34.22. Are you allowed to overtake on a reversible lane if the reversible traffic light is off?
UAЧи дозволено вам випередження по реверсивній смузі, якщо реверсивний світлофор вимкнений?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety on roads with reversible lane organization, where the direction of the central lane can change depending on the signals of the reversible traffic light. Such sections are potentially dangerous, as mistakenly entering the reversible lane without permission may mean driving into oncoming traffic or creating an obstacle for other road users.
The question tests knowledge of the section on traffic rules for roads with reversible control (specifically point 11.9, signals according to point 8.7.3, and the requirements of marking 1.9 from section 34). The logic is simple: driving in the reversible lane is allowed only when the reversible traffic light shows a green signal; if it is off, the driver must immediately move to the right of line 1.9, and crossing marking 1.9, which is to the left of the driver, is prohibited. Since overtaking, by definition in point 1.10, is performed on an adjacent lane, it is not permitted to use a lane with an undefined direction of movement (when the traffic light is not working) for this purpose.
Therefore, the option that allows the maneuver is incorrect: it essentially suggests entering and driving in the reversible lane without a permissive signal and in violation of the requirements of marking 1.9. The correct conclusion for the theoretical exam: when the reversible traffic light is off, the reversible lane functions as a separation of traffic flows, and any maneuvers across it, including overtaking, are not allowed.
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking is the movement of a vehicle at a speed exceeding the speed of a vehicle moving in the same direction in the adjacent lane.
This definition establishes that “overtaking” is only possible when moving in an adjacent lane, but only if you are allowed to drive in that lane (including the reversible lane — only under permissive conditions).
Clause 11.9
On roads with reversible traffic, marked with road sign 5.13, driving in the lane(s) with reversible control is permitted only when the green signal of the reversible traffic light is on.
If the reversible traffic light is off, the driver must immediately move to the right beyond the line marking 1.9.
Clause 8.7.3 (reversible traffic light signals)
The following signals are used in reversible traffic lights:
a green arrow pointing downward — allows driving in the lane above which it is located;
a red cross — prohibits driving in the lane above which it is located;
a yellow arrow pointing diagonally downward to the right (or left) — warns of a signal change and the need to move to the adjacent lane in the direction of the arrow.
These provisions indicate that the right to drive in the reversible lane is granted only with the corresponding permissive signal; if the traffic light is off, the requirements regarding marking 1.9 and the obligation to leave the reversible lane apply.
Clause 34.1 — 34 “Road markings”, 1 “Horizontal markings”, marking 1.9
Marking 1.9 indicates the boundaries of lanes where reversible control is implemented; it separates traffic flows of opposite directions (when reversible traffic lights are off) on roads with reversible control.
On the section of road between reversible traffic lights, the line may be crossed if it is to the right of the driver.
When green signals are on in reversible traffic lights, the line may be crossed from either side if it separates lanes in which traffic is permitted in the same direction.
When reversible traffic lights are off, the driver must immediately move to the right of this line. The line to the left may not be crossed when reversible traffic lights are off.
This rule directly prohibits crossing 1.9 from the left (i.e., entering/driving in the reversible lane) when the reversible traffic light is off — therefore, “overtaking” in this lane is also not allowed.
Clause 33.5.13 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Information and guidance signs”, sign 5.13 “Road with reversible traffic”
Sign 5.13 “Road with reversible traffic” — informs that reversible lane control is implemented on the road.
This sign indicates the presence of reversible traffic organization, for which the requirements of reversible traffic lights and marking 1.9 are mandatory.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, considering that according to the traffic rules, when the reversible traffic light is off, crossing marking 1.9 from the left of the driver is prohibited, and driving in the reversible lane is allowed only when the green signal of the reversible traffic light is on.
Overtaking in the Traffic Rules is defined as moving your vehicle at a speed greater than the speed of a vehicle traveling in the same direction in the adjacent lane. That is, to overtake, you need to use an adjacent lane that is currently permitted for movement in your direction.
The reversible lane differs in that its direction can change depending on the signals of the reversible traffic light. The boundaries of such lanes are marked with line 1.9. This marking indicates that you are on a section where the direction of travel can be either in your direction or oncoming.
The key rule concerns the situation when the reversible traffic light is turned off. In this case, marking 1.9 essentially starts to serve as a divider of opposing traffic flows: crossing line 1.9, which is to the left of the driver, is prohibited. In addition, when the reversible traffic lights are off, the driver must move to the right of this line, that is, leave the reversible lane and not use it for driving.
Therefore, if to perform overtaking you need to enter the reversible lane, and the reversible traffic light above it is not working, such a maneuver cannot be performed, because it would require the prohibited crossing of marking 1.9 and actually entering a lane with an undefined (and potentially oncoming) direction of travel.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," because when the reversible traffic light is off, you cannot cross marking 1.9 on the left side or enter the reversible lane, and therefore overtaking on it is prohibited.