3.9. Which flashing beacon must be switched on on the vehicle closing the convoy, if the vehicles at the head of the convoy have red and blue flashing beacons switched on?
UAЯкий проблисковий маячок повинен бути увімкнений на транспортному засобі, що замикає колону, якщо на транспортному засобі, що рухається попереду колони, увімкнено проблискові маячки червоного та синього кольору?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety during the organized escort of a convoy. The purpose of such rules is to ensure that other drivers clearly understand where the convoy begins and ends, and do not create dangerous situations by overtaking, passing, or driving alongside in close proximity. Correct recognition of flashing beacons directly affects whether a driver will timely choose a safe speed, maintain proper distance, and comply with the restrictions provided by the traffic rules.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the use of special light signals, specifically point 3.3 about convoy escort. The logic is as follows: if red and blue (or only red) flashing beacons are activated at the front of the convoy, then the end of the convoy must be marked with a green beacon or a combination of blue and green. It is this "closing" vehicle that signals to other road users the moment after which special restrictions for other vehicles are lifted; also, the vehicles in the convoy turn on their low beam headlights to distinguish themselves from the traffic flow.
The analysis of the answer options helps to avoid confusing the signals: only a blue beacon does not meet the requirement of point 3.3 specifically for the closing vehicle, so this option is incorrect. On the other hand, options with a green beacon or with blue and green fully comply with the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, so the correct answer is the combination of these two options. For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember: "red/red+blue" in front means a convoy with restrictions, and "green/blue+green" at the rear means its end and the lifting of restrictions after the closing vehicle passes.
Clause 3.3
To distinguish a convoy of vehicles accompanied by vehicles with blue or red flashing beacons from the general traffic flow, low beam headlights must be turned on in all vehicles of the convoy.
If, during the escort of a convoy of vehicles, the vehicle at the front of the convoy has blue and red or only red flashing beacons turned on, the convoy must be closed by a vehicle with a green or blue and green flashing beacon turned on, after which the restrictions on the movement of other vehicles are lifted.
Drivers of other vehicles are prohibited from overtaking and passing the convoy, as well as driving in adjacent lanes in close proximity to it.
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 2 and 3.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a convoy led by vehicles with red and blue (or only red) flashing beacons must be closed by a vehicle with green or blue and green flashing beacons.
When a convoy of vehicles is accompanied by cars with flashing beacons, it is important for other road users to understand where the convoy begins and where it ends. That is why the Traffic Rules establish a clear rule regarding the beacons on the vehicle leading the convoy and on the vehicle bringing up the rear.
If the vehicle at the front of the convoy has red and blue flashing beacons turned on, this means the convoy is moving in escort mode, and special restrictions apply to other drivers. Logically, the end of the convoy must also be clearly marked so that other drivers know the moment after which these restrictions no longer apply.
According to clause 3.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in this case, the convoy must be closed by a vehicle with a green flashing beacon turned on, or with both blue and green beacons turned on. This serves as a signal to other road users that the convoy has ended: until this "closing" vehicle passes, driving alongside, overtaking, or passing the convoy is not allowed, and after it, the restrictions related specifically to passing the convoy are lifted.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 2 and 3," since when the leading vehicle of the convoy has red and blue beacons turned on, the convoy must be closed, according to clause 3.3 of the Traffic Rules, by a vehicle with a green beacon or with both blue and green beacons.