33.3.65. Under which condition is it permitted to overtake a vehicle after passing the depicted road sign installed with a supplementary plate?
UAЗа якої з умов дозволено виконати обгін транспортного засобу після проїзду зображеного дорожнього знака, встановленого з табличкою?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe execution of overtaking and the correct interpretation of road signs with supplementary plates. In real traffic, such situations are common: a driver sees a prohibitory sign and must quickly assess whether the restriction is already in effect or will begin ahead. Misunderstanding the area of effect of the sign can lead to a dangerous entry into the oncoming lane and a violation of traffic rules, which is critical on the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 "Road Signs" (sign 3.25 "Overtaking Prohibited") and supplementary plates to signs (7.1.1 "Distance to Object"). The key idea is this: plate 7.1.1 indicates the distance to the point where the restriction begins, meaning the overtaking prohibition does not take effect at the location of the sign with the plate, but after the specified 500 meters. Therefore, overtaking after passing such a set of signs is allowed only if the maneuver is completed before reaching this limit.
The analysis of answer options in this exam question is based on the fact that the exception for sign 3.25 applies only to individual vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h, so the wording about 40 km/h does not provide a legal basis for overtaking according to the sign's rule. Instead, the option about completing the overtaking within 500 meters logically corresponds to the meaning of plate 7.1.1: up to the point where the restriction is introduced, the sign has a warning character, and after this distance, overtaking will already be prohibited. This practical rule helps correctly plan the maneuver and safely pass the theoretical exam.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is the passing of one or more vehicles involving entry into the oncoming traffic lane.
Brief application: the question checks understanding that “overtaking” is specifically a maneuver involving entry into the oncoming lane, and it can be prohibited/allowed by signs and plates.
Clause 33.3 — 33 “Road signs”, 3 “Prohibitory signs”, sign 3.25 “Overtaking prohibited”
Sign 3.25 “Overtaking prohibited” forbids overtaking all vehicles except for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h (single vehicles are considered to be individual vehicles, road trains, as well as a towing vehicle coupled with a towed vehicle). 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 or at intersections (junctions) with field, forest, and other unpaved roads where no priority signs are installed. The area of effect of the sign may be reduced by installing sign 3.26 “End of overtaking prohibition” at the end of the zone.
Brief application: sign 3.25 introduces a prohibition on overtaking within its area of effect, but in this question it is important that the plate may indicate that the “place of introduction of the relevant restriction” will be ahead, not immediately at the place of the sign’s installation.
Clause 33.7 — 33 “Road signs”, 7 “Plates to road signs”, plate 7.1.1 “Distance to object”
Plate 7.1.1 “Distance to object” indicates the distance from the sign to the beginning of a dangerous section, the place where the relevant restriction is introduced, or a specific object (place) located ahead in the direction of travel.
Brief application: if 3.25 is installed with plate 7.1.1 “500 m”, this means that the place where the overtaking prohibition is introduced will be in 500 m, i.e., up to this point (within the 500 m section after the sign with the plate) overtaking is not yet prohibited by this sign.
That is, the correct answer is “If overtaking is completed no more than 500 m after passing these road signs,” given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, plate 7.1.1 indicates the distance to the place where the relevant restriction is introduced (overtaking prohibition by sign 3.25), and therefore the prohibition begins to apply not immediately, but after 500 m.
After passing sign 3.25 "Overtaking prohibited," the driver usually must understand that overtaking is prohibited within its area of effect. However, in this question, the sign is installed together with plate 7.1.1 "Distance to object," and it is this plate that changes the perception of the restriction.
Plate 7.1.1 indicates that the specified restriction or object is ahead at the indicated distance. That is, the prohibition associated with sign 3.25 does not begin immediately at the location where you see this sign with the plate, but 500 meters ahead in the direction of travel. Up to this point, the sign serves a warning function: it informs you that a section where overtaking will be prohibited is coming up soon.
Hence, a simple practical conclusion for the driver: after passing such a sign with the plate, you can still overtake, but only in such a way that the maneuver is completed before the restriction comes into effect. In other words, the maneuver must be finished within these 500 meters, while the restriction has not yet actually been introduced.
For example, if you have passed sign 3.25 with the plate "500 m" and start overtaking after 200–300 meters, it will be allowed only on the condition that you return to your lane before 500 meters have passed from the location of the sign with the plate. If you continue overtaking and complete it after this distance, then part of the maneuver will take place in the area where overtaking is already prohibited.
Therefore, the correct answer is "If the overtaking is completed no more than 500 meters after passing these road signs," since plate 7.1.1 indicates that the effect of the overtaking prohibition by sign 3.25 begins after 500 meters, and up to this limit overtaking is still allowed provided it is completed within the specified distance.