33.3.44. Which of the depicted road signs prohibits the movement of vehicles with a mass exceeding 7 t?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків забороняє рух транспортних засобів, маса яких перевищує 7 т?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning prohibitory road signs and movement restrictions for certain vehicles. Such restrictions are directly related to road safety and the preservation of infrastructure: heavy vehicles can be dangerous on bridges, overpasses, narrow city streets, or on sections with limited load-bearing capacity of the pavement. In the theoretical exam, it is important to quickly recognize which specific parameters the sign restricts: weight, dimensions, type of cargo, or mode of movement.
The question tests knowledge of section 33 of the Traffic Rules, group 3 “Prohibitory signs,” specifically the application of sign 3.15 “Movement of vehicles with a mass exceeding ... t is prohibited” (item 33.3.15). This sign introduces a prohibition for vehicles and their combinations if the total actual mass exceeds the value in tons indicated on the sign; if the number is 7 t, entry is prohibited for anyone whose actual mass is greater than 7 tons. Additionally, it is important to remember the general rule for the zone of effect: from the place of installation to the nearest intersection, and in populated areas without intersections — to the end of the populated area (and it is not interrupted by exits from adjacent territories).
Comparing the options helps avoid typical mistakes in the exam: sign 3.12 does not concern weight, but the transportation of dangerous goods; sign 3.17 restricts the overall width in meters, so it does not relate to mass; sign 3.20 sets the minimum distance between vehicles, not weight restrictions. Therefore, in this task, you need to focus on the sign with the indication in tons, which is the correct solution for the restriction over 7 t.
Clause 33.3.15 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.15 "Movement of vehicles with a mass exceeding ... t is prohibited"
The movement of vehicles, including their combinations, whose total actual mass exceeds that indicated on the sign, is prohibited.
Explanation of application: if the sign indicates "7 t", then movement is prohibited for all vehicles (including those with a trailer/in combination) whose total actual mass exceeds 7 tons.
Clause 33.3.12 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.12 "Movement of vehicles carrying dangerous goods is prohibited"
The movement of vehicles with an identifying sign "Orange plate" carrying dangerous goods is prohibited.
Explanation of application: this sign restricts movement based on the transportation of dangerous goods, not by mass.
Clause 33.3.17 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.17 "Movement of vehicles with a width exceeding ... m is prohibited"
The movement of vehicles whose overall width (with or without cargo) exceeds that indicated on the sign is prohibited.
Explanation of application: this sign restricts movement based on overall width, not by mass.
Clause 33.3.20 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.20 "Movement of vehicles without maintaining a distance of ... m is prohibited"
The movement of vehicles with a distance between them less than that indicated on the sign is prohibited.
Explanation of application: this sign establishes a minimum distance, not a mass restriction.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 2.", considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, it is sign 3.15 that prohibits the movement of vehicles (including their combinations) whose total actual mass exceeds that indicated on the sign (in this case — 7 t).
The key word in the question is mass. Therefore, you should first look among the proposed prohibitory signs for the one that directly restricts movement by the vehicle's weight and has a designation in tons.
Sign 1 does not concern mass, but rather the type of cargo: it prohibits the movement of vehicles carrying dangerous goods. Even if such a vehicle weighs more than 7 tons, the prohibition here is related to dangerous cargo, not weight.
Sign 3 limits the overall width of the vehicle, meaning it applies when the width exceeds the value indicated in meters. It has nothing to do with the “over 7 tons” restriction.
Sign 4 regulates the minimum distance between vehicles, i.e., it prohibits movement with a distance less than specified. This is also not about mass.
Sign 2 corresponds to sign 3.15 from section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: it prohibits the movement of vehicles (including combinations) if their total actual mass exceeds the number indicated on the sign. If it shows 7 tons, this means that vehicles with a mass over 7 tons are prohibited from entering this section.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 2." because it (sign 3.15) specifically prohibits the movement of vehicles whose total actual mass exceeds 7 tons.