23.11. In what manner must the towing of non-mechanical vehicles be carried out?
UAЯким способом повинне здійснюватися буксирування немеханічних транспортних засобів?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during towing and the proper interaction of vehicles in motion. Mistakes in choosing the coupling method are especially dangerous during braking and turning: a non-mechanical vehicle does not have an engine and, as a rule, cannot actively “adapt” to the maneuvers of the towing vehicle, so the requirements of the traffic rules here are as specific as possible.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules on towing (paragraph 23.6), as well as the understanding of basic terms (paragraph 1.10). Although the definition of “towing” in the Traffic Rules allows for different methods of movement (rigid or flexible coupling, etc.), for non-mechanical vehicles a special rule applies: only the option with a rigid coupling is allowed, and only if its design ensures that it follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle regardless of the turning radius. That is why the option “with a flexible or rigid coupling” is not suitable, and “only with a flexible coupling” contradicts the direct requirement of paragraph 23.6.
The practical meaning of this rule is important for both the theoretical exam and real driving: rigid coupling fixes the distance and direction, reducing the risk of the trailer “running into” the towing vehicle during braking and dangerous shifting during turns. Therefore, in such tasks, the key is to distinguish the general definition of towing from the special restrictions for a specific type of vehicle, which are directly established by the traffic rules.
Clause 23.6
Towing of a non-mechanical vehicle must be carried out only with a rigid tow bar, provided that its design ensures that the towed vehicle follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle, regardless of the degree of turns.
Short application: this clause directly establishes the only permitted method of towing non-mechanical vehicles — with a rigid tow bar (provided that the trajectory is followed).
Clause 1.10 (term "Towing")
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not pertain to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations), using a rigid or flexible tow bar or by partially loading onto a platform or a special supporting device.
Short application: the term defines that towing in principle can be carried out in various ways, but for non-mechanical vehicles, the special rule in clause 23.6 limits this to rigid towing only.
That is, the correct answer is "Only with a rigid tow bar," given that according to clause 23.6 of the Traffic Rules, towing a non-mechanical vehicle is allowed only with a rigid tow bar (provided that the trajectory is followed).
When the question refers to towing a non-mechanical vehicle, it means a vehicle without an engine. In practical situations, this primarily refers to a trailer, which cannot move on its own and is not controlled by a driver like a car.
Towing, as defined in the Traffic Rules, is the movement of one vehicle by another using a coupling. The coupling can vary, but for non-mechanical vehicles, the Rules set a separate, stricter requirement.
Clause 23.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly states: a non-mechanical vehicle may only be towed using a rigid coupling, and only if the design of such a coupling ensures that the trailer follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle, regardless of how sharp the turn is. This is the key idea: the trailer must “follow” steadily and predictably.
The logic behind this requirement is simple. The trailer does not have a steering wheel, and its ability to stop steadily and maintain direction is structurally limited. If a flexible coupling (rope) is used, during braking or maneuvering the trailer may dangerously approach the towing vehicle, “cut” the trajectory on a turn, or shift to the side. A rigid coupling, on the other hand, maintains a fixed distance and sets the required direction for the trailer, thus reducing risks.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Only with a rigid coupling," since clause 23.6 of the Traffic Rules requires exclusively a rigid coupling for a non-mechanical vehicle, which ensures it follows the trajectory of the towing vehicle regardless of turns.