15.33. Is the driver of the green vehicle allowed to stop at this location without the necessity of picking up or dropping off passengers, if this is not required by the Traffic Rules?
UAЧи дозволяється водієві зеленого автомобіля зупинитися в цьому місці без необхідності посадки (висадки) пасажирів, якщо це не вимагається Правилами дорожнього руху?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in the area of tram infrastructure: stopping on the tracks almost always creates a risk of obstructing the tram, provokes dangerous maneuvers by other drivers, and can cause delays to public transport. In the theoretical exam, such situations test attentiveness to high-risk areas and the ability to distinguish permitted exceptions from the general prohibition.
The question checks Section 15 of the Traffic Rules, specifically the topic "Stopping and Parking" and the application of clauses 15.9 (b) and 15.8. The general rule is as follows: stopping on tram tracks is prohibited (clause 15.9 (b)), and exceptions are possible only in cases explicitly stated in clause 15.8: when stopping is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Traffic Rules (for example, at a traffic signal, to give way), or when the tracks are located at the right edge and the stop is needed specifically for boarding or alighting passengers. If the stop is not related to fulfilling the requirements of the traffic rules or to boarding/alighting, there are no grounds for an exception.
That is why the option "allowed" is incorrect: "stopping without necessity" contradicts the definition of stopping in the Traffic Rules and violates the direct prohibition for tram tracks. Instead, the option "prohibited" corresponds to the logic of the rules and the provision of clause 15.9 (b): it is not permitted to stop on tram tracks without reasons provided by the Traffic Rules, even if it seems that the tram is "still far away" or "it's just for a minute."
Clause 15.9 b) (Section 15 "Stopping and Parking")
Stopping is prohibited: b) on tram tracks (except in cases specified in clause 15.8 of these Rules).
Clause 15.8 (Section 15 "Stopping and Parking")
On a tram track in the same direction, located on the left at the same level as the carriageway for non-rail vehicles, stopping is allowed only to comply with the requirements of these Rules, and on those located at the right edge of the carriageway — only for boarding (alighting) passengers or complying with the requirements of these Rules. In these cases, no obstruction to tram movement should be created.
Brief application: stopping on tram tracks is allowed only as an exception (either to comply with the Traffic Rules, or — if the tracks are at the right edge — for boarding/alighting passengers). "Stopping without necessity," as in the question, does not fall under these exceptions.
Clause 1.10 (term "Stopping")
Stopping — the cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or more, if necessary for boarding (alighting) passengers or loading (unloading) cargo, or to comply with the requirements of these Rules.
Brief application: the question directly clarifies that there is no need for boarding/alighting passengers and no requirement of the Traffic Rules to stop — therefore, there are no grounds that constitute a permitted exception to the prohibition of stopping on tram tracks.
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, stopping on tram tracks is prohibited (clause 15.9 b)), and the exceptions of clause 15.8 are absent in this situation (there is neither compliance with the Traffic Rules nor boarding/alighting passengers).
In the situation shown in the image, the green car is stopping on the tram tracks going in the same direction. Such a place is considered particularly risky, because any stop on the tracks almost inevitably creates an obstacle for the tram or forces it to slow down.
The rules clearly establish a general prohibition on stopping on tram tracks. This is directly stipulated by paragraph 15.9 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: stopping on tram tracks is not allowed unless there are specifically defined exceptions.
The exceptions are explained in paragraph 15.8 of the Traffic Rules. It allows stopping on tram tracks going in the same direction only in two cases: when the driver is forced to stop to comply with the requirements of the Rules (for example, at a red traffic light or to yield), or when the tracks are located at the right edge of the carriageway and the stop is needed specifically for picking up or dropping off passengers. In any of these cases, it is not allowed to create an obstacle for the tram.
The question clearly states that the stop is made without the need to pick up (drop off) passengers and not because it is required by the Traffic Rules. That is, none of the permitted exceptions apply here. Accordingly, stopping in this place would be a violation, since it occurs on tram tracks without grounds provided by the Traffic Rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since stopping on tram tracks is forbidden, and the exceptions (picking up/dropping off passengers or complying with the Traffic Rules) are absent in this situation.