33.3.53. Which of the depicted road signs prohibits movement at a speed greater than that indicated on the sign?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків забороняє рух з більшою швидкістю, ніж зазначено на знакові?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to correctly interpret road signs related to speed limits and to distinguish mandatory requirements from recommendations. Understanding such signs directly affects road safety: speeding is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents, and in the theoretical exam, there are often 'traps' where several signs look similar in meaning.
In terms of content, this checks Section 33 “Road Signs” of the traffic rules, specifically the prohibitory signs (item 33.3), where sign 3.29 “Maximum Speed Limit” is defined. It is this sign that legally prohibits driving faster than the number indicated on the sign and can be recognized by its distinctive shape: a round sign with a red border and a number inside. According to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, its area of effect usually lasts from the place of installation to the nearest intersection (and in certain cases within a populated area—to its end), so it is important to understand not only “what it means” but also “where it applies.”
Other options in this theoretical exam may be confusing because they also relate to speed, but do not prohibit exceeding the “number on the plate.” The mandatory sign 4.12 “Minimum Speed Limit” requires driving no slower than the specified speed (provided general limits are observed), while 4.13 only cancels this requirement. The informational sign 5.33 “Recommended Speed” suggests a desirable pace of movement, but by itself does not prohibit driving faster. Sign 5.51 “Beginning of a Populated Area” informs about the traffic regime on a section of road, but is not a sign that sets a specific maximum speed limit with a number on the sign itself.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road signs", 3 "Prohibitory signs", sign 3.29 "Maximum speed limit"
Prohibits movement at a speed exceeding that indicated on the sign.
The area of effect of the sign 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 exits from adjacent territories to the road or at intersections (junctions) with field, forest, and other unpaved roads where no priority signs are installed. The area of effect may be reduced by installing sign 3.30 "End of maximum speed limit" or by changing the maximum speed value on the sign. The effect of a sign installed before a populated area, marked by sign 5.51 "Beginning of populated area", extends up to this sign.
(This particular clause of the Traffic Rules defines the sign that directly prohibits exceeding the speed indicated on it.)
Clause 33.4 — 33 "Road signs", 4 "Mandatory signs", sign 4.12 "Minimum speed limit"
Allows movement at a speed not less than that indicated on the sign, but not more than provided by clauses 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 of these Rules.
(This sign sets the minimum permissible speed, but does not prohibit exceeding the indicated speed.)
Clause 33.4 — 33 "Road signs", 4 "Mandatory signs", sign 4.13 "End of minimum speed limit"
Used to indicate the end of the area of effect of sign 4.12 "Minimum speed limit".
(This sign only cancels the minimum speed requirement and does not set a maximum speed.)
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and guidance signs", sign 5.33 "Recommended speed"
Used to indicate the speed recommended for travel on this section of the road and is installed at the beginning of the section, with the area of effect extending to the nearest intersection.
(This sign is advisory in nature and does not itself prohibit movement at a higher speed.)
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and guidance signs", sign 5.51 "Beginning of populated area"
Used to indicate the beginning of a populated area, in which the requirements of these Rules that determine the order of movement in populated areas do not apply on the road where this sign is installed. The sign is installed at the actual boundary of the development adjacent to the road.
(This sign informs about the traffic regime regarding the "populated area", but by definition is not a maximum speed limit sign.)
Thus, the correct answer is "Sign 5.", considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, sign 3.29 "Maximum speed limit" prohibits movement at a speed exceeding that indicated on the sign.
To answer the question, you need to distinguish between signs that set a mandatory or recommended speed and the sign that specifically prohibits exceeding the indicated value.
Among the given options, some signs are indeed related to speed, but have different meanings. For example, the “Minimum Speed Limit” sign does not prohibit driving faster than the number on the sign—it requires you to drive no slower than the specified speed (of course, within the general permitted speed limits). The “End of Minimum Speed Limit” sign simply cancels this requirement. The “Recommended Speed” sign is also not a prohibition: it suggests a desirable speed, but does not set a legal limit that cannot be exceeded specifically because of this sign. The “Start of Populated Area” sign determines the driving regime depending on the type of sign, but by itself is not a sign that “prescribes” a specific maximum speed number on the plate.
The only sign among those listed that directly prohibits driving at a speed greater than that indicated on the sign is the prohibitory sign 3.29 “Maximum Speed Limit” (section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine). It is easy to recognize by its shape: a round sign with a red border and a number inside. The logic is simple: if you see such a sign, any speed above the indicated value will be a violation. For example, if it says “50”, then driving at 51 km/h or more is already prohibited by this sign.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Sign 5.”, as this is sign 3.29 “Maximum Speed Limit”, which prohibits driving at a speed exceeding that indicated on the sign.