25.5. How should a convoy that is not accompanied by emergency vehicles move in order not to obstruct overtaking vehicles?
UAЯк повинна рухатися колона, яку не супроводжують оперативні транспортні засоби, щоб не створювати перешкод транспортним засобам, що обганяють?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safety and organization of vehicle movement in a convoy, so that it does not become an obstacle for other road users. In practice, proper organization of a convoy reduces the risk of dangerous overtaking, traffic jams, and abrupt maneuvers, since drivers moving behind must have a real opportunity to safely overtake the convoy in parts, rather than having to "stretch" the overtaking over a long distance.
In the theoretical exam, this question tests knowledge of Section 25 of the Traffic Rules, specifically the requirements of points 25.2 and 25.4 regarding the movement of a convoy without escort by emergency vehicles. The essence of the rules is as follows: the convoy must move in a single line and as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, and also be divided into groups of no more than five vehicles with sufficient intervals between the groups so that other drivers can overtake a group. It is precisely these two conditions together that ensure the convoy does not create obstacles for traffic.
The analysis of the answer options in this exam question is straightforward: the requirement to move in a single line and as far to the right as possible directly corresponds to point 25.2, and the division into groups of up to five vehicles with "gaps" for overtaking corresponds to point 25.4. The option about a fixed speed of 50 km/h is incorrect, because the traffic rules do not establish a separate special speed regime specifically for convoys: the general speed limits from Section 12 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the traffic conditions apply, and the pace is determined, in particular, by the lead vehicle of the convoy. Therefore, the correct logic of the answer lies in combining the requirements of "single line on the right" and "division into groups with intervals for overtaking."
Clause 25.2
Vehicles must move in a column only in a single line as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except in cases when they are accompanied by emergency vehicles.
Application to the question: it is precisely the requirement to move in a single line and as close as possible to the right edge that reduces obstacles for vehicles performing overtaking.
Clause 25.4
A column moving without the accompaniment of emergency vehicles must be divided into groups (no more than five vehicles in each), with a distance between them that ensures the possibility of overtaking the group by other vehicles.
Application to the question: dividing into groups of up to 5 vehicles and sufficient intervals between groups directly ensures the possibility of overtaking, so that the column does not create obstacles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Column of vehicles")
Column of vehicles — an organized group of three or more vehicles moving together in one direction directly one after another with dipped headlights constantly on.
Application to the question: defines what is considered a column to which the requirements of clauses 25.2 and 25.4 apply.
Clause 1.10 (term "Obstacle to movement")
Obstacle to movement — a stationary object within the lane of the vehicle or an object moving in the same direction within this lane (except for a vehicle moving against the general flow of vehicles) and forces the driver to maneuver or reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle.
Application to the question: explains the meaning of the requirement "not to create obstacles" for vehicles overtaking the column.
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 3.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a column without the accompaniment of emergency vehicles must move in a single line as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway and be divided into groups of up to 5 vehicles with a distance between groups sufficient for overtaking.
When several vehicles move in an organized manner one after another, this already constitutes a convoy. If such a convoy is moving without the escort of emergency vehicles, it must not “occupy” the road in such a way that it becomes impossible or dangerous for other drivers to overtake. That is why the Traffic Rules establish two key requirements for such convoys.
First, vehicles in the convoy must move in a single line and as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. The logic is simple: the more to the “right” the convoy keeps, the more space is left for the movement and maneuvers of other road users, especially those who are overtaking.
Second, if the convoy is moving without an escort, it should be divided into separate groups: each group should consist of no more than five vehicles, and there must be enough distance between groups so that other vehicles can overtake not the entire convoy at once, but each group separately. For example, a driver of a passenger car will be able to overtake a group of 3–5 vehicles first, return to their lane in the gap between groups, and then, if necessary, overtake the next group. Without such “windows,” the convoy becomes an obstacle, forcing others either to sharply reduce speed or to take risks during a prolonged overtaking maneuver.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 3," since a convoy without an escort must move in a single line as close as possible to the right edge and be divided into groups of up to 5 vehicles with sufficient gaps for overtaking.