27.10. Is it permitted for vehicles to reverse on a motorway?
UAЧи дозволено транспортним засобам рух заднім ходом на автомагістралі?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the understanding of basic safety principles on high-speed roads: on a motorway, any unpredictable maneuvers sharply increase the risk of an accident. In a flow of high speeds, other drivers expect vehicles to move forward, so reversing creates a critical danger and provokes collisions and crashes.
The question belongs to Section 27 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, "Movement of vehicles on motorways and roads for automobiles," and directly relies on clause 27.2 (e), which establishes a special prohibition for these roads. It is also important to remember sign 5.1 "Motorway," which marks a section where special traffic conditions apply, so the driver must be guided by the specific rules of Section 27 when preparing for the theoretical exam.
The analysis of the options in this ticket is straightforward: the wording "allowed provided traffic safety is ensured" sounds logical, but it refers to the general rules for reversing (clause 10.9), which do not apply where a direct special prohibition is in force. The option "allowed if it is impossible to approach in another way" is also not an exception in the Traffic Rules of Ukraine for motorways: a missed exit or required object does not give the right to reverse; the correct action is to continue driving to the nearest permitted place to change the route.
The practical significance of knowing this topic for the theoretical exam and real driving is obvious: on motorways, any attempt to "return" in reverse to an exit or stop can end in an accident due to the difference in speeds and the short reaction time of other road users. That is why the traffic rules provide clear prohibitions that ensure predictability and continuity of movement.
Clause 27.2 (e) (Section 27 "Movement of vehicles on motorways and roads for automobiles")
On motorways and roads for automobiles, it is prohibited: (e) to drive in reverse.
Application: since a motorway belongs to the category of roads subject to the special rules of Section 27, driving in reverse on it is directly prohibited regardless of circumstances.
Clause 10.9 (Section 10 "Starting to move and changing direction")
Driving in reverse is permitted provided that this maneuver will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users. If necessary, the driver must seek assistance from other persons.
Application: this clause establishes the general conditions for driving in reverse, but on a motorway there is a special direct prohibition from clause 27.2 (e), so "permitted provided that..." does not apply here.
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and guidance signs", sign 5.1 "Motorway"
Sign 5.1 "Motorway" — a road on which special traffic conditions provided by the Traffic Rules apply.
Application: this sign marks the beginning of a section where the requirements of Section 27 apply, including the prohibition of driving in reverse.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules on motorways (marked with sign 5.1), clause 27.2 (e) directly prohibits driving in reverse.
A motorway is intended for high-speed and uninterrupted traffic, which is why it is subject to increased safety requirements and predictability of maneuvers. Any actions that may suddenly change the direction or nature of a vehicle’s movement on such a road create significant risks for other drivers.
Clause 27.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly defines the list of prohibitions on motorways and automobile roads. Among these prohibitions, reversing is specifically mentioned (subclause g). That is, the rules clearly do not allow such a maneuver on a motorway, regardless of the circumstances.
The logic of the prohibition is simple: at high speeds, drivers expect all vehicles to be moving forward in the general flow. If someone starts moving backward, other road users may not have time to properly assess the situation, react, or brake, which sharply increases the likelihood of a collision. For example, if a driver misses the desired exit and tries to "return" to it by reversing, this creates a danger for everyone moving behind in the high-speed flow.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since clause 27.2(g) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly forbids reversing on a motorway due to the danger of such a maneuver at high speeds.