35.64. Is it necessary to reduce speed before and after passing this road sign?
UAЧи потрібно зменшити швидкість до та після проїзду цього дорожнього знаку?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safe speed and driver behavior in conditions of increased danger. Road repair sections are often accompanied by narrowing of the roadway, uneven surfaces, temporary traffic patterns, lack of markings, the presence of people, and road construction equipment. That is why the correct choice of speed near such places directly affects the safety of all road users and is a typical topic for the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules about road signs, specifically warning signs (sign 1.37 "Road works", clause 33.1), as well as the requirements of the section on speed (clauses 12.1 and 12.3) and the definition of "safe speed." The logic of the warning sign is as follows: it gives time to prepare, so speed reduction is needed even when approaching, to maintain control of the vehicle and have enough distance for braking or maneuvering. After passing the sign, speed should also not be increased, as the dangerous section usually begins just ahead, and during short-term works, the sign may be placed very close to the repair site.
If you choose the option "only before the start," a typical mistake arises: the driver reduced speed before the sign but immediately accelerated after passing it, even though the risks (workers, equipment, obstacles) are just beginning. The option "after passing" is also incorrect, as it ignores advance preparation: without reducing speed when approaching, there may not be enough time for a safe response. The practical rule for the student is simple: maintain a reduced, safe speed when approaching the warning and keep it throughout the entire work section, and if an additional speed limit sign is installed, follow its requirements.
Clause 33.1 — 33 "Road Signs", 1 "Warning Signs", sign 1.37 "Road Works"
Sign 1.37 "Road Works" — warns of approaching a section of road where road works are being carried out.
Explanation of application: warning signs inform about danger ahead, so the driver must choose such a driving mode in advance (primarily speed) to safely pass the work zone, which begins after the sign (and does not “end” immediately after it).
Clause 12.1
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road situation, as well as the characteristics 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.
Explanation of application: sign 1.37 directly indicates a complication of the road situation ahead (equipment, workers, narrowing, unevenness, etc.), therefore speed must be reduced before the work area — when approaching the sign — and a safe speed must be maintained while passing the section after the sign.
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic arises that the driver is able to detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Explanation of application: the warning about road works means an increased likelihood of sudden danger (people/equipment/obstacles), so speed should be reduced both when approaching and after passing the sign — until the danger has actually passed.
Clause 2.3 (f)
If a danger to traffic arises that the driver is able to detect, he must take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Explanation of application: this driver’s duty reinforces the requirement to act proactively in places where danger is predictably possible (in particular, where the "Road Works" sign warns).
Clause 1.10 (term "Safe Speed")
Safe speed — the speed at which the driver is able to safely control the vehicle and stop it within the visible road area, taking into account the road situation, surface condition, technical condition of the vehicle, and the cargo being transported.
Explanation of application: in the road works zone, the safe speed is usually lower than usual, and it must be ensured both before entering the hazardous area (upon seeing the sign) and while driving after the sign, where the works are actually located.
Clause 1.5
Road users are obliged to know and strictly comply with the requirements of these Rules, traffic control signals, road signs and markings, as well as to comply with the lawful orders of police officers and other persons authorized to regulate traffic.
Explanation of application: having received a warning by sign 1.37, the driver must act in accordance with the Traffic Rules — in particular, choose a safe speed and driving mode to pass the hazardous section.
That is, the correct answer is "In both cases.", given that sign 1.37 warns of danger ahead (the work area after the sign), and clauses 12.1, 12.3, 2.3(f), and the definition of "safe speed" require you to reduce speed in advance and drive at a safe speed while passing the hazardous section, without increasing it immediately after the sign.
The warning sign 1.37 "Road Works" does not set a specific speed limit, but it informs the driver of increased danger ahead and possible changes in traffic conditions. According to the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to assess the situation in advance and choose a safe speed (in particular, according to clause 12.1), in order to be able to constantly control the movement and react in time to an obstacle or a change in traffic organization.
Therefore, speed reduction is required even before passing the sign. The logic is simple: the sign is installed so that the driver has time to prepare for the dangerous section, and during short-term works it can be placed very close to the work site (approximately 10–15 m away). If you approach the sign at "normal" speed, you may not have enough time or distance for safe braking, detouring, or reacting to the sudden appearance of workers or machinery. This is also consistent with the general duty of the driver to act in a way that does not create danger (clause 1.5), and to be attentive and respond appropriately to changes in the road situation (clause 2.3).
After passing the sign, you also need to keep your speed reduced, because it is right after the sign that the risk zone begins, which you were warned about: narrowing, uneven pavement, lack of markings, temporary traffic schemes, road workers on the carriageway, and construction vehicles. Increasing speed immediately after the sign means ignoring the warning, even though the danger is only now becoming real. It is safe to drive at such a speed that at any moment you can fulfill the requirement of clause 12.3 (in case of danger, immediately reduce speed up to a stop).
If a sign 3.29 "Maximum Speed Limit" is installed together with this warning, then you must reduce your speed to the specified value and maintain it while passing through the work area. If there is no such sign, the driver is still obliged to choose a safe speed taking into account the specific conditions.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In both cases.", since the "Road Works" sign requires you to reduce speed when approaching to prepare for danger and to maintain a reduced speed after the sign, because the dangerous section begins just ahead.