23.14. How should a flexible coupling be marked?
UAЯк повинно бути позначене гнучке зчеплення?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during towing: it is important for other drivers and pedestrians to see the rope (cable, strap) between vehicles in advance, so as not to mistake the gap for a “free space” for overtaking or changing lanes. Proper marking of the flexible coupling reduces the risk of accidents at night and in conditions of poor visibility, which is why this topic regularly appears on the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding towing (point 23.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) and the related marking requirements (point 30.5). According to the rules, the flexible coupling must be visible: either it is marked every meter with signal boards or flags of the established size 200×200 mm with red and white diagonal stripes, or an exception is allowed when a coupling with a coating made of retroreflective material is used. Therefore, the option with boards/flags is the correct method, and the option about retroreflective coating is also a correct method, so the correct answer to this exam question is the one that allows both options.
The practical meaning of this rule is simple: an approaching driver must immediately understand that there are coupled vehicles ahead and not “wedge in” between them. When preparing for the theoretical exam, it is useful to remember the logic of the traffic rules: the basic requirement is marking every meter, and the exception is when the rope itself is sufficiently visible due to retroreflective coating.
Clause 23.3
A rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 m, a flexible one — within 4–6 m. A flexible coupling must be marked every meter with signal plates or flags in accordance with the requirements of clause 30.5 of these Rules (except when using a flexible coupling with a reflective material coating).
Application explanation: the question directly checks that a flexible coupling must be marked either with plates/flags every meter, or (as an exception) may not be marked if the coupling itself has a reflective material coating.
Clause 30.5
To mark a flexible coupling during towing, flags or plates measuring 200×200 mm are used, with alternating red and white diagonal stripes made of reflective material 50 mm wide (except when using a flexible coupling with a reflective material coating).
Application explanation: this clause clarifies exactly what the signal plates/flags (size and design) referenced in clause 23.3 must be, and repeats the exception regarding couplings with reflective coating.
That is, the correct answer is "In one of the above ways," given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, a flexible coupling is marked either with plates/flags of the established type every meter, or a flexible coupling with a reflective coating may be used (as an exception).
When towing with a flexible coupling, the most important thing is that other road users notice the rope (belt, cable, etc.) in advance and do not perceive the space between the vehicles as “free space” for maneuvering. That is why the Traffic Rules specifically establish how it should be marked.
Clause 23.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine states that a flexible coupling must be between 4 and 6 meters long, and also sets a requirement for its visibility: it must be marked every meter with signal elements. At the same time, the Rules allow two equivalent options: either to place markings (panels or flags) every meter, or to use a flexible coupling that itself has a retroreflective coating (in which case additional flags/panels are not mandatory).
The specific requirements for these markings are clarified in clause 30.5 of the Traffic Rules: flags or panels measuring 200×200 mm with red and white diagonal stripes made of retroreflective material are used. Thus, one permissible way is to mark the coupling with such flags/panels every meter. Another permissible way is when the rope itself (or another coupling element) has a retroreflective coating, making it sufficiently visible without additional markings.
Therefore, the correct answer is "By one of the above-mentioned methods," since the Traffic Rules allow marking the flexible coupling either with signal panels/flags every meter or by using a coupling with a retroreflective coating.