19.19. Which external devices must the driver of a motor vehicle switch on when entering a lit tunnel?
UAЯкі зовнішні пристрої повинен ввімкнути водій механічного транспортного засобу при в'їзді в освітлений тунель?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in conditions of sudden changes in lighting and visibility. Even in a well-lit tunnel, a driver needs time for their eyes to adapt, and other road users must be able to notice the vehicle in advance. Therefore, the traffic rules pay special attention to the proper use of external lighting devices in tunnels.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding the use of external lighting devices, specifically the requirements of clause 19.1 a). It directly states that in tunnels, dipped or main beam headlights must be switched on for mechanical vehicles while driving, regardless of the degree of road illumination. This exact wording is usually required from candidates during the theoretical exam, so it is important to remember: in a tunnel, it is not enough just to "mark" the car; proper headlight illumination must be ensured.
The analysis of answer options explains why the headlight mode is correct: position lights only mark the vehicle and do not provide adequate road illumination, so they do not meet the traffic rules requirements for tunnels. Fog lights may be used as a substitute for dipped or main beam headlights only in conditions of insufficient visibility (this is directly stated in the note to clause 19.1), but merely entering a lit tunnel does not make them mandatory. In practice, dipped headlights are most often used, and main beam is allowed only if it does not dazzle other drivers, which helps avoid mistakes both during the exam and in real traffic.
Clause 19.1 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the degree of road illumination, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be switched on on a moving vehicle: a) on all motor vehicles — dipped (main) beam headlights; b) on mopeds (bicycles) and horse-drawn carts (sledges) — headlights or lanterns; c) on trailers and towed vehicles — marker lights. Note: In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is allowed to switch on fog lights instead of dipped (main) beam headlights on motor vehicles.
This clause directly establishes the obligation for a motor vehicle in a tunnel (regardless of lighting) to switch on dipped or main beam headlights.
That is, the correct answer is "Dipped or main beam headlights," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, in tunnels, motor vehicles in motion must have their dipped (main) beam headlights switched on regardless of the degree of illumination.
When a driver enters a tunnel, even if it is illuminated, the conditions for perceiving the road change sharply: the eyes need time to adapt to a different level of lighting, and the contrast and visibility of objects may deteriorate. Therefore, it is important not only to see the roadway better yourself, but also to be clearly visible to other road users.
The Traffic Rules of Ukraine specifically emphasize that in tunnels, a moving mechanical vehicle must have either the low beam or high beam headlights turned on. That is, you need to switch on not just the parking lights or daytime running lights, but the full headlights, which provide both road illumination and clear marking of the vehicle.
In practice, low beam is usually chosen as the main safe mode in a tunnel, and high beam is allowed only when it will not dazzle other drivers. But from the exam perspective, the main rule is simple: when entering a tunnel, the headlights must be turned on regardless of how well the tunnel is illuminated.
Thus, the correct answer is "Low beam or high beam headlights," since according to requirement 19.1 a), in tunnels, a mechanical vehicle must move with the low beam or high beam headlights on, regardless of the lighting conditions.