28.2. On mountain roads and steep descents, where meeting oncoming traffic is difficult, who must yield the right of way?
UAНа гірських дорогах і крутих спусках, де зустрічний роз'їзд утруднено, дати дорогу повинен:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety on challenging road sections, where a mistake in priority can lead to dangerous maneuvers, blocked passage, or an emergency situation. On mountain roads and steep descents, there are often narrow sections, limited visibility, and a lack of space for passing, so the traffic rules establish a clear procedure for oncoming vehicles.
The question tests knowledge of the Traffic Rules section regarding driving on mountain roads and steep descents, specifically the requirements of paragraph 28.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. It states that on sections where oncoming passage is difficult, priority is given to the vehicle moving uphill, and the driver going downhill is required to yield. This logic is easy to remember for the theoretical exam: stopping and then starting to move uphill is technically more difficult and risky (there is a possibility of rolling back) than on a descent.
Analysis of the answer options in such tickets shows typical pitfalls: the statement about the priority of the one going uphill seems "intuitive," but the formally correct wording is the obligation to yield specifically for the driver going downhill. The option about the largest dimensions does not apply as a general rule on this section, since paragraph 28.1 establishes priority not by size, but by direction of movement; exceptions are determined by other regulations (for example, for emergency vehicles). Understanding this rule helps to act correctly in real serpentine conditions and to confidently answer exam questions during the theoretical test.
Clause 28.1
On mountain roads and steep descents where meeting traffic is difficult, the driver of a vehicle moving downhill must yield to vehicles moving uphill.
Explanation of application: this clause establishes priority when passing on narrow sections of mountain roads/steep descents — priority is given to the vehicle moving uphill, and the vehicle moving downhill is required to yield (give way).
That is, the correct answer is "The driver of the vehicle moving downhill," since according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, it is the driver moving downhill on mountain roads and steep descents, where meeting traffic is difficult, who must yield to vehicles moving uphill.
On mountain roads or steep descents, there are often narrow sections where it is difficult for two vehicles to pass each other at the same time. In such a situation, it is important to understand in advance who exactly must yield in order not to create danger or traffic jams.
Clause 28.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes a clear rule: if passing is difficult on a mountain road or a steep descent, priority is given to the vehicle moving uphill. Accordingly, the driver going downhill must yield.
The logic of this rule is practical. It is more difficult for a vehicle climbing uphill to stop and then start moving again: more traction is needed, the risk of rolling back increases, and starting to move may take more time. On the other hand, a vehicle descending can usually brake, stop, or roll back a little to a wider or more convenient spot for passing (provided it is safe), to let the vehicle going uphill pass.
Imagine a narrow mountain serpentine: you are descending and see an oncoming car climbing up. Since it is difficult to pass "side by side," it is you, as the driver going downhill, who must choose the moment and place where you can safely stop and allow the oncoming vehicle to continue climbing without unnecessary stops.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The driver of the vehicle going downhill," because according to clause 28.1 of the Traffic Rules, on a section where passing is difficult, priority is given to the one moving uphill, and the driver going downhill is obliged to yield.