23.10. In what way must a vehicle with non-functioning steering be towed?
UAЯким способом необхідно буксирувати транспортний засіб із рульовим керуванням, що не діє?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe towing and controllability of a vehicle while driving. The topic is directly related to road safety: if the steering does not work, the driver cannot change direction even at low speed, and therefore any turn, obstacle avoidance, or maneuver becomes dangerous for other road users.
The question tests section 23 of the Traffic Rules (towing) and the ability to apply the regulations directly referenced by the Rules. In particular, clause 23.7 requires towing a motor vehicle with non-functioning steering according to the rules of subparagraph b of clause 23.2, that is, with partial loading onto a platform or a special supporting device. It is important to remember this wording for the theoretical exam, because here the general rule about coupling does not apply, but a special requirement does.
If you analyze the answer options, flexible coupling is not suitable, as the towed vehicle must "live its own life" and without steering cannot maintain its trajectory. Rigid coupling is also not allowed for this specific malfunction, because clause 23.7 refers not to 23.2 a), but to 23.2 b). The option "rigid coupling or partial loading" is incorrect for the same reason: the traffic rules do not give a choice here. The practical meaning of partial loading is that the steerable wheels (usually the front ones) are lifted and fixed, and the lack of a working steering wheel no longer creates a risk during maneuvering.
Clause 23.7
A motor vehicle with non-functioning steering must be towed in accordance with the requirements of subparagraph "b" of clause 23.2 of these Rules.
Clause 23.2
Towing of vehicles is carried out: a) using a rigid or flexible coupling; b) with partial loading of the towed vehicle onto a platform or onto a special supporting device.
Clause 1.10 (term "Towing")
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not refer to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations), using a rigid or flexible coupling or by the method of partial loading onto a platform or onto a special supporting device.
Clause 31.6 (subparagraph "a")
Further movement of vehicles with non-functioning steering is prohibited.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Only by the method of partial loading," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a motor vehicle with non-functioning steering must be towed in accordance with clause 23.2 "b", which is precisely partial loading onto a platform or onto a special supporting device.
When a vehicle's steering does not work, the driver essentially loses the ability to change the direction of movement even at minimal speed. That is, the car cannot safely “follow” the trajectory set by the towing vehicle and is unable to timely respond to turns or avoid obstacles.
The Traffic Rules consider towing as moving one vehicle by another and provide for several methods: using a coupling (flexible or rigid) or by the method of partial loading. However, there are specific exceptions for certain malfunctions.
Specifically, in the case where the steering does not work, clause 23.7 of the Traffic Rules directly states: such a mechanical vehicle must be towed according to the requirements of subparagraph b of clause 23.2. And subparagraph b of clause 23.2 defines towing with partial loading onto a platform or onto a special supporting device.
The practical meaning of this method is as follows: part of the towed vehicle (usually the front axle) is lifted and fixed on a special device or the platform of a technical assistance vehicle. As a result, the wheels that require steering do not roll on the road, and the lack of a working steering wheel no longer creates danger during maneuvers.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Only by the method of partial loading,” since the Traffic Rules (clause 23.7 with reference to clause 23.2 b) directly require towing a vehicle with non-functioning steering only by the method of partial loading onto a platform or special supporting device.