20.27. Under what condition is overtaking allowed at a railway level crossing:
UAЗа якої умови дозволено виконати обгін на залізничному переїзді:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety in high-risk areas, particularly near railway crossings. A crossing is a place where any mistake can have serious consequences: the barrier may close suddenly, traffic may stop, visibility is limited, and there is minimal time to maneuver. Therefore, the traffic rules impose strict restrictions here regardless of whether a train is visible or the road seems "clear."
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules about overtaking, as well as the understanding of the term "overtaking" from point 1.10 (which is overtaking by moving into the oncoming lane). According to point 14.6(b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking is prohibited on railway crossings and within 100 meters before them. That is why the correct conclusion in the theoretical exam is that overtaking in this area is not allowed under any circumstances, even if the vehicle ahead is moving slowly or if it is only a single car.
Options that tie "permission" to a speed of 30 km/h or to overtaking only one vehicle are incorrect: point 14.6(b) does not provide for such exceptions. A combination of these two false conditions also does not make the maneuver legal. In practice, this means: if you see slow-moving traffic ahead before a crossing, the driver must keep a safe distance, not move into the oncoming lane, and complete overtaking only outside the prohibited zone, in order to safely pass the theoretical exam and act correctly in real traffic.
Clause 14.6 [b]
Overtaking is prohibited: at railway crossings and closer than 100 m before them.
Explanation: according to this traffic rule, overtaking is not allowed either directly at the railway crossing or when approaching it at a distance of less than 100 m, regardless of the presence/absence of a train or barrier.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Explanation: this question specifically checks the prohibition of performing the "overtaking" maneuver (that is, entering the oncoming lane) in a high-risk area — at a railway crossing.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Overtaking at a railway crossing is prohibited," considering that according to clause 14.6 [b] of the Traffic Rules, overtaking is prohibited at railway crossings (and closer than 100 m before them).
When approaching a railway crossing, the driver must understand that this is a high-risk area where any maneuver involving entering the oncoming lane or changing lanes can create critical danger. That is why the rules set strict restrictions for crossings, regardless of whether a train is visible or not.
According to paragraph 14.6(b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, overtaking is not allowed directly at a railway crossing, as well as on the approaches to it: the prohibition also applies within 100 meters before the crossing. That is, even if there is a slow-moving vehicle ahead and it seems that the road is clear, overtaking in this zone is not permitted.
The logic behind the prohibition is simple: during overtaking, the driver spends time entering the oncoming lane and returning back, and at a crossing, the risk of a sudden stop of the vehicle ahead, the appearance of a barrier, or a change in the traffic situation increases. As a result, the car may end up on the tracks or in the oncoming lane at the most dangerous place, where a mistake has the most severe consequences.
For example, if you are approaching a crossing and see a truck ahead moving slowly, you cannot overtake it either at the crossing itself or within 100 meters before it. The correct action in such a situation is to continue moving in your lane, keeping a safe distance, and to complete any overtaking only outside the prohibited zone.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Overtaking at a railway crossing is prohibited," since the Traffic Rules (paragraph 14.6(b)) directly establish a ban on overtaking at the crossing and within 100 meters before it.