15.75. At what distance from a pedestrian crossing is it permitted to stop vehicles?
UAНа якій відстані від пішохідного переходу дозволена зупинка транспортних засобів?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety and visibility in the area of pedestrian crossings. Stopping a car too close to the "zebra" or immediately after it creates dangerous situations: other drivers may not have time to notice the pedestrian, and the pedestrian cannot see approaching vehicles. That is why the theoretical exam often includes rules that ensure visibility and reduce the risk of accidents at places where vehicle and pedestrian flows intersect.
The question tests knowledge of Section 15 "Stopping and Parking" of the traffic rules, in particular the requirements of point 15.9 (d). According to this rule, stopping is prohibited on pedestrian crossings and within a set distance from them on both sides (the exception is a forced stop to yield the right of way). It is also important to understand the definition of "stopping" from point 1.10: it refers not only to "parking," but also to a brief halt for boarding/alighting passengers or other actions.
The analysis of answer options in this exam question comes down to the correct interpretation of distance and direction: the correct option is the one that specifies 10 m on both sides of the crossing, that is, both before and after it. The option with 10 m only before the crossing is incomplete, because stopping after the crossing also impairs visibility and may "hide" the pedestrian. Options with 20 m or 30 m contradict the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: point 15.9 (d) sets exactly 10 m, so greater distances do not correspond to the rule tested by the theoretical exam.
Clause 15.9 (d) (Section 15 "Stopping and Parking")
Stopping is prohibited: (d) on pedestrian crossings and within 10 m from them on both sides, except in cases of giving way.
Clause 1.10 (term "Stopping")
Stopping — cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or more, if necessary for boarding (alighting) passengers or loading (unloading) cargo, fulfilling the requirements of these Rules (giving way, complying with the requirements of a traffic controller, traffic light signals, etc.).
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 5.38.1 - 5.41.2, road markings 1.14.1, 1.14.2, 1.14.3, pedestrian traffic lights. In the absence of road markings, the boundaries of the pedestrian crossing are determined by the distance between road signs or pedestrian traffic lights, and at intersections, in the absence of pedestrian traffic lights, road signs, and markings — by the width of sidewalks or roadsides. A regulated pedestrian crossing is one where movement is controlled by a traffic light or traffic controller; an unregulated pedestrian crossing is one where there is no traffic controller, traffic lights are absent or switched off, or operate in the flashing yellow mode.
Thus, the correct answer is "At a distance of at least 10 m on both sides from the crossing," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, stopping is prohibited on pedestrian crossings and within 10 m from them on both sides (except in cases of giving way).
A stop in the Traffic Rules is defined as the cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or more (for example, for boarding or alighting passengers, loading, or fulfilling the requirements of the Rules). That is why the rule about the distance from a pedestrian crossing applies not only to “long-term parking” but also to a short stop “for a minute.”
A pedestrian crossing is a place where pedestrians cross the road. Its boundaries are usually marked by “zebra” road markings and/or road signs, and at regulated crossings—also by pedestrian traffic lights. The driver must understand where the crossing begins and ends in order not to create danger.
Clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits stopping on a pedestrian crossing and also prohibits stopping closer than 10 meters to it on both sides. The logic of this requirement is simple: a vehicle that stops too close to the crossing blocks the view. Because of this, other drivers may not see a pedestrian who is already stepping onto the crossing, and the pedestrian may not be able to assess the real situation and the approach of vehicles.
For example, if you stop 3–5 meters before the “zebra,” your car may block the view of a pedestrian for a driver approaching in the adjacent lane. A similar danger arises after the crossing: a car stopped immediately after it may “hide” a pedestrian who is still finishing crossing or stepping back/forward within the crossing. Therefore, the rule applies on both sides of the crossing.
It is important to distinguish between a prohibited stop and a forced short stop to comply with the Rules: if you stopped to give way to pedestrians at the crossing, this is not considered a violation, as it is a stop for safety reasons and in compliance with the Traffic Rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is “At a distance of at least 10 m on both sides of the crossing,” since clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules prohibits stopping on a pedestrian crossing and closer than 10 meters to it on both sides to ensure visibility and pedestrian safety.