26.10. Where are pedestrians allowed to move in residential and pedestrian zones?
UAДе дозволено рухатися пішоходам у житлових і пішохідних зонах?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety and priorities in places where pedestrian movement should be as comfortable as possible: in courtyards, residential neighborhoods, and specially designated pedestrian areas. Such situations are often included in the theoretical exam because drivers and pedestrians regularly interact in confined spaces, and mistakes here can lead to conflicts and pedestrian accidents.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding movement in residential and pedestrian zones and knowledge of clause 26.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. According to this clause, pedestrians are allowed to move both on sidewalks and on the roadway within residential and pedestrian zones, regardless of whether a sidewalk is present. At the same time, although pedestrians have priority over vehicles, they must not create unreasonable obstacles for the movement of cars.
The analysis of the answer options in this exam question comes down to the key difference between these zones and a regular road: the statement "only on sidewalks" is too strict and contradicts clause 26.1, while the wording "on the roadway only in the absence of sidewalks" is a common mistake, as it introduces a restriction that the traffic rules for residential and pedestrian zones do not establish. The correct logic: in such zones, both movement options are allowed, but with the mandatory requirement not to hinder vehicles without reason and to act safely in real situations (for example, if necessary, to allow a car to pass).
Clause 26.1
Pedestrians are allowed to move in residential and pedestrian zones both on sidewalks and on the carriageway. Pedestrians have priority over vehicles, but must not create unreasonable obstacles to their movement.
Clause 1.10 (term “Residential zone”)
Residential zone — courtyard areas, as well as parts of populated areas marked with road sign 5.34 “Residential zone”.
Clause 1.10 (term “Pedestrian zone”)
Pedestrian zone — part of the road (territory) marked with road signs 5.36 “Pedestrian zone” and 5.37 “End of pedestrian zone”.
Clause 1.10 (term “Sidewalk”)
Sidewalk — an element of the road intended for pedestrian movement, which adjoins the carriageway or is separated from it by a lawn.
Clause 1.10 (term “Carriageway”)
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term “Pedestrian”)
Pedestrian — a person participating in road traffic outside of vehicles and not performing any work on the road. Persons moving in wheelchairs without an engine, leading a bicycle, moped, motorcycle, pulling a sled, cart, baby carriage, or wheelchair are also considered pedestrians.
Thus, the correct answer is “On sidewalks and on the carriageway.”, given that according to the definitions of the Traffic Rules, in residential and pedestrian zones, pedestrians are directly allowed to move both on sidewalks and on the carriageway (clause 26.1), and these zones and road elements are defined in the terms of clause 1.10.
In residential and pedestrian zones, the rules for pedestrians differ from those on regular roads. Such areas are intended for the calm movement of people, so pedestrians here are not "tied" only to the sidewalk, as is usually the case on streets with heavy traffic.
According to clause 26.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, pedestrians in residential and pedestrian zones are allowed to move both on sidewalks and on the carriageway. That is, even if there is a sidewalk, a pedestrian does not violate the rules when walking on the carriageway within such a zone.
An important condition from the same clause: although pedestrians have priority over vehicles, they must not unreasonably obstruct the movement of cars. For example, if a car is driving in a yard or pedestrian zone, the pedestrian may continue moving, but should not create a situation where the vehicle cannot pass without necessity; in practice, this means it is appropriate to move closer to the edge or onto the sidewalk for safety and normal passage.
A common mistake is the belief that one may step onto the carriageway only if there is no sidewalk. For residential and pedestrian zones, this restriction does not apply: the rules explicitly allow movement both on the sidewalk and on the carriageway regardless of the presence of a sidewalk.
Therefore, the correct answer is "On sidewalks and on the carriageway," since in residential and pedestrian zones, clause 26.1 of the Traffic Rules allows pedestrians to move both on sidewalks and on the carriageway, provided they do not create unreasonable obstacles for vehicles.