23.2. A rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than:
UAЖорстке зчеплення повинно забезпечувати відстань між транспортними засобами не більше ніж:
This exam question focuses on safety during towing and the controllability of a vehicle combination. When one car tows another, it is critically important to maintain a predictable distance between them: too great a distance complicates maneuvering, increases the deviation of the towed vehicle’s trajectory in turns, and raises the risk of dangerous situations in traffic. That is why the traffic rules set clear limits for different types of coupling.
The question tests knowledge of Section 23 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding towing (clause 23.3) and the ability to distinguish between the requirements for rigid and flexible coupling on the theoretical exam. The Traffic Rules of Ukraine specify the maximum distance that a rigid coupling must provide: no more than 4 meters. This is the key to remember for exam tasks: it is about the upper limit, not the recommended or minimum length.
If you compare the options, the values of 1 m, 2 m, and 3 m do not contradict the Traffic Rules, but they are not the regulatory limit and therefore cannot be the correct answer in the test. The option of 5 m already violates the requirement of clause 23.3, as it exceeds the permissible maximum distance for rigid coupling. Thus, the correct limit remains 4 m, which is directly specified in the traffic rules and most often appears in exam questions regarding towing.
Clause 23.3
Rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 m, flexible coupling — within 4—6 m. Flexible coupling must be marked with signal plates or flags every meter in accordance with the requirements of clause 30.5 of these Rules (except when using a flexible coupling covered with retroreflective material).
Thus, the correct answer is "4 m.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 m.
During towing, it is important to maintain a controllable and predictable distance between vehicles. That is why the Traffic Rules separately regulate coupling parameters: a rigid coupling must keep a fixed distance between cars, unlike a flexible one, where sagging and changes in distance are possible.
Clause 23.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine sets a clear limit: the design of a rigid coupling must ensure that the distance between vehicles does not exceed 4 meters. Therefore, for the exam, it is important to remember the maximum value that must not be exceeded, regardless of the type of rigid towing device (bar or triangular structure).
The logic of this requirement is simple: the greater the distance between vehicles, the harder it is to maintain the same trajectory, especially during turns and maneuvers. An overly long rigid coupling can result in greater "swing" of the towed vehicle and increase the risk of dangerous situations in traffic.
Thus, the correct answer is "4 m.", since clause 23.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine states that a rigid coupling must ensure a distance between vehicles of no more than 4 meters.