34.12. Along which trajectory are you allowed to pass around the obstacle?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely bypass a stationary obstacle in a roadwork zone when the lane is partially blocked. In real-life situations, such scenarios require strict adherence to traffic regulations, as road workers, machinery, and temporary barriers may be present nearby, and any 'convenient' maneuver could create danger or disrupt traffic organization.
In terms of content, it relates to Section 33 of the Traffic Rules (road signs, in particular mandatory sign 4.8 'Bypass the obstacle on the left'), Section 34 (horizontal marking 1.1), and the principle of priority of traffic management devices from Section 8 (point 8.2: road signs take precedence over markings). As a general rule, crossing the solid line 1.1 is not allowed, but the Traffic Rules provide an exception: it is permitted to cross it to bypass a stationary obstacle if it is otherwise impossible to do so safely. At the same time, sign 4.8 specifically determines on which side the obstacle should be bypassed, so the trajectory must comply with the sign’s requirement even when the maneuver involves crossing 1.1.
The explanation of the options in the logic of the theoretical exam is as follows: trajectory B is correct because it complies with the mandatory sign and allows crossing the solid 1.1 as an exception for bypassing a stationary obstacle, provided it is safe and priority is given to oncoming traffic. Trajectory A is incorrect because it contradicts the direction of bypass set by sign 4.8 and may also bring the driver closer to the roadwork zone. The answer 'on any trajectory' is also incorrect: in such situations, the freedom of choice is limited by mandatory signs, not just by markings or the 'convenience' of the maneuver.
Clause 33.4 — 33 “Road Signs”, 4 “Mandatory Signs”, sign 4.8 “Bypass the Obstacle on the Left Side”
Sign 4.8 “Bypass the Obstacle on the Left Side” is used to indicate that bypassing safety islands and various obstacles located on the carriageway is allowed (must be performed) on the left side.
Clause 34.1 — 34 “Road Markings”, 1 “Horizontal Markings”, marking 1.1
Marking 1.1 (narrow solid line) separates traffic flows in opposite directions and marks the boundaries of traffic lanes on roads; marks the boundaries of the carriageway where entry is prohibited; marks the boundaries of parking spaces, parking lots, and the edge of the carriageway on roads that are not classified as motorways under traffic conditions.
It is prohibited to cross the line. If this line marks a parking space or the edge of the carriageway adjacent to the shoulder, crossing the line is permitted.
As an exception, provided road safety is ensured, it is allowed to cross this line to bypass a stationary obstacle whose size does not allow for a safe bypass without crossing this line, as well as to overtake single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h.
Clause 8.2 — 8 “Traffic Regulation”, 8.2 “Road Signs”
Road signs take precedence over road markings and may be permanent, temporary, or with variable information.
(Application to the situation: even if the bypass involves crossing marking line 1.1, the bypass trajectory is determined by the requirement of sign 4.8 — on the left side of the obstacle.)
Clause 33.1 — 33 “Road Signs”, 1 “Warning Signs”, sign 1.37 “Road Works”
Sign 1.37 “Road Works” is installed before a section of road where road works are being carried out.
(Application to the situation: confirms the presence of road works and the related obstacle/narrowing of the carriageway.)
Clause 1.10 (term “Obstacle to Traffic”)
Obstacle to traffic — a stationary object within the lane of a vehicle or an object moving in the same direction within this lane (except for a vehicle moving in the opposite direction in the adjacent lane), which forces the driver to maneuver or reduce speed up to a stop.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Only along trajectory B.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, bypassing an obstacle must be performed on the left side according to sign 4.8, and crossing the solid line 1.1 in such a case is allowed as an exception for bypassing a stationary obstacle, provided traffic safety is ensured.
In this situation, you are approaching a stationary obstacle on the roadway and also see a warning sign indicating road works. This means that part of the lane may be occupied by machinery, barriers, or workers, so traffic must be organized as indicated by the regulatory means.
Road marking 1.1 (solid line) is present on the road, which, as a general rule, does not allow you to enter the oncoming lane or cross it. However, the Traffic Rules make an exception: it is permitted to cross the solid 1.1 line if it is necessary to bypass a stationary obstacle and it is not possible to do so safely without crossing the line. This is exactly the situation shown: the obstacle blocks your lane, so you are forced to change your trajectory to bypass it.
Next, the decisive factor is the mandatory sign 4.8, which directly indicates the way to bypass — on the left side. That is, you must leave the obstacle on your right and pass to the left, even if this requires crossing the solid line. Trajectory A does not comply with the sign’s requirement and may additionally be dangerous due to the work zone, where people or machinery may be present.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Only along trajectory B," since the obstacle must be bypassed on the left side according to sign 4.8, and crossing marking 1.1 in this case is allowed as an exception for bypassing a stationary obstacle.