15.8. Which of the drivers violated the Traffic Rules when stopping?
UAХто з водіїв порушив Правила дорожнього руху, виконуючи зупинку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of the safe positioning of a vehicle when stopping near areas of increased risk for pedestrians. Near surface pedestrian crossings, it is especially important to maintain visibility: drivers must be able to see people entering the crossing in advance, and pedestrians must see approaching vehicles. That is why the traffic rules establish clear distances where stopping is not allowed.
In terms of content, this task belongs to Section 15 "Stopping and Parking" and directly tests the application of clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: stopping is prohibited on pedestrian crossings and within 10 meters of them on both sides, except when it is related to yielding the right of way. In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that the 10 meters are measured from the boundaries of the crossing in both directions, meaning the prohibited zone exists both before and after the crossing. You should also remember the definition of "stopping" (up to 5 minutes or longer if necessary), so a brief "just for a minute" stop near the crossing does not make such positioning legal.
The analysis of options in this exam question comes down to checking who stopped within the prohibited 10 meters. The statement "only one driver violated" is incorrect if both cars are positioned closer than allowed, since the requirement of clause 15.9 (d) is the same for everyone and applies on both sides of the crossing. The option "no one is violating" is only possible if the stop is made outside the 10-meter zone or is forced to yield to pedestrians, but in typical "as parking" stops near the crossing, this does not apply, so the correct conclusion is that both drivers are in violation.
Clause 15.9 (d) (Section 15 "Stopping and Parking")
Stopping is prohibited: on pedestrian crossings and within 10 m of them on both sides, except in cases where this is related to giving way in traffic.
Explanation of application: both drivers stopped less than 10 m before/after an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, so each violated the prohibition established by clause 15.9 (d).
Clause 1.10 (term "Stopping")
Stopping — cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or for a longer period if necessary for boarding (alighting) passengers or loading (unloading) cargo, or to fulfill the requirements of these Rules.
Explanation of application: the question refers specifically to "stopping," that is, any cessation of movement within the prohibited zone (the crossing and 10 m from it on both sides) is a violation regardless of the driver's intentions, unless it is a forced stop to give way to pedestrians.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the roadway or an engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road; marked by road signs and/or road markings.
Explanation of application: the prohibition from clause 15.9 (d) is specifically tied to the pedestrian crossing (its boundaries) and the distance of 10 m from it on both sides.
Clause 15.10 (a) (additionally; Section 15 "Stopping and Parking")
Parking is prohibited: in places where stopping is prohibited.
Explanation of application: even if the question referred to "parking," it would also be prohibited in this zone, because the place falls under the stopping prohibition.
Thus, the correct answer is "Both are violating," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, stopping is prohibited on a pedestrian crossing and within 10 m of it on both sides (clause 15.9 (d)), and both drivers stopped within this prohibited zone.
The depicted section of the road in a populated area features an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing. In such places, the Rules require that the crossing area and its approaches remain clear, so that drivers can see pedestrians and pedestrians can see oncoming vehicles.
According to clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, stopping is prohibited directly on the pedestrian crossing, as well as within 10 meters before and after it on both sides. That is, the "10 meters" are measured in both directions from the boundaries of the crossing, and it is forbidden to park a vehicle for stopping within this restricted zone.
In this situation, both drivers have stopped precisely within this prohibited 10-meter zone near the pedestrian crossing. Even if the driver left the car for a short time (up to 5 minutes), it is still considered a stop and does not justify ignoring the requirements of clause 15.9 (d). The only exception could be a forced short stop to yield to pedestrians, but here the stop was made as parking near the crossing, not to let people pass.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Both are violating," since both vehicles stopped on the pedestrian crossing or within 10 meters before/after it, which is explicitly prohibited by clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.