35.165. You are approaching a pedestrian crossing where there are no pedestrians either on the approaches to it or directly on it. Are you allowed to pass without reducing your speed?
UAВи наближаєтесь до пішохідного переходу, на підходах до якого та безпосередньо на ньому немає пішоходів. Чи можете Ви проїхати, не зменшуючи швидкість?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of uncontrolled pedestrian crossings and the correct assessment of the traffic situation. In the context of the theoretical exam, it checks whether the driver understands when the obligation to reduce speed or stop arises, and how the presence of a "zebra crossing" relates to the actual presence of pedestrians and the possibility of creating danger for them.
The question belongs to the topic of Traffic Rules regarding driving through pedestrian crossings (section on crossing passage, clause 18.1), and also relies on the definition of "give way (not to obstruct)" from clause 1.10. The logic is as follows: the requirement of clause 18.1 to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop arises when there are pedestrians at an uncontrolled crossing and they need to be given priority so as not to create an obstacle or danger. If the crossing and its approaches are clear, there is no specific requirement to brake solely due to the presence of the crossing itself, although the driver must still adhere to the general requirements for safe speed (clause 12.1) and be ready to react to the appearance of danger (clause 12.3).
The analysis of the options in the ticket is simple: the option "you may proceed without reducing speed" is correct under the condition, because there are no pedestrians who need to be "given way", and therefore the obligation from clause 18.1 does not apply. The option "you may not" would be correct in a situation where pedestrians are already on the crossing or are clearly about to step onto it, when visibility is limited, or other factors create a risk and the driver objectively must reduce speed up to stopping. In practice, this knowledge helps to pass the theoretical exam and at the same time not lose vigilance: even at an "empty" crossing, you need to monitor the situation and be ready to brake if it changes.
Clause 18.1
The driver of a vehicle approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing where there are pedestrians must reduce speed, and if necessary stop, to give way to pedestrians for whom an obstacle or danger may be created.
Brief application: the obligation to reduce speed/stop is directly related to the presence of pedestrians at the crossing (and the need to "give way"). If there are no pedestrians at the crossing or its approaches, and no obstacle or danger is created for anyone, the Traffic Rules do not establish a separate requirement to reduce speed solely due to the presence of the crossing.
Clause 1.10 (term "Give way (not to obstruct)")
Give way (not to obstruct) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement or perform any maneuver if this may force other road users who have priority to change direction or speed.
Brief application: in clause 18.1, the driver’s obligation to reduce speed (and, if necessary, stop) arises precisely in order to "give way" to pedestrians when they are at the crossing and an obstacle/danger could be created for them.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway intended for pedestrian movement across the road and marked with road markings and/or road signs.
Brief application: the question concerns driving through this particular section of the road; if it (and its approaches) are free of pedestrians, there is no special obligation to reduce speed solely due to the presence of the crossing (provided general safety and speed requirements are observed).
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road situation, the specifics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Brief application: even when the Traffic Rules do not specifically require reducing speed before an "empty" crossing, the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed according to the situation and visibility.
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect arises, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Brief application: if a danger appears while approaching the crossing (for example, a pedestrian steps onto the crossing), then the obligation arises to immediately reduce speed up to stopping.
That is, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the obligation to reduce speed before an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing (clause 18.1) arises when there are pedestrians on it and they need to be "given way", and in the absence of pedestrians at the crossing and its approaches, there is no special requirement to necessarily reduce speed (provided general safe speed requirements are observed).
When you approach an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, the key factor for the driver is not simply the presence of a "zebra crossing," but the presence of pedestrians and the risk of creating an obstacle or danger for them. This is exactly what the traffic rules (PDR) requirement is based on.
Clause 18.1 of the Traffic Rules states: a driver approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing where pedestrians are present must reduce speed, and if necessary, stop to give them the right of way. That is, the obligation to reduce speed is directly linked to the situation when pedestrians are already on the crossing (or their movement clearly requires yielding), and only when otherwise you might create an obstacle or danger for them.
In your situation, according to the question, there are no pedestrians either on the crossing or approaching it. Therefore, there is no one to yield to, and there is no risk of creating an obstacle for a pedestrian while passing. This means that the Traffic Rules do not require you to reduce speed solely because you are approaching a crossing.
Practically, this looks as follows: if the crossing and the approach area are clearly visible, you can assess the situation as you approach. For example, on a straight section of road, you can clearly see both sidewalks, the roadside, and the crossing itself, and you make sure there are no people—then passing without reducing speed does not violate the requirements of clause 18.1. At the same time, the driver must still remain attentive and be ready to change speed if the situation changes, but this is a matter of safe assessment of the situation, not a mandatory requirement to "always brake before the zebra crossing."
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," because in the absence of pedestrians on the crossing and on its approaches, clause 18.1 of the Traffic Rules does not require you to reduce speed, as there is no need to yield and no one to create an obstacle or danger for.