31.12. In which cases are you allowed to operate a vehicle?
UAУ яких випадках вам дозволяється експлуатація транспортного засобу?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests your understanding of when the technical condition of a vehicle affects the legality of its operation and road safety. In the theoretical exam, it is important not only to know the list of malfunctions, but also to correctly interpret the wording: sometimes you need to find a case where driving is not prohibited, even if a certain component is malfunctioning.
The question belongs to the section of the traffic rules regarding the technical condition and prohibition of operation, specifically to clause 31.4.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (Engine). This clause contains an exhaustive list of engine-related malfunctions that prohibit operation: exceeding the permissible levels of harmful substances or smoke in exhaust gases, fuel system leaks, and malfunction of the exhaust system. Accordingly, only the option with a non-functioning coolant temperature gauge is not included in the list of 31.4.6, so it is the case where operation is not prohibited under this clause.
The analysis of the options in this ticket is straightforward: excessive toxicity/smoke, a leaky fuel system, and a faulty exhaust are directly named in 31.4.6, so these are grounds for prohibiting operation. In contrast, a faulty temperature gauge is an indicator device: it does not cool the engine and by itself does not create the danger that the Traffic Rules define as critical for prohibiting movement, although the malfunction should be fixed as soon as possible. The practical conclusion for the driver: knowledge of this section of the Traffic Rules helps to answer the theoretical exam correctly and realistically assess which malfunctions are critical and which do not cancel the possibility of legally operating a vehicle under the specific clause of the Rules.
Clause 31.4
The operation of vehicles is prohibited according to the legislation in the presence of such technical malfunctions and non-compliance with such requirements.
This clause establishes a general principle: operation is prohibited only in the presence of specific malfunctions defined in subclauses 31.4.1–31.4.8.
Clause 31.4.6
Engine:
a) the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases or their smoke opacity exceeds the standards established by regulations;
b) the fuel system is not sealed;
c) the exhaust gas system is faulty.
This clause defines an exhaustive list of "engine" malfunctions for which operation is prohibited. The malfunction "the coolant temperature gauge does not work" is not specified in clause 31.4.6, therefore, by itself, it is not subject to prohibition of operation under this clause.
That is, the correct answer is "The coolant temperature gauge does not work," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the prohibition of operation regarding the engine in clause 31.4.6 applies only to exceeding toxicity/smoke standards, unsealed fuel system, or faulty exhaust gas system.
In this question, it is important to carefully read the wording: you are not being asked when operation is prohibited, but specifically about the case when operation is allowed. Therefore, you need to find among the options such a malfunction that is not included in the list of prohibited ones.
Clause 31.4.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes that the operation of a vehicle is prohibited if: the permissible levels of harmful substances or smoke in the exhaust gases are exceeded, there is a fuel system leak, or the exhaust system is faulty. These are malfunctions that are directly related to danger for people and the environment, and can also create risks while driving (for example, fuel leakage or exhaust gases entering dangerous conditions).
On the other hand, a non-functioning coolant temperature gauge is not mentioned in clause 31.4.6 as a reason for prohibiting operation. This means that from the perspective of this clause of the Rules, the very fact of a faulty indicator does not make operation illegal. It is important to understand the difference: the gauge only displays information to the driver, but is not an element that directly ensures engine cooling. That is, the engine does not start to overheat just because the indicator device itself is not working.
At the same time, in such a situation, the driver loses the ability to monitor the temperature by the instrument readings, so the malfunction should be fixed as soon as possible and attention should be paid to indirect signs of overheating. But according to the list in clause 31.4.6, this is not a reason to prohibit operation, unlike problems with the exhaust or fuel system.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The coolant temperature gauge is not working," since this malfunction is not included in the list of prohibited ones in clause 31.4.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, while the other options directly prohibit operation.