27.12. In which place on a motorway is stopping of vehicles permitted?
UAУ якому місці автомагістралі дозволена зупинка транспортних засобів?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning safety on high-speed roads, where any stop outside specially designated areas sharply increases the risk of an accident. On a motorway, traffic flows move at high speeds, so "stopping on the shoulder" or on auxiliary lanes can be dangerous both for the driver and for other road users.
The question tests knowledge of Section 27 of the Traffic Rules (driving on motorways and roads for automobiles) and understanding of where exactly stopping and parking are permitted. According to clause 27.2 (c) of the PDR, stopping on motorways is prohibited outside special areas marked by signs 5.42 "Parking place" or 6.15 "Rest area"; a similar rule is confirmed by clause 15.9 (g). That is, for a short stop or longer parking, the driver must pull into a designated area, not remain on the shoulder.
During the theoretical exam, it is important to distinguish "specially designated places" from other areas on the road. The option about a "bus stop" is not suitable, as this sign is intended for route vehicles and does not give a general permit for all drivers to stop on the motorway. The option "anywhere on the shoulder" contradicts the direct prohibition of the PDR, and a combination of answers also becomes incorrect due to the inaccuracy of the "bus stop" point. In practice, this rule helps plan stops for rest or vehicle checks only where safe entry and exit are provided.
Clause 27.2 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
On motorways and roads for motor vehicles it is prohibited: "…(c) to stop outside special parking areas marked with road signs 5.42 'Parking place' or 6.15 'Rest area'…".
This clause directly states that on a motorway, stopping is allowed only in specially designated places marked with the appropriate signs.
Clause 15.9 (g) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Stopping is prohibited: "…(e) on motorways and roads for motor vehicles, except for specially designated places marked with the appropriate road signs".
This clause duplicates the general prohibition of stopping on motorways and establishes the exception—only specially marked places.
Clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (term "Stopping")
"Stopping" is the cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or more if necessary for boarding (alighting) passengers or loading (unloading) cargo.
This definition is needed to understand that the prohibition in clauses 27.2 (c) and 15.9 (g) applies specifically to "stopping" (and not only to "parking").
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Directional Signs", sign 5.1 "Motorway"
Sign 5.1 "Motorway" is used to indicate a road on which special traffic conditions apply, as provided by section 27 of these Rules.
This links the application of the prohibitions/exceptions of section 27 (in particular regarding stopping) specifically to the motorway.
Clause 33.5.42 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Directional Signs", sign 5.42 "Parking place"
Sign 5.42 "Parking place" designates a place specially allocated for parking vehicles.
In combination with clause 27.2 (c), this sign simultaneously indicates a permitted place where stopping on a motorway is allowed.
Clause 33.6.15 — 33 "Road Signs", 6 "Service Signs", sign 6.15 "Rest area"
Sign 6.15 "Rest area" informs about a place (site) specially equipped for rest.
According to clause 27.2 (c), this is also one of the designations of a place where stopping on a motorway is allowed.
Thus, the correct answer is: "In places marked with the signs 'Rest area' and 'Parking place'", given that by definition of the Traffic Rules, stopping on motorways is prohibited outside specially designated places marked with signs 5.42 or 6.15.
On a motorway, traffic moves at high speeds, so any vehicle that stops "just on the shoulder" sharply increases the risk of a collision. That is why the rules for stopping on a motorway are much stricter than on regular roads.
Clause 27.2 (c) of the Traffic Rules explicitly states: on motorways and roads for motor vehicles, it is prohibited to stop outside specially designated parking areas. This means the driver cannot stop on the right shoulder, in the acceleration/deceleration lane, or in any other place unless it is intended for this purpose and marked with the appropriate signs.
So, where is stopping allowed? Only where a safe entry and exit are organized and it is clearly marked with road signs. On a motorway, such places are areas marked with the signs "Parking Area" or "Rest Area." For example, if you need to take a break, check your load, or simply rest, you must exit to such an area and stop there.
It is important to understand that signs like "Bus Stop" refer to route vehicles and do not mean that any vehicle is allowed to stop there on a motorway. This question concerns vehicles in general, so we focus on specially designated stopping/parking areas provided for all drivers.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In places marked with the signs 'Rest Area' and 'Parking Area'," because on a motorway, stopping is allowed only in specially designated and signposted places, and outside of them the Traffic Rules explicitly prohibit stopping.