15.28. May a driver pick up or drop off passengers in a road works area?
UAЧи може водій виконати посадку (висадку) пасажирів у зоні виконання дорожніх робіт?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in high-risk conditions, when machinery is operating on the roadway, there are barriers, lane narrowing, and limited visibility. Such areas require maximum attentiveness from the driver, as any unplanned stop can create obstacles for other road users and for technological vehicles that are ensuring the completion of road works.
For the theoretical exam, this question tests knowledge of Section 15 "Stopping and Parking" and understanding of the term "Stop" from point 1.10 of the traffic rules. Picking up or dropping off passengers, according to the Traffic Rules, is considered a stop, even if it lasts only a few seconds, so all prohibitions regarding places where stopping is not allowed apply to it. According to point 15.9 (h), stopping is prohibited closer than 10 meters from a designated road work site and within the work zone if it creates obstacles for operating technological vehicles.
The option that allows boarding/alighting in the work zone is incorrect precisely because it ignores the fact of stopping and the increased danger: a passenger exits in a place where road machines may be maneuvering, and the driver's vehicle may block traffic or working equipment. The correct logic for practice is simple: if you need to drop off a passenger near a repair area, you should choose a permitted place outside the work zone and in compliance with the distance requirement, without creating obstacles and without violating the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 1.10 (term “Stop”)
Stop — cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or longer if necessary for boarding (alighting) passengers or loading (unloading) cargo, or fulfilling the requirements of these Rules.
Explanation of application: boarding/alighting passengers in the context of the Traffic Rules is considered a stop, therefore all prohibitions regarding stopping apply to it.
Clause 15.9 h) (section 15 “Stopping and Parking”)
Stopping is prohibited: closer than 10 m from a designated roadwork site and in the area of roadworks, where it would create obstacles for working technological vehicles.
Explanation of application: if boarding/alighting occurs directly in the area of roadworks, this constitutes stopping in a place where it is prohibited (under the conditions specified in the clause).
That is, the correct answer is “Cannot,” given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, boarding (alighting) passengers is a stop, and stopping in the area of roadworks (in cases defined by clause 15.9 h)) is prohibited.
Boarding or alighting passengers is always associated with stopping the vehicle. Even if it lasts only a short time, the driver stops moving, and therefore must comply with the Rules regarding places where stopping is prohibited.
The road works zone is considered an area of increased danger: technological vehicles may be moving or maneuvering there, machinery is operating, there may be lane narrowing and limited visibility. If you stop in such a place to pick up or drop off passengers, the vehicle will obstruct the movement of machinery and other road users, and the passenger, when getting in or out, will find themselves in hazardous conditions.
That is why clause 15.9 (h) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine prohibits stopping closer than 10 meters from the designated road works area and also within the work zone if it interferes with technological transport. That is, it is not allowed to stop directly in the work zone for boarding or alighting; if necessary, you should choose a place outside this zone and at the required distance.
For example, if a passenger needs to get out near a section where barriers are installed or road machinery is operating, the driver must drive further (or stop earlier) so as not to be within the work zone and not to violate the 10-meter rule. The fact that the passenger is heading directly to the work site is not a reason to ignore the stopping prohibition.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Cannot," since boarding/alighting constitutes a stop, and stopping in the road works zone (and closer than the established distance) is prohibited by clause 15.9 (h) of the Traffic Rules and creates danger and obstacles for technological vehicles.