35.118. While driving in a populated area, you see that the driver ahead has created a dangerous situation. In order to prevent a traffic accident, are you allowed to use the audible warning signal?
UAРухаючись у населеному пункті, Ви бачите як водій, що рухається попереду, створив аварійну ситуацію. Для того, щоб запобігти ДТП Ви можете подати звуковий сигнал:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about road safety and the correct use of warning signals within populated areas. It emphasizes that the sound signal should be a tool for preventing danger, not a "remark" to other drivers, since unnecessary noise and unjustified signals distract road users and can provoke mistakes.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding signals, specifically the requirements of point 9.5: in populated areas, the use of sound signals is generally prohibited, but there is an exception when it is impossible to prevent a road accident without it. That is why the correct choice in the theoretical exam is based on assessing the situation: if a real emergency has arisen ahead and a short signal can immediately attract the driver's attention and stop a dangerous maneuver, its use is allowed and justified.
The analysis of answer options comes down to the threshold of "necessity." The option "No" would be correct if it was about any ordinary dissatisfaction or an attempt to "hurry up" the driver, because in a populated area this violates the traffic rules. The option "Yes" is correct only in the exceptional case when the signal really helps avoid an accident, that is, acts as a warning about danger and not as an emotional reaction.
Practically, this knowledge is important for everyday driving: in urban conditions, always first choose safe driving actions (distance, braking, maneuvering within the rules), and use the sound signal briefly and only when it can truly prevent a collision. This approach simultaneously complies with the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the logic of safe driving, which each such exam question checks.
Clause 9.5
The use of audible signals in populated areas is prohibited, except in cases where it is impossible to prevent a road traffic accident without it.
Explanation of application: if a danger has arisen ahead and it is necessary to attract the attention of another driver to prevent an accident, it is allowed to use an audible signal within a populated area as an exception to the general prohibition.
Clause 1.10 (term “Road Traffic Accident”)
Road traffic accident — an event that occurred during the movement of a vehicle, as a result of which people were killed or injured, or material damage was caused.
Clause 1.10 (term “Populated Area”)
Populated area — a built-up territory, the entrances to and exits from which are marked by road signs 5.45, 5.46, 5.47, 5.48.
Thus, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the use of an audible signal in a populated area is generally prohibited, but allowed as an exception when it is impossible to prevent a road traffic accident without it.
When driving in a populated area, the driver usually refrains from using the horn, as it can distract other road users and create unnecessary noise. That is why the Rules establish a general prohibition on the use of the horn within populated areas.
At the same time, clause 9.5 of the Traffic Rules provides an exception: if it is impossible to prevent a traffic accident without using the horn, it is allowed to use it even in a populated area. That is, in such a situation, the horn is not a "remark" or a sign of impatience, but a means of immediately warning of danger.
Imagine that the car ahead suddenly starts changing lanes into yours without noticing you, or brakes sharply and creates a risk of collision with the car behind. If a short horn signal can attract the driver's attention and make them stop the dangerous action, this corresponds to the purpose of the exception in clause 9.5: not to "punish" with the horn, but to prevent an accident.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", because in a populated area, the horn is allowed to be used as an exception when it is necessary to prevent a traffic accident.