33.3.38. Along which trajectory are you permitted to make a U-turn in the situation shown?
UAПо якій з траєкторій Вам дозволено виконати розворот у зображеній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely perform maneuvers at sections with intersections of carriageways and to correctly interpret prohibitory road signs. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand not only the meaning of the sign but also the limits of its effect, as mistakes regarding the "zone of effect" most often lead to violations during U-turns or left turns.
The question belongs to the topic of Section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, specifically prohibitory signs, and concerns sign 3.24 "U-turn prohibited." This sign prohibits only U-turns, but does not prohibit left turns, and its effect extends to the first intersection of carriageways (or another location) before which it is installed. Therefore, the option with trajectory A is incorrect: the maneuver is performed within the sign's area of effect, so making a U-turn there would violate the requirements of the prohibitory sign.
In contrast, trajectory B belongs to the next intersection of carriageways, before which sign 3.24 is absent, and therefore the prohibition on U-turns does not apply there (provided there are no other restrictions). That is why the statement "along any trajectory" is also incorrect: one of the options falls under a direct prohibition. In practice, this knowledge helps to correctly choose a place for a U-turn, not confusing intersections with separate crossings of carriageways and strictly following the requirements of road signs.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.24 "U-turn Prohibited"
"Prohibits U-turns of vehicles. At the same time, left turns are allowed. The sign does not apply to vehicles operating on established routes. The effect of the sign applies to intersections of carriageways and other places before which the sign is installed."
Explanation of application: a U-turn along trajectory A is performed at the intersection of carriageways before which sign 3.24 is installed, therefore it is prohibited; at the next intersection (trajectory B) this sign is absent, so there is no prohibition on the U-turn (in the absence of other restrictions).
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
"Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, bounded by imaginary lines between the beginnings of the rounding of the edges of the carriageway of each road. Places where exits from adjacent territories adjoin the road are not considered intersections."
Explanation of application: it is to the "intersection" (as a place of crossing/adjoining/branching of roads) that the effect of sign 3.24 is tied in the part "before which the sign is installed."
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
"Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles."
Explanation of application: in the wording of sign 3.24, the concept of "intersection of carriageways" is used, that is, the prohibition applies to the specific place of crossing of carriageways before which the sign is placed.
Clause 1.3
"Road users are obliged to know and strictly comply with the requirements of these Rules."
Explanation of application: the driver must comply with the requirement of prohibitory sign 3.24 within its area of effect and not perform a U-turn where it is prohibited.
That is, the correct answer is "Along trajectory B.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the effect of sign 3.24 "U-turn Prohibited" applies only to the intersection of carriageways (or another place) before which this sign is installed, and before the place of the U-turn along trajectory B there is no such sign.
In this situation, you should first assess the road sign installed before the location where you plan to make the maneuver. In the diagram, we see sign 3.24 “U-turn prohibited” from section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
The requirement of this sign is as follows: it specifically prohibits U-turns by vehicles, but does not prohibit left turns. An important point for the answer is the area of effect of the sign: it applies to the intersection of carriageways or other place directly before which it is installed.
Trajectory A passes through the first intersection of carriageways, before which sign 3.24 is installed. Therefore, making a U-turn along trajectory A is not allowed, as this would violate the direct prohibition that applies specifically at this location.
In contrast, trajectory B relates to the next intersection of carriageways. Sign 3.24 is not installed before it, so its effect does not extend there. Therefore, at this location, a U-turn is permitted in the absence of other prohibitions.
Thus, the correct answer is “Along trajectory B,” since sign 3.24 prohibits a U-turn only at the intersection before which it is installed, and this prohibition does not extend to the second intersection (trajectory B).