33.3.45. Is it permitted for a road train with a mass of over 18 tons to proceed in the depicted situation?
UAЧи дозволено в зображеній ситуації рух автопоїзду, маса якого понад 18 т?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning traffic safety and compliance with prohibitory road signs that impose restrictions on freight transport. Such restrictions are most often related to the passage of bridges, overpasses, and other structures with limited load-bearing capacity, where exceeding the weight limit can create a real accident risk and threaten the integrity of the structures.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 of the Traffic Rules, specifically prohibitory sign 3.15 "Movement of vehicles with a mass exceeding ... t is prohibited." An important nuance for the theoretical exam: the sign applies not only to single vehicles but also to their combinations (road trains), and the total actual mass is considered—that is, the real mass including the driver, cargo, and trailer. If the actual mass exceeds the value indicated on the sign (in this case, 18 t), the requirement of the sign is not met, so movement in this direction is not allowed.
The analysis of the answer options is straightforward: the statement about the possibility to continue moving contradicts the direct prohibition of sign 3.15, since the mass of the road train exceeds the specified limit. On the other hand, the option about prohibition fully complies with the traffic rules: if the established limit is exceeded, the driver must choose another route, even if it causes inconvenience, because safety and compliance with road sign requirements are the priority.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road signs", 3 "Prohibitory signs", sign 3.15 "Movement of vehicles with a mass exceeding ... t is prohibited"
Prohibits the movement of vehicles, including their combinations, whose total actual mass exceeds the value indicated on the sign.
The sign's area of effect is from the place of installation to the nearest intersection beyond it, and in populated areas where there are no intersections — to the end of the populated area. The effect of the sign is not interrupted at the exits from adjacent territories to the road or at intersections (junctions) with field, forest, and other unpaved roads, before which no priority signs are installed.
Clause 1.10 (term "Actual mass")
Actual mass — the mass of an equipped vehicle as determined by its technical specification, including the driver and cargo.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, sign 3.15 prohibits the movement of vehicles (including combinations) if their total actual mass exceeds the value indicated on the sign, and in the task condition, the mass of the road train is over 18 t.
In the depicted situation, a prohibitory sign 3.15 with a weight limit of 18 t is installed in front of the road train. This sign imposes a direct prohibition on the movement of vehicles if their total actual weight exceeds the number indicated on the sign.
It is important that the Rules extend the effect of this sign not only to single vehicles, but also to their combinations, that is, to road trains. The total actual weight refers to the real weight of the vehicle at the moment of movement: together with the driver, cargo, and, in the case of a road train, with the trailer.
The question explicitly states that the weight of the road train is over 18 t. This means that the established limit is exceeded, and therefore, from the moment sign 3.15 is in effect, such a road train does not have the right to continue moving in this direction. In practice, such signs are often installed before bridges or other structures that may not withstand excessive loads, so the requirement of the sign must be followed without exceptions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since sign 3.15 prohibits the movement of vehicles and their combinations whose actual weight exceeds 18 t, and the weight of the road train in this case is greater.