14.8. Is the driver of the blue vehicle allowed to start overtaking in this situation?
UAЧи дозволяється водієві синього автомобіля почати обгін у цій ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safety of maneuvers in areas with limited visibility, where even the slightest mistake when entering the oncoming lane can lead to a head-on collision. At the crest of a hill, visibility of the oncoming direction sharply decreases due to the change in the road profile, so the driver is unable to make sure in advance that the oncoming lane is clear for a sufficient distance to complete the maneuver.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules concerning overtaking and passing, as well as the ability to apply overtaking prohibitions in dangerous locations. According to clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules, overtaking always involves entering the oncoming lane, and clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly prohibits overtaking at the crest of a hill and in other areas with limited visibility. That is why starting such a maneuver before the top of a hill is not allowed, even if it seems like you “have enough time.”
The analysis of answer options in the theoretical exam boils down to one key principle: the prohibition applies regardless of the behavior of the vehicle ahead. The statement that the maneuver is allowed contradicts clause 14.6 (d), because the risk of a sudden appearance of an oncoming vehicle remains. The condition regarding the white vehicle’s hazard lights also does not change the legal regime: even if the vehicle ahead is warning of danger or stopping, this does not cancel the overtaking prohibition at the crest of a hill and does not make entering the oncoming lane safe.
Clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
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.
Application: In the depicted situation, the blue car is approaching the crest (top) of a hill, where visibility of the oncoming lane is limited, therefore starting to overtake (by entering the oncoming lane) is prohibited.
Clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Application: The question concerns specifically the maneuver “overtaking” (not “passing” within one’s own lane), therefore the prohibition from clause 14.6 (d) applies directly.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, overtaking involves entering the oncoming lane, and at the crest of a hill overtaking is directly prohibited by clause 14.6 (d).
In this situation, the blue car is approaching the crest of a hill and is planning to overtake, which means it must enter the oncoming traffic lane. Right at the crest of the hill, visibility in the direction of travel is sharply reduced: oncoming vehicles may appear suddenly when the car is already in the oncoming lane.
Clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly prohibits overtaking at the crest of a hill and in other areas with limited visibility. The logic of this rule is simple: the driver cannot be sure in advance that the oncoming lane is clear for a sufficient distance to safely complete the maneuver and return to their lane.
Even if it seems that there is enough time, at the crest of a hill there is a risk that an oncoming car is approaching, which is not yet visible due to the road profile. In this case, the driver who started overtaking faces the danger of a head-on collision or is forced to abruptly return to their lane, risking a collision with the vehicle being overtaken.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking at the crest of a hill is forbidden by clause 14.6 (d) of the Traffic Rules due to limited visibility and the danger of the sudden appearance of oncoming vehicles.