20.1. Is it permitted in this situation to drive through the level crossing in two lanes?
UAЧи дозволено в цій ситуації рух через переїзд у два ряди?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe crossing of railway crossings and the correct choice of traffic lane. At a railway crossing, any mistake in maneuvering or traveling in parallel lanes increases the risk of congestion on the tracks, so the traffic rules clearly define when vehicles may move simultaneously in several lanes.
The question tests knowledge of Section 20 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (Movement through railway crossings), in particular the requirements of clause 20.4. The rule is simple: the restriction of "only in one lane" applies only when there are neither road markings nor road signs before the crossing that determine the number of lanes. However, if the lanes are marked (or, for example, with signs 5.17.1 or 5.17.2), the driver in the theoretical exam should conclude that it is allowed to drive through the crossing in the designated lanes, that is, in parallel in two lanes.
That is why the answer "prohibited" would be correct only in the absence of markings or signs before the crossing, regardless of the width of the carriageway. Instead, if there are markings that officially divide the road into two lanes, drivers are required to follow them, and simultaneous movement in two lanes does not contradict the traffic rules. In practice, it is also important to remember the general principle: if the right lane is free, priority should be given to moving to the right so as not to create unnecessary obstacles for other road users.
Clause 1.10 (term “Railway crossing”)
“Railway crossing — the intersection of a road with railway tracks at the same level.”
This definition clarifies that the described section is specifically a railway crossing, to which the requirements of Section 20 of the Traffic Rules apply.
Clause 20.4
“If there are no road markings or road signs before the crossing that determine the number of traffic lanes, the movement of vehicles through the crossing is allowed only in a single lane.”
Therefore, if there are road markings (or signs) before the crossing that determine the number of lanes, the restriction of “only in a single lane” does not apply, and movement through the crossing may be carried out simultaneously in the designated lanes.
That is, the correct answer is “Allowed.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, movement through the crossing “only in a single lane” is required only in the absence of markings or signs that determine the number of lanes, and in this situation, the lanes are defined.
A railway crossing in the Traffic Rules is understood as a place where a road intersects railway tracks at the same level. In such areas, it is important how many traffic lanes are officially designated before the crossing, as this determines whether it is allowed to drive "in two rows."
Clause 20.4 of the Traffic Rules sets a restriction: if there is neither road marking nor signs indicating the number of lanes before the crossing, then vehicles must cross the railway only in a single row. That is, the mere width of the carriageway does not give the right to drive two cars side by side.
In this situation, horizontal road markings are applied before the crossing, dividing the carriageway into two lanes. This means that the number of lanes is officially designated, and drivers must cross the railway according to these lanes. Therefore, the simultaneous passage of two cars in two lanes does not contradict the requirements of the Traffic Rules.
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed," since there is road marking before the crossing that designates two lanes, and according to clause 20.4, the "single row only" restriction applies only in the absence of markings or signs.