33.2.12. Which of the shown road signs gives priority over oncoming vehicles on a narrow section of the road?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків надає перевагу стосовно зустрічних транспортних засобів на вузькій ділянці дороги?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of priority road signs and the ability to safely pass on narrow sections where it is difficult for two vehicles to pass each other (bridge, roadworks, single-lane passage). In such places, a mistake in determining who has the right of way often leads to dangerous maneuvers, traffic jams, and conflict situations, which is why this topic is fundamental for the theoretical exam.
The content of the task specifically concerns priority on a narrow section, not at an intersection. Therefore, the correct answer is the sign 2.6 from section 33 "Road Signs," group 2 "Priority Signs": it means "Priority over oncoming traffic" and is placed directly before the narrowing, granting the driver the right to proceed first relative to oncoming vehicles (the concept of "priority" is explained in point 1.10 of the traffic rules). In practice, this means you may enter the narrow section first, and oncoming vehicles must yield to you.
The other depicted signs do not correspond to the conditions of this exam question: its "paired" sign 2.5 works the opposite way and obliges you to yield to oncoming traffic, not entering the narrowing if it would hinder passing. Signs related to the "main road," "yield," or with a main road direction plate regulate priority at uncontrolled intersections, not the order of passing a narrow section. That is why, in situations with road narrowings, you should rely on sign 2.6 as the one that gives priority over oncoming traffic.
Clause 1.10 (term “Priority”)
Priority — the right to move first in relation to other road users.
Clause 33.2 — 33 “Road signs”, 2 “Priority signs”, sign 2.6 “Priority over oncoming traffic”
Sign 2.6 “Priority over oncoming traffic” is installed before a narrow section of the road, where the driver has priority over oncoming vehicles. The sign is installed directly before the narrow section of the road.
Clause 33.2 — 33 “Road signs”, 2 “Priority signs”, sign 2.5 “Oncoming traffic priority”
Sign 2.5 “Oncoming traffic priority” prohibits entry into a narrow section of the road if it may impede oncoming traffic. The driver must yield to oncoming vehicles moving through the narrow section. The sign is installed directly before the narrow section of the road.
(This clause is relevant because the task usually offers the “paired” sign to 2.6 for comparison among the options.)
Thus, the correct answer is “Sign 1.”, considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, it is sign 2.6 “Priority over oncoming traffic” that gives the driver priority over oncoming vehicles on a narrow section of the road.
The key words in this question are: “priority over oncoming vehicles” and “narrow section of the road.” This means it’s not about an intersection or a main road, but specifically about a situation where two cars have difficulty passing each other due to a narrowing.
Priority according to the Traffic Rules means the right to move first relative to other participants. On narrow sections, this right is determined by priority signs, which specifically regulate who passes first and who is required to wait.
Among the displayed options, it is sign 2.6 “Priority over oncoming traffic” that is installed before a narrow section and directly informs the driver: you have priority, meaning you may enter the narrowing first, and oncoming vehicles must yield to you. A typical example: a small bridge or a construction area where the road effectively becomes single-lane — if you see this sign ahead, you pass first without obstructing the oncoming flow.
For comparison: sign 2.5 “Priority to oncoming traffic” works the opposite way — it requires you not to enter the narrow section if it would interfere with oncoming vehicles, and to yield to the traffic coming towards you. And signs concerning the “main road” or the direction of the main road regulate priority at uncontrolled intersections, not on narrow sections.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Sign 1,” since this is sign 2.6 “Priority over oncoming traffic,” which, on a narrow section, gives you the right of way over oncoming vehicles.