35.102. While driving, is a driver allowed to use their smartphone for navigation (GPS):
UAПід час руху водію транспортного засобу дозволяється використовувати свій смартфон для використання навігації (GPS):
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and driver distraction while driving. Using a smartphone on the move is a typical cause of loss of attention, so the traffic rules directly restrict interaction with communication devices to ensure the driver maintains control of the vehicle and constantly assesses the road situation.
The question tests knowledge of the section "Duties and rights of drivers" and the application of clause 2.9 [d], which prohibits the use of communication devices held in the hand while driving (the only exception is for drivers of emergency vehicles performing urgent official duties). That is why the option of using a smartphone in hand is incorrect regardless of the purpose (call, message, or GPS). Instead, the option of placing the smartphone on the dashboard or in a holder complies with the requirements: the device is not in the hand, thus not violating the direct prohibition, and this is the safest way to use navigation while driving.
For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember that the Traffic Rules do not distinguish between "communication" and "navigation" as a reason for holding a phone in hand: the key point is the fact of using a communication device in hand while driving. Even when the smartphone is fixed as a navigator, the driver must comply with the requirement of clause 2.3 [b] — to be attentive and not be distracted from driving, so it is better to set the route and settings before the trip or during a stop.
Clause 2.9 [d]
The driver is prohibited from: using communication devices while driving a vehicle, holding them in their hand (except for drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official duties).
Application explanation: a smartphone is considered a "communication device," so it is prohibited to use it while driving if it is held in the hand. Using a smartphone as a GPS while driving is allowed provided it is mounted (for example, on the dashboard/holder), that is, the driver does not hold it in their hand.
Clause 2.3 [b]
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the road situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving the vehicle while on the road.
Application explanation: even when the smartphone is mounted as a navigator, the driver must act in such a way as not to be distracted from driving and monitoring the road situation.
Clause 1.10 (term "Emergency vehicles")
Emergency vehicles are vehicles that are performing urgent official duties and are equipped with special light and sound signaling devices (flashing beacons and special sound signals).
Application explanation: it is specifically for this category of drivers that the Traffic Rules provide an exception in clause 2.9 [d] while they are performing urgent official duties.
Thus, the correct answer is - "By mounting it on the dashboard (except for drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official duties).", given that according to clause 2.9 [d], the driver is prohibited from using communication devices while holding them in their hand while driving, and mounting the smartphone eliminates this prohibition (provided the requirement of clause 2.3 [b] not to be distracted from driving is observed).
While driving, the driver must constantly monitor the road situation and control the vehicle with both hands as much as necessary for safety. Therefore, the Rules specifically restrict the use of communication devices while driving.
Clause 2.9 [d] establishes a prohibition on using communication devices while holding them in your hand during driving. Importantly, the Rules do not distinguish why exactly the driver took the smartphone in hand: to talk, read messages, or look at the route in navigation. The very fact of using the device in hand while driving is a violation.
If a smartphone is needed specifically as a GPS navigator, the correct way to use it while driving is to place the device in a special holder so that it does not interfere with driving and does not require holding it in your hand. For example, the driver mounts the phone on a dashboard holder and only briefly glances at the route prompts, without being distracted by manipulating the phone in their hands.
An exception to this rule is provided only for drivers of emergency vehicles, but only when they are performing urgent official duties. For ordinary drivers, there is no such exception.
Therefore, the correct answer is "By securing it on the dashboard (except for drivers of emergency vehicles while performing urgent official duties)," since the Traffic Rules prohibit the use of a smartphone (communication device) while driving if it is held in the hand, regardless of the purpose of use, and navigation is allowed only without holding the device in the hand.