35.62. If, due to heavy rain within a populated area, you are unable to continue driving, you must:
UAЯкщо через сильну зливу в межах населеного пункту, Ви не можете продовжувати рух, необхідно:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about driving safety in difficult weather conditions, when heavy rain sharply reduces visibility and road traction. In such situations, the main task of the driver is not to continue driving "blindly," but to act in a way that does not create additional danger for themselves, passengers, or other road users.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding forced stops, choosing a place for stopping/parking, and the use of hazard warning lights. According to the logic of the Traffic Rules (in particular, the definition of a forced stop and the requirements for driver actions in case of danger), heavy rain can be an obstacle or danger to traffic, so the driver must reduce speed up to stopping and do so in a way that does not block the flow — near the right edge of the carriageway. Next, the vehicle must be clearly marked for others: turning on the hazard warning lights is mandatory in the event of a forced stop, which is especially important in poor visibility.
The analysis of answer options in the theoretical exam is simple: the option with stopping near the edge of the carriageway and turning on the hazard warning lights meets the requirements of the Traffic Rules and minimizes the risk of an accident, as it makes your car visible and does not create an obstacle in the lane. In contrast, stopping directly on the carriageway during heavy rain increases the likelihood of a collision, and using high beams instead of hazard warning lights is not an appropriate way to mark a forcibly stopped vehicle and may further dazzle other drivers due to rain reflections.
Clause 1.10 (term "Forced stop")
Forced stop — cessation of movement of a vehicle due to its technical malfunction or danger created by the cargo being transported, the condition of the driver (passenger), an obstacle on the road, or a traffic accident.
Clause 12.3
In the event of a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Clause 15.1
Stopping and parking of vehicles must be carried out in specially designated places or near the right edge of the carriageway (on the shoulder), if this does not contradict the requirements of these Rules.
Clause 9.9
The hazard warning lights must be turned on, in particular, in the event of a forced stop on the road.
Clause 9.10
In the event of a forced stop on the road, the driver must turn on the hazard warning lights, as well as place a warning triangle or a flashing red light in accordance with the requirements of these Rules. (Application to the question: a heavy downpour may create a "danger to traffic" and/or an "obstacle", which means the driver must stop, safely pull over to the edge of the carriageway, and mark the vehicle by turning on the hazard warning lights.)
Thus, the correct answer is "Stop at the edge of the carriageway and turn on the hazard warning lights," given that under the definition of the Traffic Rules, a heavy downpour may be a danger/obstacle that necessitates a forced stop, which is performed at the edge of the carriageway and must be marked with hazard warning lights.
When a heavy downpour begins within a populated area, the main problem for the driver is a sharp deterioration in visibility and tire traction with the road. If, because of this, you are actually unable to continue driving safely (you cannot see the markings, obstacles, pedestrians, or adequately control your trajectory), further movement becomes dangerous both for you and for other road users.
In such a situation, the Traffic Rules logically lead the driver to the simplest and safest solution: to stop, that is, to perform a halt. You should stop near the edge of the carriageway so as not to block traffic lanes and not to create additional obstacles in the flow. Choose a place where your vehicle will be as predictable as possible for others: without sudden maneuvers, without driving onto areas with accumulated water, where there may be hidden potholes or other dangers.
After stopping, you must turn on your hazard warning lights. This is a direct requirement of the Traffic Rules for cases when a vehicle has stopped in conditions that may be unexpected or insufficiently visible to others. During a downpour, other drivers notice vehicles much worse, so the hazard lights additionally attract attention and warn that your vehicle is stationary and may be an obstacle.
In practice, it looks like this: you feel that you cannot assess the situation ahead due to the “wall” of rain, smoothly reduce your speed, without sudden braking move closer to the right edge of the carriageway, stop, and turn on your hazard warning lights. In this way, you minimize the risk of collision and give others a clear signal about your forced stop.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Stop near the edge of the carriageway and turn on the hazard warning lights," because in conditions of heavy rain, when it is impossible to drive safely, you need to stop in a safe place and timely mark the stationary vehicle for other road users.