15.88. What width must be left for pedestrian movement if a passenger car or motorcycle is parked at the edge of the sidewalk in accordance with the Traffic Rules?
UAЯка ширина повинна бути залишена для руху пішоходів, якщо легковий автомобіль або мотоцикл поставлені на краю тротуару відповідно до Правил дорожнього руху?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety and the proper use of sidewalks during stopping and parking. In urban conditions, drivers often try to “remove” their car from the roadway, but the traffic rules prioritize free and safe passage for people so that pedestrians do not have to walk around vehicles on the road.
The question tests Section 15 “Stopping and Parking,” specifically clause 15.10 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. The general rule is: parking on sidewalks is prohibited, but there is a narrow exception only for passenger cars and motorcycles, which may be placed at the edge of the sidewalk provided that at least 2 meters remain for pedestrian movement. This is important to remember for the theoretical exam, as the minimum width of the passage is the key condition for the legality of such parking.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to one criterion: whether the number matches the direct provision of the Traffic Rules. Values of 1 m and 1.5 m are not suitable, as they do not guarantee comfortable and safe pedestrian movement and are not provided for in clause 15.10 (c); these are typical “traps” in exam questions. The 3 m option is also incorrect, as the traffic rules do not set such a requirement for this exception: the regulation clearly fixes a minimum, not an arbitrarily inflated standard.
In practice, this rule means that not every sidewalk is suitable for such parking: the driver must assess the width and place the vehicle exactly at the edge, without blocking pedestrian flow. If, after parking, people are left with less than the established minimum, this will be a violation regardless of how “neatly” the car or motorcycle is parked.
Clause 15.10 (c) (Section 15 "Stopping and Parking")
Parking is prohibited: (c) on sidewalks, except for passenger cars and motorcycles, which may be parked at the edge of sidewalks, provided that at least 2 meters are left for pedestrian movement.
Application explanation: this exception allows parking of passenger cars and motorcycles at the edge of the sidewalk only if a passage at least 2 meters wide remains for pedestrians.
Clause 1.10 (term "Sidewalk")
Sidewalk — a road element intended for pedestrian movement, which adjoins the carriageway or is separated from it.
Application explanation: since the sidewalk is by definition intended for pedestrian movement, the Traffic Rules set restrictions on parking on it and establish the minimum width that must be left for passage.
Clause 1.10 (term "Parking")
Parking — cessation of movement of a vehicle for more than 5 minutes for reasons not related to the necessity of fulfilling the requirements of these Rules, boarding (alighting) passengers, loading (unloading) cargo.
Application explanation: the question concerns specifically parking (placing a vehicle on the sidewalk) and the conditions under which it is permitted.
That is, the correct answer is "At least 2 meters," given that by definition of the Traffic Rules, parking on the sidewalk is allowed as an exception only for passenger cars and motorcycles, provided that at least 2 meters of width remain for pedestrian movement.
When stopping or parking on the sidewalk, the main principle is as follows: the sidewalk is primarily intended for pedestrians, so vehicles must not complicate or make their movement impossible. That is why, in general, parking on sidewalks is prohibited, but the Rules provide for a narrow exception.
According to paragraph 15.10 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the exception applies only to passenger cars and motorcycles. They are allowed to park at the edge of the sidewalk, but only on the condition that enough space remains for pedestrians. That is, the driver must assess the width of the sidewalk and park the vehicle in such a way as not to "block" the passage.
In practice, this means: if the sidewalk is narrow and after parking, for example, 1–1.5 meters remain, such parking will already be a violation, even if the car is parked "neatly." On the other hand, if the sidewalk is wide and you have placed a passenger car or motorcycle at the edge so that pedestrians can pass freely, including without having to go around the vehicle on the roadway, the requirement of the Rules is fulfilled.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Not less than 2 m," since paragraph 15.10 (c) of the Traffic Rules allows passenger cars and motorcycles to park at the edge of the sidewalk only when at least 2 meters remain for pedestrian movement.