permission does not take into account the direct prohibition before a pedestrian crossing outside a populated area; the condition about a speed of less than 30 km/h is also irrelevant, because point 14.6 (c) does not contain exceptions depending on the speed of the vehicle ahead. The practical conclusion for the driver: when approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing outside the city, you should refrain from overtaking, assess the distance in advance, and be ready to reduce speed or stop.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
“Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles involving driving into the oncoming traffic lane.”
Application: the question specifically checks the maneuver “overtaking” (not just passing within your own lane), because it involves entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term “Pedestrian crossing”)
“Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway or an engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road. Pedestrian crossings are marked by road signs and/or road markings. If there are no road markings, the boundaries of the pedestrian crossing are determined by the distance between road signs or pedestrian traffic lights, and at intersections — by the width of sidewalks or road shoulders.”
Application: the restriction on overtaking in p. 14.6(c) is specifically linked to approaching a pedestrian crossing (a place where pedestrians may enter the carriageway).
Clause 14.6 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Overtaking is prohibited: … c) less than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and 100 m — outside a populated area.”
Application: since this section of the road is outside a populated area, overtaking cannot be performed (and must be completed) less than 100 m before a pedestrian crossing.
Thus, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking is passing with entry into the oncoming lane, and clause 14.6(c) directly prohibits overtaking less than 100 m before a pedestrian crossing outside a populated area.
Overtaking, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, is passing another vehicle which necessarily involves entering the oncoming traffic lane. That is, when a driver moves to the left into the oncoming lane to pass a car ahead, they are performing an overtaking maneuver.
In this situation, there is an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing ahead in the direction of travel, and from the signs in the image, it is clear that this section of road is located outside a populated area (there is no development, the road is characteristic of a rural area). This is important because the Rules set different minimum distances for different conditions.
According to clause 14.6 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking is prohibited closer than 100 meters before a pedestrian crossing outside a populated area. The essence of this requirement is that the driver must have the opportunity to notice a pedestrian on the crossing in time and, if necessary, reduce speed or stop. During overtaking, the driver's attention is shifted to the oncoming lane and to completing the maneuver, and the vehicle being overtaken may partially block the view of the crossing.
In the road situation shown, the driver begins overtaking at a distance that is clearly less than the established 100 meters to the pedestrian crossing. This means that the requirement of clause 14.6 (c) is not met, and the risk of a dangerous situation for the pedestrian increases significantly.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking outside a populated area is not allowed closer than 100 meters before a pedestrian crossing (clause 14.6 (c) of the Traffic Rules).