33.5.54. Which of the depicted road signs informs that an additional traffic lane adjoins the main traffic lane at the same level from the right side?
UAЯкий із зображених дорожніх знаків інформує про те, що додаткова смуга руху прилягає до основної смуги руху на одному рівні з правого боку?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road signs and the correct understanding of lane organization on the road. Such informational and indicative signs directly affect road safety: they inform the driver where the configuration of the carriageway will change, where an additional lane will appear, and how the traffic flow will be formed further on. In the theoretical exam, it is important to be able to quickly recognize these signs in order to choose the correct lane, anticipate the maneuvers of other road users, and avoid conflict situations.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 of the Traffic Rules, group 5 "Informational and indicative signs," specifically the meaning of sign 5.23 "Joining of an additional lane from the right." This sign indicates that an additional lane joins (merges) the main lane from the right, meaning that ahead the lane will "merge" into the general flow. The key word in the question is "additional lane," and it is this that distinguishes the required sign from other visually similar options.
To avoid mistakes, it is worth comparing the other depicted signs. Sign 5.22 describes a different situation: it is the joining of an acceleration lane to the main lane, not an "additional lane of movement"; therefore, it is not suitable in terms of meaning. Signs 5.20.1 and 5.21.1 indicate, respectively, the beginning and end of an additional lane (or acceleration lane), but are not signs that specifically inform about its joining to the main lane. Sign 5.28 generally refers to an emergency stopping lane on descents or passes and is not related to the merging of a lane into the flow. Understanding this difference helps to confidently answer similar exam questions and correctly apply the traffic rules in real conditions.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and directional signs”, sign 5.23 “Joining of an additional lane from the right side”
“An additional lane joins the main traffic lane on the road from the right side.”
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and directional signs”, sign 5.22 “Joining of an acceleration lane”
“A place where the acceleration lane joins the main traffic lane at the same level from the right side.”
Brief application: this sign refers specifically to the acceleration lane, not the “additional lane”, so according to the wording of the question (about an additional lane) it is not the correct answer.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and directional signs”, sign 5.20.1 “Beginning of an additional lane”
“Beginning of an additional lane on an ascent or a deceleration lane.”
Brief application: the sign shows the beginning of an additional lane/deceleration lane, not the place where it joins the main lane.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and directional signs”, sign 5.21.1 “End of an additional lane”
“End of an additional lane or acceleration lane.”
Brief application: the sign indicates the end of an additional lane (or acceleration lane), not the joining of an additional lane to the main lane.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and directional signs”, sign 5.28 “Emergency stop lane”
“Informs about the location of a lane specially prepared for the emergency stop of vehicles (on mountain passes, steep descents, etc.) in case of brake system failure.”
Brief application: this sign does not relate to additional lanes joining the main traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term “Traffic lane”)
“Traffic lane — a longitudinal strip on the carriageway at least 2.75 m wide, marked or unmarked by road markings and intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.”
Brief application: the question checks the understanding that an “additional lane” is a traffic lane that joins (adjoins) the main lane, and this is indicated by the corresponding informational sign.
That is, the correct answer is “Sign 4.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, sign 5.23 directly informs about the joining of an additional lane to the main lane from the right side.
In this question, it is important to carefully distinguish between two similar concepts: an acceleration lane and an additional traffic lane. Both may appear on the right and "merge" into the main lane, but the Traffic Rules (PDR) differentiate these situations with different signs.
According to Section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, sign 5.23 "Joining of an additional traffic lane from the right" informs the driver that an additional lane appears on the right, which will join the main traffic lane. That is, there will be another lane ahead on the right, and further on it will "merge" into the main traffic flow.
To avoid mistakes, it is worth briefly comparing the other depicted signs. Sign 5.22 refers specifically to the acceleration lane: it shows the place where the acceleration lane joins the main lane. This is a different situation than the "additional traffic lane" directly asked about in the task. Signs 5.20.1 and 5.21.1 are related, respectively, to the beginning and end of an additional lane (or acceleration lane), meaning they do not describe the exact moment of joining (merging) of the additional lane to the main one. And sign 5.28 generally informs about an emergency stopping lane, which is not related to the joining of a lane to the main one.
Thus, the key is in the wording of the question: it is about the joining of an additional traffic lane from the right to the main lane. This corresponds to the meaning of sign 5.23.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Sign 4," since it indicates the joining of an additional traffic lane from the right to the main lane.