28.8. Is towing allowed on mountain roads during icy conditions?
UAЧи дозволене буксирування на гірських дорогах під час ожеледиці?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns driving safety in challenging conditions: on mountain roads, where there are steep ascents and descents, limited visibility, and an increased risk of skidding. During icy conditions, any mistake becomes critical, as even minor slipping can lead to loss of control, collisions, or veering off the roadway.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding towing and special prohibitions for mountain roads, in particular the requirements of point 28.3. The traffic rules specifically emphasize that on mountain roads during icy conditions, no method of moving a faulty vehicle with another vehicle is allowed, regardless of whether a tow rope, rigid coupling, or partial loading method is used. This is because the towed vehicle may slide, "push" the towing vehicle on a descent, and provoke skidding in turns.
If you analyze the answer options for the theoretical exam, all "allowed" answers with clarifications are incorrect: during icy conditions on a mountain road, the typical exceptions that drivers are used to applying on flat sections do not apply. The correct logic here is simple: the rule establishes a complete prohibition, so in a real situation, the safest decision would be to refuse towing and call a tow truck, rather than attempting to "pull" the vehicle by any means.
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.
This clause directly establishes a prohibition on towing on mountain roads during icy conditions, regardless of the towing method.
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.
This definition clarifies what is considered "towing" under the Traffic Rules, and it is precisely this action that is prohibited under the conditions specified in clause 28.3.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, clause 28.3 directly prohibits any towing during icy conditions on mountain roads.
Towing, as defined by the Traffic Rules, means moving one vehicle by another vehicle (not referring to movement as part of a road train), and it can be performed in various ways: with a rigid or flexible coupling, or with partial loading.
Separate, stricter restrictions apply to mountain roads due to increased risks: significant slopes, curves, and limited stopping possibilities. That is why clause 28.3 of the Traffic Rules directly establishes special prohibitions for driving in such conditions.
The key rule for this question is as follows: during icy conditions on mountain roads, any towing is prohibited. That is, it does not matter how you plan to tow the faulty vehicle—by rope, rigid coupling, or any other usually permitted method. During icy conditions, the towed vehicle may lose traction with the road and skid or "push" the towing vehicle downhill, creating a critical hazard.
For example, if you try to tow a car on a slippery mountain descent, even with a rigid coupling, the towed vehicle may start sliding and deviate from its trajectory in a turn or during braking. It is precisely because of such consequences that the rule is formulated as a complete prohibition.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since on mountain roads during icy conditions, the Traffic Rules prohibit any towing regardless of the method due to the high risk of skidding and loss of control.