33.1.18. Which of the shown road signs is installed before a railway crossing with a barrier?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків встановлюється перед залізничним переїздом зі шлагбаумом?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of warning road signs and their practical significance for road safety. Situations near railway crossings are considered high-risk, so a driver must recognize the relevant signs in advance, reduce speed, and be prepared to stop, especially when traffic may be blocked.
In the theoretical exam, this checks Section 33 of the Traffic Rules, Group 1 "Warning Signs," specifically sign 1.27 "Railway crossing with a barrier." Its distinguishing feature is the depiction of a barrier as an obstacle that can block passage. According to the Traffic Rules, this sign is installed in advance: outside populated areas at 150–300 m, in populated areas at 50–100 m before the hazardous section, and if necessary, a different distance is specified by plate 7.1.1 "Distance to the object." Outside populated areas, the sign is repeated, and the next one is placed no closer than 50 m before the crossing.
When choosing an option, it is important not to confuse similar warning signs: one of those shown may relate to a tramway crossing, another warns of a tunnel, yet another means a railway crossing without a barrier (this is a different sign according to Section 33). The logic is simple: only the sign with a barrier directly indicates that temporary traffic stoppage is possible before the crossing, so the driver must be ready to comply with the requirements for stopping and crossing according to the traffic rules.
Clause 33.1 — 33 “Road signs”, 1 “Warning signs”, sign 1.27 “Railway crossing with a barrier”
“Sign 1.27 ‘Railway crossing with a barrier’ is installed outside populated areas at a distance of 150—300 m, in populated areas — at a distance of 50—100 m before the beginning of the hazardous section. If necessary, the sign may be installed at another distance, which is indicated on plate 7.1.1 ‘Distance to the object’. Outside populated areas, the sign is repeated. The next sign is installed at a distance of at least 50 m before the beginning of the hazardous section.”
This clause directly determines which warning sign is used before a railway crossing equipped with a barrier (that is, this is the required answer to the question).
Clause 33.1 — 33 “Road signs”, 1 “Warning signs”, sign 1.28 “Railway crossing without a barrier” (for differentiation in answer options)
“Sign 1.28 ‘Railway crossing without a barrier’ is installed outside populated areas at a distance of 150—300 m, in populated areas — at a distance of 50—100 m before the beginning of the hazardous section. If necessary, the sign may be installed at another distance, which is indicated on plate 7.1.1 ‘Distance to the object’. Outside populated areas, the sign is repeated. The next sign is installed at a distance of at least 50 m before the beginning of the hazardous section.”
This clause is checked indirectly so that the driver does not confuse the sign for a crossing with a barrier (1.27) with the sign for a crossing without a barrier (1.28).
Clause 33.7 — 33 “Road signs”, 7 “Plates to road signs”, plate 7.1.1 “Distance to the object” (additionally)
“Plate 7.1.1 ‘Distance to the object’ indicates the distance from the sign to the beginning of the hazardous section or to the place where the relevant restriction (change) is introduced.”
This rule is mentioned in the description of sign 1.27 and explains that, if necessary, the warning sign may be installed at a different distance than the standard one, if this is indicated by the plate.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Sign 3.”, considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, it is sign 1.27 “Railway crossing with a barrier” that is installed before a railway crossing equipped with a barrier.
In this question, you need to determine which warning sign specifically indicates a railway crossing where traffic may be blocked by a barrier. That is, the driver is given advance notice that there is a crossing ahead and, if necessary, passage will be temporarily prohibited.
Among the options provided, there are signs that warn of other dangers (for example, a tramway crossing or a tunnel). They are not related to a railway crossing and do not contain the characteristic symbol indicating the possibility of traffic being blocked.
According to Section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, sign 1.27 is called “Railway crossing with a barrier.” It is easily recognized by the image of a barrier (gate), which visually indicates an obstacle capable of stopping a vehicle and preventing further movement. This symbol distinguishes a crossing with a barrier from a crossing without a barrier (for which a different sign is provided).
Such a sign is installed in advance before a hazardous section: outside populated areas usually 150–300 m ahead, in populated areas 50–100 m ahead, and if necessary, the distance is specified with a “Distance to object” plate. This is necessary so that the driver has time to reduce speed and be prepared to stop before the crossing if the barrier is lowered.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 3," as it corresponds to sign 1.27 “Railway crossing with a barrier” and warns of a crossing where traffic may be blocked by a barrier.