23.18. Is towing of vehicles with defective steering allowed using a rigid or flexible tow bar?
UAЧи дозволене буксирування транспортних засобів на жорсткому або гнучкому зчепленні з несправним рульовим керуванням?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of safe towing regulations, since mistakes during such a maneuver can lead to loss of control, skidding, and traffic accidents. In real conditions, the towed vehicle must reliably follow the trajectory of the towing vehicle, and this directly depends on the proper functioning of key systems, primarily the steering.
The question pertains to the section of the traffic rules regarding towing and the technical requirements for vehicles during towing. Clause 23.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine stipulates that when towing with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have operational service brakes and steering, and when towing with a rigid coupling, the steering must necessarily be operational. Therefore, any option that allows towing with faulty steering contradicts the direct provision of the Traffic Rules and is incorrect.
Practically, this is easy to imagine: if the steering does not work, the wheels may remain turned or “splay out,” and then the vehicle will not be able to follow the trajectory, will drift to the side, wear out the tires, and further damage the suspension. That is why it is important to remember for the theoretical exam: if the steering is not functioning, only movement by partial loading onto a platform or special support device is allowed (according to subparagraph “b” of clause 23.2), and not towing with a cable or rigid coupling.
Clause 23.4
In case of towing a motor vehicle with a flexible coupling, the towed vehicle must have a functioning and operational service brake system and steering, and with a rigid coupling — steering.
This clause directly establishes that for towing with both a flexible and a rigid coupling, the steering in the towed vehicle must be operational. Therefore, such towing is not allowed if the steering is faulty.
Subclause "b" of clause 23.2
A motor vehicle with non-functioning steering or brake system must be towed by partial loading onto a platform or a special supporting device.
This subclause clarifies the permissible method of moving a vehicle with non-functioning (faulty) steering: not with a rigid/flexible coupling, but only by partial loading.
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the Traffic Rules, towing with a rigid or flexible coupling is only allowed if the steering in the towed vehicle is operational, and if it is not, only partial loading is permitted.
When towing with a flexible or rigid coupling, the towed vehicle must follow the towing vehicle and precisely repeat its trajectory. This is only possible when its steered wheels can turn and maintain direction.
Clause 23.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly sets requirements for the condition of systems during towing: with a flexible coupling, both the brakes and steering of the towed vehicle must be operational, and with a rigid coupling, the steering must definitely be operational. That is, regardless of which type of coupling is used, faulty steering excludes this method of towing.
If the steering does not work, the wheels may remain turned, "diverge" in different directions, or not respond to changes in trajectory. In such a situation, the towed vehicle will not be able to maintain a stable direction, may shift to the side, create a danger for other road users, and additionally damage the tires and suspension elements. That is why the rules do not allow towing such a vehicle either with a rope or a rigid coupling.
For a vehicle with non-functioning steering, another, safer method of transportation is used: partial loading onto a platform or a special support device, when some of the wheels are lifted above the road and the car does not require steering with its own wheels.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since according to clause 23.4 of the Traffic Rules, when towing with a rigid or flexible coupling, the steering of the towed vehicle must be operational.