33.3.69. Which of the depicted road signs prohibits overtaking for all vehicles?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків забороняє обгін усім транспортним засобам?
This exam question focuses on road safety and the correct identification of prohibitory road signs, which directly affect the possibility of overtaking. In real-life situations, a mistake in interpreting such signs creates a high risk of head-on collisions, which is why the theoretical exam on the Traffic Rules of Ukraine pays special attention to the details of the sign's image and the scope of its prohibition.
The task tests knowledge of Section 33 of the Traffic Rules, specifically group 3 "Prohibitory signs," and understanding of the term "overtaking" from point 1.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (overtaking with entry into the oncoming traffic lane). The key is the difference between sign 3.25 "Overtaking prohibited," which establishes a general prohibition for all vehicles, and sign 3.27 "Overtaking by trucks prohibited," which restricts the maneuver only for trucks over 3.5 tons, tractors, and self-propelled machines. That is why, among the options, the correct one is the sign corresponding to 3.25: although it depicts passenger cars, according to the Traffic Rules, this is a prohibition of overtaking for all drivers, not just for cars.
When analyzing the answer options, it is important to eliminate signs that do not establish an overtaking prohibition or relate to other restrictions, and also not to confuse the general prohibition with the "truck" version, where the pictogram shows a truck and the sign does not apply to all categories of vehicles. It is also important to remember the exception for sign 3.25: overtaking is allowed only for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h, and this exception applies only if both conditions are met simultaneously; if at least one is not met, overtaking remains prohibited according to the traffic rules.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving moving into the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 33.3 — 33 “Road signs”, 3 “Prohibitory signs”, sign 3.25 “Overtaking prohibited”
Prohibits overtaking for all vehicles, except for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h.
Clause 33.3 — 33 “Road signs”, 3 “Prohibitory signs”, sign 3.27 “Overtaking by trucks prohibited”
Prohibits overtaking by trucks with a maximum permitted mass of over 3.5 t, tractors, and self-propelled machines, except for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h.
Thus, the correct answer is “Sign 4.”, considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, it is sign 3.25 “Overtaking prohibited” that prohibits overtaking for all vehicles (except for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h), while the sign with the truck restricts overtaking only for certain categories of vehicles.
The question asks you to identify the sign that prohibits overtaking for all vehicles. Therefore, we are interested not in any prohibition, but specifically in one that applies to all drivers regardless of the type of vehicle.
According to Section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, sign 3.25 "Overtaking prohibited" establishes a general prohibition on overtaking. It applies to all vehicles, not just certain categories. Visually, this sign depicts two passenger cars, which is a hint that the prohibition is universal.
It is important not to confuse it with the sign that depicts a truck. Such a sign restricts overtaking not for everyone, but only for trucks and similar types of vehicles. Therefore, it does not fit the wording "for all vehicles."
Also note the exception provided for sign 3.25: overtaking is allowed only for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h. For example, if there is a single tractor or another lone vehicle ahead moving very slowly (less than 30 km/h), overtaking may be permitted if safe conditions exist. However, if at least one condition is not met (it is not a single vehicle or the speed is not less than 30 km/h), overtaking remains prohibited according to the sign.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 4," as it corresponds to sign 3.25 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and establishes a prohibition on overtaking for all vehicles (with the exception of single ones moving at less than 30 km/h).