19.5. What must be switched on in a vehicle when stopping on the road in conditions of insufficient visibility?
UAЩо вмикається на транспортному засобі під час зупинки на дорозі в умовах недостатньої видимості?
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This is an exam question about road safety during nighttime and in conditions of poor visibility: in fog, rain, snowfall, or twilight, a stationary vehicle on the road is difficult to notice, so the traffic rules require the vehicle to be properly marked with lighting devices. Such knowledge directly affects the prevention of collisions and is a typical topic for the theoretical exam.
The question tests understanding of the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding the use of external lighting devices when stopping on the road in conditions of insufficient visibility, specifically the norms of Section 19 and Clause 19.4. According to this clause, parking or position lights must be switched on, and for better visibility, it is additionally allowed to turn on low beam headlights or fog lights, as well as rear fog lamps. It is important to distinguish a regular stop from a forced stop: the requirement to use hazard warning lights in Clause 19.4 applies specifically to a forced stop, and in this case, it is not a mandatory condition.
When analyzing the answer options, separate "parking lights" or only "fog lights" do not reflect the full requirement of Clause 19.4 (where the basic requirement is position or parking lights, and other devices are only an additional option). The option combining position/parking lights and "hazard warning lights" seems logical, but it would only be correct for a forced stop, which is not the case in this task. In practice, this means: during any stop in conditions of insufficient visibility, first mark the vehicle with position or parking lights, and if necessary, enhance visibility with low beam headlights or fog lights, without confusing this with the requirements for a forced stop.
Clause 19.4
"When stopping on the road at night or in conditions of insufficient visibility, the vehicle must have its side or parking lights turned on, and in the event of a forced stop, additionally—the hazard warning lights. In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is additionally permitted to turn on the low beam headlights or fog lights and rear fog lights. If the side lights are faulty, the vehicle must be removed from the road, and if this is not possible, it must be marked in accordance with the requirements of clauses 9.10 and 9.11 of these Rules."
Key for this question: when stopping in conditions of insufficient visibility, side or parking lights must be turned on; it is additionally permitted (but not mandatory) to turn on the low beam headlights or fog lights and rear fog lights. The hazard warning lights are specifically required only in the case of a forced stop, which is not mentioned in the question.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
"Insufficient visibility - road visibility in the direction of travel of less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc."
Clause 1.10 (term "Forced stop")
"Forced stop - cessation of movement of a vehicle due to its technical malfunction or danger caused by the cargo being transported, the condition of a road user, or the appearance of an obstacle to movement."
Application to the question: if the stop is not "forced," the requirement to additionally turn on the hazard warning lights from clause 19.4 does not apply.
Thus, the correct answer is "Side or parking lights, it is additionally permitted to turn on the low beam headlights or fog lights and rear fog lights," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, during a stop in conditions of insufficient visibility, side/parking lights are mandatory, while the other listed lights are additionally permitted, whereas the "hazard warning lights" are only turned on additionally in the case of a forced stop.
When you stop on the road in conditions of insufficient visibility (for example, in fog, during heavy rain, or at dusk when the road is less visible), the main risk is that other drivers may notice a stationary vehicle too late. Therefore, the vehicle must be clearly marked with lighting devices so that it can be recognized in advance against the background of the road.
Clause 19.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes a mandatory requirement: when stopping on the road at night or in conditions of insufficient visibility, the vehicle must have its position or parking lights turned on. These lights are the basic indication of a stationary vehicle and must be turned on regardless of the reason for the regular stop.
This same clause further explains that in conditions of insufficient visibility, it is allowed to enhance the visibility of the vehicle: additionally, you may turn on the low beam headlights or fog lights, as well as the rear fog lights. That is, position (or parking) lights are mandatory, and low beam/fog lights and rear fog lights are a permitted addition if you need to be seen better.
It is important not to confuse this situation with a forced stop. According to clause 19.4, hazard warning lights are added only in the case of a forced stop, but the question refers simply to stopping on the road in conditions of insufficient visibility, without specifying that it is forced. Therefore, the requirement for hazard lights is not key here.
Thus, the correct answer is "Position or parking lights, additionally it is allowed to turn on low beam or fog lights and rear fog lights," since according to clause 19.4 of the Traffic Rules, when stopping in conditions of insufficient visibility, position/parking lights must be turned on, and the other listed lights may be used additionally for better visibility.