23.15. In case of towing a vehicle with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have the following systems in good working order:
UAУ разі буксирування транспортного засобу на гнучкому зчепленні в буксируваному транспортному засобі повинні бути справні такі системи:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety during towing, when one car pulls another. It is important for the driver to understand that with a flexible coupling (cable, strap, etc.), the towed vehicle is not rigidly fixed and therefore can move closer to the towing vehicle during braking or "wander" along the trajectory in turns. That is why the requirements of the traffic rules in this topic are directly aimed at preventing collisions, skidding, and loss of control.
The question tests knowledge of Section 23 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (towing), specifically clause 23.4, which defines the mandatory conditions for a towed vehicle on a flexible coupling. In the theoretical exam, the student is expected to understand the key logic: the driver in the towed vehicle must not only steer but also be able to brake effectively in order to maintain a safe distance and a stable trajectory.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to practice: if only the steering is functional but the service braking system does not work, the towed vehicle may "run into" the towing vehicle during any speed reduction. If only the brakes work without proper steering, the driver will not be able to keep the lane accurately or make turns, especially when the cable changes its angle of tension. Therefore, the correct answer is the combination of both systems: during towing with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have both steering and the service braking system in working order, as directly required by clause 23.4.
Clause 23.4
When towing a motor vehicle with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have an operational and functional service braking system and steering, and when using a rigid coupling — steering.
Explanation of application: this clause directly establishes which systems must necessarily be operational specifically in the towed vehicle when towing with a flexible coupling.
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 partially loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
Explanation of application: the definition of the term “towing” clarifies that it refers to the movement of one vehicle by another, to which the requirements of Section 23, in particular Clause 23.4, apply.
Thus, the correct answer is "Steering and braking system," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, when towing with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have an operational and functional service braking system and steering (Clause 23.4).
When a car is towed with a flexible coupling, there is a cable or another flexible element between the vehicles. This means that the towed car is not 'rigidly' fixed to the towing vehicle: it can change its trajectory, move closer to the towing car during braking, or, conversely, lag behind during acceleration. Therefore, controllability and the ability to stop in time become critically important.
This is why point 23.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine sets a clear requirement: when towing a mechanical vehicle with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have operational steering and service braking systems. The logic is simple: the driver in the towed car must constantly keep their vehicle in the lane, adjust the direction in turns, and at the same time be able to brake so as not to 'run into' the towing vehicle when it slows down.
Imagine a typical situation: there is an intersection or a turn ahead, and the towing car starts to brake smoothly. If the towed car's brakes are faulty, it will continue to roll by inertia and may hit the towing vehicle. If there is a steering malfunction, the driver will not be able to accurately maintain the trajectory, and the vehicle may shift to the side or fail to make the turn. Such risks explain the Traffic Rules requirement for both systems to be operational when using a flexible coupling.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Steering and braking systems," because when towing with a flexible coupling, the driver of the towed vehicle must steer and brake to maintain a safe trajectory and distance in accordance with point 23.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.