28.7. By which method(s) is towing of vehicles allowed on mountain roads?
UAЯким способом/способами дозволено буксирування автомобілів на гірських дорогах?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safety of towing on mountain roads, where ascents, descents, and possible sudden changes in load make transporting a faulty vehicle particularly risky. That is why the traffic rules establish specific restrictions for such sections to reduce the likelihood of skidding, loss of coupling, and loss of control while moving in a convoy of "towing vehicle + towed car."
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding driving on mountain roads and towing rules, in particular the requirements of clause 28.3, as well as understanding the basic definition of "towing" from clause 1.10. According to the Traffic Rules, towing with a flexible coupling (rope) is strictly prohibited on mountain roads, since on descents and ascents the rope can suddenly tighten or sag, increasing the risk of accidents. Instead, the permitted methods are those not prohibited by this clause: rigid coupling (which more stably maintains distance and trajectory) and the partial loading method (when part of the car is lifted and fixed on a platform or supporting device).
If we analyze the answer options in the theoretical exam format: the option with rigid coupling meets the requirements of the Traffic Rules for mountain roads; the option with flexible coupling contradicts the direct prohibition of clause 28.3; the partial loading method is also allowed by the rules and is often optimal in case of steering or transmission problems. The combined option, which includes both rigid coupling and partial loading, is correct precisely because it lists all permitted methods under normal road surface conditions (it is important to remember: during icy conditions on mountain roads, any towing is prohibited by the same clause 28.3).
Clause 28.3
On mountain roads, it is prohibited to: a) drive with the engine off and the clutch or gear disengaged; b) tow using a flexible coupling; c) any towing during icy conditions.
Brief application: from subparagraph "b" it follows that towing with a flexible coupling is specifically prohibited on mountain roads, therefore (in the absence of icy conditions) other methods not prohibited by this clause are allowed — with a rigid coupling and by partial loading.
Clause 1.10 (term "Towing")
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not pertain to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations), using a rigid or flexible coupling or by partial loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
Brief application: this definition lists the towing methods, and clause 28.3 sets restrictions for mountain roads (in particular, the prohibition of flexible coupling and any towing during icy conditions).
That is, the correct answer is "With a rigid coupling or by partial loading," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, towing is possible, in particular, with a rigid/flexible coupling or by partial loading, and on mountain roads, clause 28.3 directly prohibits only flexible coupling (and any towing during icy conditions).
In the Traffic Rules, “towing” means moving one vehicle by another not as a road train, but by one of three methods: using a rigid tow bar, a flexible tow (rope), or by partially loading the towed vehicle onto a platform or special supporting device.
There are additional restrictions for mountain roads. Clause 28.3 of the Traffic Rules explicitly states that towing with a flexible connection is prohibited on mountain roads. That is, using a rope on ascents and descents is considered dangerous, so this method is excluded by the rules.
If the question does not mention icy conditions, it is assumed that the road surface and driving conditions are normal. It is important to remember: the same Clause 28.3 also prohibits any towing during icy conditions on mountain roads. But without mention of ice, we assess the permitted methods under standard conditions.
Therefore, on mountain roads, the methods that are not prohibited by Clause 28.3 remain allowed: towing with a rigid tow bar or by partial loading (when part of the vehicle is lifted and secured on a tow truck/support device).
Thus, the correct answer is “With a rigid tow bar or by partial loading,” since on mountain roads the Traffic Rules prohibit towing with a flexible connection, while the other two methods are permitted under normal conditions.