19.1. The hours of darkness are considered:
UAТемною порою доби вважається:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety in conditions of reduced visibility and the correct use of external lighting devices. A clear understanding of when the period begins during which a driver must mark the vehicle with headlights directly affects the timely detection of the car by other road users and reduces the risk of accidents at dusk and at night.
The question tests knowledge of the General Provisions and Terms section of the Traffic Rules, specifically the definition from point 1.10. In the theoretical exam, it is important to rely not on the subjective feeling of 'it's already dark,' but on the legally precise term: in the Traffic Rules, the dark time of day is defined by the position of the sun, not by streetlights, road illumination, or how well the driver can see.
The first option, which refers to '30 minutes after sunset' and '30 minutes before sunrise,' does not correspond to the wording of the traffic rules and is a typical trap: the Traffic Rules of Ukraine do not contain such a clarification for this term. Instead, the correct definition covers the entire period from sunset to sunrise, including evening and morning twilight, and this is what should be applied in practice regardless of the degree of road lighting.
The practical meaning of this term is reinforced by the requirements of section 19, in particular point 19.1: while driving during the dark time of day, mechanical vehicles must have their low or high beam headlights on, and in conditions of insufficient visibility, it is allowed to use fog lights instead (note to 19.1). Therefore, the correct definition of the time of day helps not only to pass the theoretical exam, but also to avoid dangerous situations on the road.
Clause 1.10 (term "Dark time of day")
Dark time of day — the part of the day from sunset to sunrise.
Clause 19.1
During the dark time of day and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the degree of road illumination, as well as in tunnels, all moving motor vehicles must have their low (or high) beam headlights turned on.
Clause 19.1 (note)
In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is allowed to use fog lights instead of low (or high) beam headlights on motor vehicles.
Thus, the correct answer is "The part of the day from sunset to sunrise," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the dark time of day is directly established by the term in clause 1.10.
In the theoretical exam, it is important to rely not on the feeling of "when it is already dark," but on the definition from the Rules. That is why the Traffic Rules in point 1.10 provide terms that have a clear meaning for all road users.
In point 1.10 of the Traffic Rules, the term "dark time of day" is defined by the calendar, based on the position of the sun: it is the period from the moment of sunset to the moment of sunrise. This includes the twilight after sunset, nighttime, and the morning twilight before sunrise. It does not matter whether the road is illuminated by streetlights in the city, and it does not matter how much "you can still see" with the naked eye: if the sun has already set or has not yet risen, this is considered the dark time of day according to the Traffic Rules.
The practical meaning of such a definition is simple: during this period, the driver must ensure the visibility of their vehicle to others. That is why the Rules provide for the obligation to use external lighting devices while driving during the dark time of day, so that the car is noticed in advance by other road users.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The part of the day from sunset to sunrise," since this is exactly how the Traffic Rules in point 1.10 define the "dark time of day" regardless of subjective assessment of lighting.