2.29. Which drivers do not violate the requirements of the Traffic Rules when using communication devices while driving a vehicle?
UAХто з водіїв не порушує вимог Правил дорожнього руху, користуючись засобами зв'язку під час руху транспортного засобу?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the impact of driver distraction on vehicle control and reaction time. Using a phone while driving often leads to loss of concentration, and when one hand is occupied with a device, the ability to quickly and accurately perform a maneuver or emergency braking is reduced. That is why the traffic rules specifically regulate the use of communication devices while driving.
The question tests knowledge of the section "Duties and Rights of Drivers" and the prohibitions established by clause 2.9(f) of the Traffic Rules, as well as the general requirement of clause 2.3(b) regarding attentiveness and the prevention of distraction while driving. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the wording: what is prohibited is not "communication" as such, but the use of a communication device while driving if the driver is holding it in their hand; meanwhile, hands-free (speakerphone, headset, built-in system, phone in a holder) is not subject to this prohibition, because the hands remain free for driving.
Analysis of the answer options shows that driving experience does not provide any exemptions: the norm of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine is the same for everyone, so "experienced drivers with a phone in hand" are in violation. The status of a taxi driver is also not an exception, so "taxi drivers" using a phone in hand while driving also violate the requirements. The only correct option is where the driver uses communication devices without holding them in their hand, as this condition corresponds to clause 2.9(f); accordingly, the statement "all of the above" is incorrect, because it includes prohibited actions.
In practice, when preparing for the theoretical exam, remember a simple principle: the main risk and at the same time the key sign of a violation in this block of questions of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine is a phone in hand while driving. The safe alternative is to set up communication before starting the trip, use a holder and hands-free, and not be distracted from the road situation, as required by the traffic rules.
Clause 2.9 f) (driver prohibitions)
The driver is prohibited: "while driving a vehicle, to use communication devices while holding them in hand (except for drivers of emergency vehicles performing urgent official duties)".
Brief application: the violation is specifically the use of a communication device while driving if the driver is holding it in their hand; use without holding it in hand (hands free, etc.) is not prohibited by this rule.
Clause 2.3 b) (driver's duty to be attentive)
"To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged: to be attentive, monitor the road situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not to be distracted from driving this vehicle while on the road."
Brief application: this rule emphasizes the general requirement not to be distracted from driving, which explains the reason for the special prohibition in clause 2.9 f) regarding holding the phone in hand.
Thus, the correct answer is "Drivers who use communication devices without holding them in their hand.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, it is prohibited to use communication devices while driving only if they are held in hand (clause 2.9 f), whereas use without holding in hand is not covered by this prohibition.
While driving, the driver must constantly monitor the road situation and be ready to quickly perform a maneuver, brake, or avoid an obstacle. When one hand is occupied with a phone and attention is diverted to a conversation or dialing a number, reaction time increases and control becomes less precise.
That is why clause 2.9 (f) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits the use of communication devices while driving if the driver holds them in their hand. The logic of this requirement is simple: driving must be performed fully, without artificially limiting the driver's abilities by having one hand occupied.
At the same time, the Rules do not prohibit communication as such if the device does not need to be held. For example, a driver may speak via speakerphone, headset, built-in car system, or another hands-free device when the phone is fixed and both hands remain on the wheel. In such a situation, the requirement of clause 2.9 (f) is not violated, because the key prohibition concerns specifically holding the device in hand while driving.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Drivers who use communication devices without holding them in their hand," since the Traffic Rules prohibit the use of communication devices while driving only when the driver holds the device in their hand, and using hands-free allows the driver to operate the vehicle without this violation.