20.5. What must the driver of the vehicle be guided by when passing this railway crossing?
UAЧим повинен керуватися водій транспортного засобу під час проїзду цього залізничного переїзду?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety at railway crossings—one of the most high-risk sections of the road. At a crossing, the driver cannot rely on just one “signal,” since the situation can change instantly, and a train’s braking distance is much longer than that of a car. That is why the traffic rules require increased attention and strict adherence to all available means of regulation.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding movement through railway crossings, specifically point 20.2. It directly states that when approaching a crossing and starting to move after stopping, the driver must simultaneously be guided by the instructions of the crossing attendant (if present), the position of the barrier, light and sound signals, as well as road signs and road markings, and additionally make sure that a train is not approaching. This is typical logic for the theoretical exam: you do not need to “guess the main thing,” but know the full list of requirements, which operate together.
Each individual answer option reflects only part of the requirements of point 20.2: the signals warn of an approaching train, the attendant can prohibit movement even in unusual situations, the barrier physically restricts passage, and the markings and signs determine the order and place of stopping (for example, according to sign 2.2 and stop line 1.12). But since the Traffic Rules of Ukraine require following all these sources of information simultaneously, the correct approach is a comprehensive one, which is exactly what this exam question checks for preparation for the theoretical exam.
Clause 20.2
"When approaching a railway crossing, as well as when starting to move after stopping in front of it, the driver must follow the instructions and signals of the crossing attendant, the position of the barrier, light and sound signals, road signs and road markings, and also make sure that a train (locomotive, railcar) is not approaching."
Application: this clause directly lists all the sources of information that the driver must follow when passing a railway crossing (attendant, barrier, light/sound signals, signs, markings, and an additional check for the absence of a train).
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Priority Signs", sign 2.2 "No entry without stopping"
The sign "No entry without stopping" prohibits passing without stopping; the driver must stop before marking 1.12 (stop line), and if it is absent — before the sign, and yield to vehicles that have the right of way.
Application: if sign 2.2 is installed before the crossing (especially when the traffic light signal is not working), the driver is required to comply with its requirement for a mandatory stop at the specified location.
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road Markings", 1 "Horizontal Markings", marking 1.12 (stop line)
Marking 1.12 (stop line) indicates the place where the driver must stop in the presence of sign 2.2 "No entry without stopping" or a prohibitive traffic light signal (or the corresponding requirement of a traffic controller).
Application: determines the specific place to stop before the crossing (when required by signs/signals), which is consistent with the requirement of clause 20.2 to "follow ... road markings".
That is, the correct answer is "All of the above.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules (clause 20.2), when approaching a railway crossing and when starting to move after stopping, the driver is required to simultaneously follow the signals/instructions of the attendant, the position of the barrier, light and sound signals, road signs and markings, and also make sure there is no train.
When approaching a railway crossing, the driver must act not “by intuition,” but according to a clear procedure established by clause 20.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. The essence of this clause is that safety at the crossing is ensured by several sources of information at once, and the driver is obliged to take each of them into account.
First of all, you must follow the instructions and signals of the crossing attendant, if present. Their commands have practical value because they can see the situation on the tracks and may prohibit movement even when the driver thinks the way is clear.
Next, the driver assesses the position of the barrier and the operation of the light and sound signals. If the barrier is lowering or already lowered, if prohibitive signals are flashing or a warning signal is sounding, this unequivocally means: crossing is prohibited. Even if the signaling is faulty, the requirements of signs and markings remain mandatory, including stopping before the line/place designated by markings and signs.
Separately, the Traffic Rules require following road signs and road markings. They indicate where the driver must stop, from what distance to reduce speed, how to properly approach the tracks, and in which zone movement is prohibited.
And one more mandatory action that cannot be replaced by any sign or signal: the driver must personally make sure that a train (locomotive, railcar) is not approaching. That is, even if, for example, there is no attendant and the signaling does not work, the driver has no right to simply cross “because it’s quiet”—it is necessary to ensure the crossing is safe.
Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above," since clause 20.2 of the Traffic Rules obliges the driver at the crossing to simultaneously take into account the instructions of the attendant, the barrier, light and sound signals, road signs and markings, and additionally make sure there is no train.