33.1.46. Which of the following road signs is installed before a steep ascent?
UAЯкий з наведених дорожніх знаків встановлюється перед крутим підйомом?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the recognition of warning road signs and the driver’s advance preparation for a hazardous section. In practice, such signs directly affect safety: before a sharp change in the longitudinal profile of the road, the driver must have time to choose a safe speed, gear, and following distance, as well as consider possible restrictions on overtaking and maneuvers.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 "Road Signs," Group 1 "Warning Signs," specifically sign 1.6 "Steep Ascent," as well as understanding that on such sections the requirements of Section 28 "Driving on Mountain Roads and Steep Descents" may apply. It is sign 1.6 that is installed before a steep ascent: outside populated areas, usually 150–300 m in advance, and within populated areas — 50–100 m before the start of the hazardous section (if necessary, the distance is specified by plate 7.1.1). A useful tip for the theoretical exam: the signs "steep ascent" and "steep descent" are easy to distinguish if you "read" them from left to right — an upward line means an ascent.
The analysis of the options in the ticket is simple: the correct one is the sign that indicates an ascent (1.6). The "steep descent" sign (1.7) is similar in shape but indicates the opposite direction of the road profile change, so it is not suitable. The "exit onto embankment or shore" sign (1.8) warns of the danger of entering water, not an ascent. The informational sign "emergency stopping lane" (5.25) only informs about a special lane and does not indicate the start of a steep ascent, so it is also incorrect in this context.
Clause 33.1.6 — 33 "Road Signs", 1 "Warning Signs", sign 1.6 "Steep Ascent"
Sign 1.6 "Steep Ascent" warns of an approaching ascent where the requirements of Section 28 "Driving on Mountain Roads and Steep Descents" of these Rules apply, and is installed outside populated areas at a distance of 150–300 m, and within populated areas at a distance of 50–100 m before the start 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". The sign is installed directly before the start of ascents located one after another. If the ascent section cannot be seen along its entire length or its length exceeds 0.5 km, then plate 7.2.1 "Action Zone" is used together with the sign. This sign belongs to the warning signs.
Clause 33.1.7 — 33 "Road Signs", 1 "Warning Signs", sign 1.7 "Steep Descent"
Sign 1.7 "Steep Descent" warns of an approaching descent where the requirements of Section 28 "Driving on Mountain Roads and Steep Descents" of these Rules apply, and is installed outside populated areas at a distance of 150–300 m, and within populated areas at a distance of 50–100 m before the start 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". The sign is installed directly before the start of descents located one after another. If the descent section cannot be seen along its entire length or its length exceeds 0.5 km, then plate 7.2.1 "Action Zone" is used together with the sign. This sign belongs to the warning signs.
That is, the correct answer is "Sign 1.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, sign 1.6 "Steep Ascent" is installed before a steep ascent and warns of its approach.
When approaching a section of road with a sharp change in longitudinal profile, the driver must receive advance warning in order to have time to choose a safe speed and gear. For this purpose, Section 33 of the Traffic Rules provides for warning signs, in particular sign 1.6 "Steep ascent."
Sign 1.6 is installed before an ascent where the requirements of Section 28 regarding driving on mountain roads and steep descents may apply. It is placed in advance of the start of the dangerous section: outside populated areas usually 150–300 m ahead, and within populated areas — 50–100 m ahead. That is, the sign indicates to the driver that a steep ascent is about to begin, and it is necessary to prepare for reduced vehicle dynamics and possible difficulties with overtaking.
To avoid confusing an ascent with a descent, it is convenient to use a simple tip: these signs are "read" from left to right. If the line rises from left to right — it is an ascent (1.6). If, on the contrary, it descends — it is a steep descent (1.7). Other similar warning or informational signs (for example, exit to water or an emergency stopping lane) do not indicate an ascent specifically, so they are not suitable for this question.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 1," since it is the warning sign 1.6 "Steep ascent" and is installed before a steep ascent, warning the driver in advance about the start of a dangerous section.