28.5. Which of the following is prohibited on mountain roads?
UAЩо з перерахованого забороняється на гірських дорогах?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of safe driving on mountain roads, where steep descents and ascents sharply increase the risks of losing control and effective braking. In such conditions, the traffic rules require the driver to constantly maintain control over speed and be able to use engine braking, rather than relying solely on the service brakes.
The content of the question refers to Section 28 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (driving on mountain roads) and the application of requirements on sections usually marked with warning signs 1.6 "Steep ascent" and 1.7 "Steep descent." In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that clause 28.3 directly prohibits coasting: you cannot drive either with the engine off or with the clutch or gear disengaged, as this deprives the driver of engine braking and can lead to brake overheating on a long descent.
The analysis of the options in this exam question comes down to the fact that each of the two separate actions (coasting with the engine off; coasting in neutral or with the clutch depressed) is itself prohibited by clause 28.3, so choosing only one of them would be incomplete. The practical meaning of the rule is simple: on mountain sections, you must drive in gear, with the engine running, to maintain driving stability, have a reserve of traction, and not lose the ability to controllably reduce speed without critically overloading the braking system.
Clause 28.3
On mountain roads, it is prohibited to: a) drive with the engine off and the clutch or gear disengaged; b) tow with a flexible coupling; c) any towing during icy conditions.
Application explanation: this clause directly establishes a list of prohibitions on mountain roads, specifically prohibiting coasting (with the engine off / with the clutch or gear disengaged) and towing with a flexible coupling — these actions are usually presented as options 1 and 2 in the test.
Clause 33.1.6 — 33 "Road Signs", 1 "Warning Signs", sign 1.6 "Steep Ascent"
Warns of an approaching section of road with a steep ascent.
Clause 33.1.7 — 33 "Road Signs", 1 "Warning Signs", sign 1.7 "Steep Descent"
Warns of an approaching section of road with a steep descent.
Application explanation: in the context of exam questions, "mountain roads" are associated with driving on sections with steep ascents/descents, which are indicated to the driver by signs 1.6 and 1.7; it is for such conditions that the Traffic Rules separately establish increased requirements and prohibitions (specifically in clause 28.3).
Thus, the correct answer is "Both actions listed in answers 1 and 2 are prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules (clause 28.3), on mountain roads it is simultaneously prohibited both to drive with the engine off and the clutch or gear disengaged, and to tow with a flexible coupling.
On mountain roads, the risks are significantly higher due to steep ascents and descents, so the Traffic Rules introduce specific prohibitions for such sections. This refers to roads marked with warning signs “Steep Ascent” and “Steep Descent,” where the driver must constantly maintain control of the vehicle and the ability to brake effectively.
Clause 28.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits driving downhill or uphill in a mode where the engine is not running, as well as when the transmission or clutch is disengaged (that is, essentially coasting). The practical meaning of this requirement is as follows: on a descent, the vehicle quickly gains speed, and if the driver is coasting in neutral, with the clutch depressed, or with the engine turned off, they lose engine braking and are forced to rely excessively on the service brakes. This can lead to brake overheating and a sharp decrease in their effectiveness precisely when it is necessary to slow down.
That is why the two separate actions, which are usually listed as options 1 and 2 (driving with the engine off and driving with the clutch or transmission disengaged), are simultaneously prohibited on mountain roads. Both directly correspond to the prohibition in clause 28.3 and have the same dangerous nature: they reduce control over the vehicle on steep sections.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Both actions specified in answers 1 and 2 are prohibited,” since clause 28.3 of the Traffic Rules prohibits driving on mountain roads with the engine off and with the clutch or transmission disengaged, in order not to lose control and braking efficiency on steep descents and ascents.