35.162. When opening the door of a vehicle from the side of the carriageway, what should you pay attention to?
UAВідкриваючи двері транспортного засобу зі сторони проїжджої частини, на що слід звернути увагу?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns basic road safety during stopping or parking: even the “simple” act of opening a door can suddenly create an obstacle on the roadway and sharply increase the width of the vehicle. In real traffic, this is dangerous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, as they may not have time to react, especially in heavy traffic, at night, or when the side clearance is minimal.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules that regulates stopping and parking, in particular the requirements of point 15.13 of the Traffic Rules. Such situations are often included in the theoretical exam because they are associated with typical accidents caused by “door opening” — when doors are opened towards the traffic lane. The rule is simple: doors must not be opened, left open, or exited from the vehicle if it endangers safety or creates obstacles for other road users.
The analysis of the options in this exam question comes down to the logic of safe behavior. The idea of “opening abruptly” contradicts the principle of situational awareness and increases the risk of collision. The statement that you only need to make sure drivers behind you understand your intentions is insufficient: danger can arise not only for vehicles behind, but also for a cyclist to the side, a motorcycle in between lanes, a pedestrian on the roadside, or a vehicle approaching in the “blind spot.” The correct approach is to open the door only after assessing the situation: check the mirrors, the “blind spots” by turning your head, and make sure that the action does not pose a threat or create an obstacle, which directly corresponds to the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 15.13
It is prohibited to open the doors of a vehicle, leave them open, or exit the vehicle if this endangers safety or creates obstacles for other road users.
Brief application: before opening the doors (especially on the side facing the carriageway), the driver or passenger must make sure that this will not create danger/obstacles for others (vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.).
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — a part of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Brief application: the wording of the question emphasizes the side adjacent to the carriageway, i.e., the area where vehicles move and where the risk of creating an obstacle/danger is greatest.
Clause 1.10 (term "Road user")
Road user — a person who is directly involved in the process of movement on the road as a pedestrian, driver, passenger, or animal driver.
Brief application: the prohibition in clause 15.13 is aimed at preventing threats or obstacles for any road user (not only for drivers of other vehicles).
That is, the correct answer is "Open the door only when you are sure that it does not endanger other road users," given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, clause 15.13 directly prohibits opening the door/exiting the vehicle if this endangers safety or creates obstacles for other road users.
When a car has stopped or is parked on the roadside or near the sidewalk, exiting the cabin may seem simple. However, doors opened on the side of the roadway immediately "enter" the traffic lane and increase the width of the vehicle. Because of this, other road users may not have time to react, especially if traffic is dense or fast.
Clause 15.13 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits opening doors, leaving them open, and exiting the vehicle if this creates a danger or obstacle for others. That is, the mere desire to exit does not give the right to open the door immediately: first, you need to assess the situation and make sure the maneuver is safe.
In practice, this means that before opening the door, you should check whether other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are approaching from behind or from the side. The driver should use the mirrors, but remember about "blind spots," so it is also advisable to look over your shoulder. For example, if a cyclist or car is moving nearby and the lateral gap is small, abruptly opened doors can cause a collision or force other road users to brake sharply or change lanes.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Open the door only when you are sure that it does not endanger other road users," since clause 15.13 of the Traffic Rules prohibits opening the door and exiting the car if this creates a danger or obstacle for other road users.