23.17. With which of the following malfunctions is towing of any vehicles with a rigid towbar prohibited?
UAІз якими з несправностей заборонене буксирування усіх транспортних засобів на жорсткому зчепленні?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks basic safety during towing, when two vehicles move as a single unit. In real conditions, it is the technical state of the towed vehicle that determines whether the driver can control the trajectory in turns, avoid skidding to the side, and not create an emergency situation. Such nuances are often included in the theoretical exam because they directly relate to controllability and predictability of movement.
The question belongs to the section of the traffic rules on towing (paragraph 23.4). The regulation clearly distinguishes the requirements for different types of coupling: with rigid coupling, the towed vehicle must have a functioning steering system. This is logical, because during maneuvering and turning, the front wheels of the towed vehicle must be able to change direction in a controlled manner; if the steering does not work, the car will not "fit" into the trajectory of the towing vehicle and may skid sideways.
If we analyze the options, it is specifically faulty steering that is an unconditional prohibition for towing with a rigid coupling according to p. 23.4. A non-hermetic brake system is not a point that, under this regulation, prohibits rigid coupling (for flexible coupling, the requirements for brakes are actually stricter). Faulty emergency signaling also does not automatically prohibit towing with a rigid coupling, since the rules provide for marking the vehicle with an emergency stop sign or an emergency lamp. That is why “all answers together” is not suitable: the key check here is the operability of the steering as a critical condition for controllability.
Clause 23.4
When towing a motor vehicle with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have a functioning and operational service braking system and steering; with a rigid coupling — the steering system.
Explanation of application: the requirement of clause 23.4 directly establishes that when towing with a rigid coupling, the towed vehicle must have a functioning steering system; if the steering system is faulty, such towing is prohibited.
Therefore, the correct answer is "With a faulty steering system," given that according to the Traffic Rules, when towing with a rigid coupling, the towed vehicle must have a functioning steering system.
When towing with a rigid tow bar, both vehicles move as a single unit, and the towed vehicle rolls on its own wheels. In turns, it must precisely "follow" the trajectory set by the towing vehicle, and for this, its front wheels must be able to turn under control.
Clause 23.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly establishes the requirement for the steering system to be in working order: if towing is carried out with a rigid tow bar, the towed vehicle must have a functioning steering system. That is, the steering wheel itself is a critical condition for safe towing in this mode.
The logic of this prohibition is simple. If the steering system is faulty, the driver in the towed vehicle will not be able to adjust the direction of the wheels. As a result, during turning or maneuvering, the towed vehicle may go "off course": the wheels will remain in the wrong position, the car will start to be dragged sideways, lose its trajectory, and create a danger for the towing vehicle and other road users. That is why, when using a rigid tow bar, the requirement for a functioning steering system is unconditional.
Therefore, the correct answer is "With a faulty steering system," because according to clause 23.4 of the Traffic Rules, when towing with a rigid tow bar, the towed vehicle must have a functioning steering system; otherwise, it will not be able to safely follow the driving trajectory.