20.31. Is the driver allowed to make a U-turn in this case if there are no vehicles ahead or behind?
UAЧи дозволено водієві в даному випадку виконати розворот, якщо попереду і позаду нього немає транспортних засобів?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of maneuvering in high-risk areas, where any delay can have critical consequences. A railway crossing is exactly such a section of road, as it is an intersection of a road with railway tracks at the same level (the definition of the term is provided in point 1.10 of the traffic rules). Therefore, theoretical exams often include situations where you need to recognize a crossing by the tracks on the roadway and correctly assess the permissibility of maneuvers.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding maneuvering, in particular the prohibitions on making a U-turn. According to point 10.7 (subpoint "a") of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, making a U-turn is prohibited at railway crossings. This rule always applies and does not depend on whether there are other vehicles in front or behind, nor on the width of the road or the convenience of performing the maneuver.
The option that allows a U-turn in the absence of vehicles around is incorrect, as it is based on the false logic of "no obstacles — maneuvering is allowed." At a crossing, the key risk is not related to the intensity of car traffic, but to the possibility of stopping or being delayed on the tracks during the maneuver, which creates the danger of a collision with a train. That is why the correct answer to this exam question is the option with prohibition, as is directly required by the traffic rules.
Clause 10.7 (subclause "a")
U-turns are prohibited: a) at railway crossings.
Explanation of application: regardless of the presence/absence of other vehicles in front or behind, making a U-turn at a railway crossing is prohibited.
Clause 1.10 (term "Railway crossing")
Railway crossing — an intersection of a road with railway tracks at the same level.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, making a U-turn at railway crossings is directly prohibited by clause 10.7 (a).
In this situation, the vehicle is located in the area of a railway crossing, which can be determined by the presence of tracks on the roadway. Such sections of the road are considered high-risk areas, where the driver is required to act with particular caution and not perform maneuvers that may create a risk of stopping or delay on the tracks.
According to clause 10.7(a) of the Traffic Rules, making a U-turn is prohibited at railway crossings. This prohibition always applies, regardless of whether there are other vehicles ahead or behind, as well as regardless of the width of the road or the convenience of performing the maneuver.
The logic of this rule is simple: a U-turn may take more time and require additional steering adjustments, which increases the likelihood of stopping or delaying the vehicle directly on the tracks. Even in the absence of other cars, such a delay is dangerous, as the driver may not always be able to assess or anticipate the movement of a train in time.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since making a U-turn at a railway crossing is expressly forbidden by clause 10.7(a) of the Traffic Rules, regardless of the presence of other vehicles.