15.92. Which of the drivers, when stopping, violated the Traffic Rules?
UAХто з водіїв, виконуючи зупинку, порушив Правила дорожнього руху?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe stopping near pedestrian crossings and the impact of parked vehicles on visibility. Such situations are among the most dangerous in the city: a car that stops next to a "zebra crossing" can block a pedestrian from the view of other drivers and provoke a collision. That is why the traffic rules contain clear restrictions regarding places where stopping is not allowed.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules about stopping and parking, specifically the requirements of clause 15.9 (d). According to this clause, stopping is prohibited both directly on a pedestrian crossing and closer than 10 meters from it on either side, except when the driver is forced to stop to give way. In the situation under consideration, one car stopped directly on the crossing, and another — within the prohibited 10-meter zone in front of it, meaning both drivers violated the traffic rules.
The analysis of answer options in the theoretical exam comes down to understanding the boundaries of the prohibition: the statement that only one driver violated the rules is incorrect, because the rules equally strictly prohibit both stopping on the "zebra" and stopping too close to it. The practical benefit of this rule is obvious: maintaining a 10-meter distance preserves visibility of the approaches to the crossing, gives drivers time to react, and allows pedestrians to safely assess the traffic situation.
Clause 15.9 [g]
Stopping is prohibited: d) on pedestrian crossings and within 10 m of them on both sides, except in cases of yielding the right of way.
Explanation of application: this clause directly prohibits stopping both directly on a pedestrian crossing and within 10 m before/after it on both sides (the only exception is when the driver is forced to stop to yield the right of way).
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 fulfill the requirements of these Rules.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the roadway (or engineering structure) intended for pedestrian movement across the road and marked by road signs and/or road markings.
Thus, the correct answer is "Both drivers.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, stopping is prohibited both on a pedestrian crossing and within 10 m of it on both sides (clause 15.9 [g]), and both drivers stopped in prohibited places.
When making a stop, the driver must take into account places where stopping is strictly prohibited. One such place is related to pedestrian crossings, as any vehicle parked nearby reduces visibility for both drivers and pedestrians and increases the risk of a collision.
According to clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, stopping is prohibited directly on a pedestrian crossing, as well as closer than 10 meters to it on both sides. An exception is possible only when the driver has stopped to give way, but in the situation shown in the image, it is a stop as parking, not a forced short-term stop to let pedestrians pass.
The yellow car stopped directly on the pedestrian crossing. This is a direct violation, because the vehicle blocks the crossing itself and makes it more difficult for pedestrians to move safely.
The white car stopped before the crossing at a distance of less than 10 meters. Even if it is not on the "zebra," such a stop is also prohibited, because the car limits the view of the approach to the crossing, and other drivers may not see a pedestrian stepping onto the roadway.
Thus, the correct answer is "Both drivers," since one driver stopped directly on the pedestrian crossing, and the other — closer than 10 meters to it, which is prohibited by clause 15.9 (d) of the Traffic Rules.