35.153. Is the driver allowed to open the doors of the vehicle before it comes to a complete stop?
UAЧи дозволено водієві відчиняти двері транспортного засобу до його повної зупинки?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety during stopping and exiting a vehicle. Even a brief action by the driver can create a sudden obstacle in the lane or near the roadside, which is why the traffic rules pay special attention to this. Such situations are especially dangerous for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who may be moving nearby and do not expect doors to open suddenly.
The question checks the section of the PDR regarding the driver's duties, in particular point 2.3 (subpoint "d"), which states the requirement not to create a threat to road safety by one's actions. Opening the doors before the vehicle has come to a complete stop is a potential hazard, as the car is still moving and the doors may end up in the path of other road users or provoke a sudden maneuver and an accident. That is why the theoretical exam includes a rule that effectively prohibits such actions until the vehicle is fully stopped.
The analysis of the answer options in this ticket is straightforward: the statement about the prohibition corresponds to the logic of point 2.3 (f) and the requirement to act safely for everyone. The option "allowed if there is no one nearby" is incorrect, because the driver cannot always objectively assess whether a vehicle is approaching from the side or behind, and the situation can change in seconds. The option "allowed in any case" contradicts the basic duties of the driver in the traffic rules and ignores the risk of creating danger while the vehicle is still moving.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "d")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged: "...d) not to create a threat to road safety by their actions."
Opening the doors before the vehicle has come to a complete stop is an action that may create a threat to road safety (an obstacle/danger for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles), and therefore contradicts this obligation of the driver.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the driver does not have the right to create a threat to road safety by their actions, and opening the doors before a complete stop creates such a threat.
When the vehicle is still moving, even very slowly, the driver is responsible for ensuring that their actions do not create danger for other road users. Clause 2.3 (f) of the Traffic Rules states that the driver is obliged to act in a way that does not pose a threat to road safety.
Opening the door before a complete stop is precisely such a dangerous action. The door may suddenly end up in the path of other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians moving nearby. Even if the driver feels that they have "almost stopped," for other road users this may be unexpected, and there may not be enough time to react.
For example, when pulling over to the roadside or stopping near the curb, another car may be overtaking or a cyclist may be riding nearby. If the door is opened before the car has come to a complete stop, this can cause a collision or force another road user to make a sudden maneuver, which also creates a hazardous situation.
Therefore, doors may only be opened after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and after making sure that it is safe and will not interfere with others.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," because opening the door before a complete stop creates a threat to road safety, which contradicts the driver's obligation under clause 2.3 (f) of the Traffic Rules.