17.10. Is a taxi driver allowed to pick up and drop off passengers within a lane designated for route vehicles?
UAЧи має право водій таксі здійснювати посадку та висадку пасажирів у межах смуги для маршрутних транспортних засобів?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the organization of traffic in cities and safety on sections with dedicated lanes for public transport. Such lanes are necessary so that route vehicles do not lose time in traffic jams, and drivers of other cars do not create obstacles. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand who is allowed to drive and stop in this lane and under what circumstances, since mistakes here often lead to violations and fines.
The question tests knowledge of Section 17 of the traffic rules regarding lanes for route vehicles, as well as understanding the effect of signs 5.8 and 5.11 and situations with a broken line marking. According to clause 17.1, the prohibition on driving and stopping in the route vehicle lane does not apply to taxis, meaning taxis are an exception and may legally stop in this lane, including for serving passengers. Additionally, clause 17.2 emphasizes that in places where the lane is separated by a broken marking, entering it is allowed, in particular, for picking up or dropping off passengers near the right edge of the carriageway.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the following: the statement about the lack of the right to pick up/drop off passengers contradicts clause 17.1, which directly allows taxis to drive and stop in the route vehicle lane, as well as the logic of clause 17.2 regarding entering such a lane with a broken line. In practice, this knowledge helps a taxi driver act confidently and legally: correctly assess the signs and markings, approach the right edge without creating obstacles for route vehicles, and make a brief stop for passengers in accordance with the traffic rules.
Clause 17.1
On a road with a lane for route vehicles, marked with road signs 5.8 or 5.11, the movement and stopping of other vehicles on this lane is prohibited, except for taxis and cyclists.
Brief application: taxis are an exception to the prohibition, so they have the right not only to move but also to stop in the lane for route vehicles (including for boarding/alighting passengers).
Clause 17.2
A driver turning right on a road with a lane for route vehicles, separated by a broken line road marking, may make the turn from this lane. In such places, it is allowed to enter this lane when entering the road and for boarding or alighting passengers at the right edge of the carriageway.
Brief application: when the route vehicle lane is separated by a broken line, entering it is allowed for boarding/alighting passengers at the right edge of the carriageway.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Directional Signs", sign 5.8 "Lane for Route Vehicles"
Indicates a lane intended for the movement of route vehicles (and determines the beginning of the corresponding traffic regime on the lane).
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Directional Signs", sign 5.11 "Road with a Lane for Route Vehicles"
Indicates a road on which a lane for route vehicles has been introduced (and determines the corresponding regime of movement/stopping on this lane according to section 17).
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road Markings", 1 "Horizontal Markings", marking 1.5
A broken line that separates traffic flows in the same direction and marks the boundaries of traffic lanes; it may be crossed from either side.
That is, the correct answer is "Has the right to board and alight passengers," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, taxis are an exception to the prohibition of movement and stopping in the lane for route vehicles (clause 17.1), and if there is a broken line marking at the boundary of this lane, entering it is allowed, in particular, for boarding or alighting passengers at the right edge of the carriageway (clause 17.2).
The lane for route vehicles is indicated by appropriate road signs, and the general rule is: other vehicles are prohibited from driving and stopping in this lane. However, the Rules make an exception that is especially important for taxis.
According to paragraph 17.1 of the Traffic Rules, the prohibition on driving and stopping in the lane for route vehicles does not apply to taxis (as well as to cyclists). This means that a taxi may legally enter this lane and stop in it without specifying a separate reason for stopping, provided the lane is properly marked.
Additionally, paragraph 17.2 of the Traffic Rules explains situations where the lane for route vehicles is separated by a broken line marking: in such places, it is allowed to enter this lane, in particular, to perform a maneuver and to pick up or drop off passengers near the right edge of the carriageway. In practice, this is exactly the typical action for a taxi: approach the right edge, briefly stop for boarding/alighting, and then continue driving.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Has the right to pick up and drop off passengers," since according to paragraph 17.1, taxis are an exception to the prohibition on driving and stopping in the route vehicle lane, and paragraph 17.2 directly allows entering such a lane (if there is a broken line marking) to pick up or drop off passengers.