35.90. Are you permitted to overtake in this traffic situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам здійснити обгін у даній дорожній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe execution of maneuvers in high-risk areas where the paths of vehicles and pedestrians intersect simultaneously. Overtaking is one of the most dangerous maneuvers, as it involves entering the oncoming traffic lane and requires sufficient visibility and space to complete the action without conflicts with other road users.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding overtaking, in particular the requirements of clause 14.6, which directly establishes a prohibition on overtaking at intersections (clause 14.6 a). At an intersection, even one controlled by a traffic light, turns, lane changes, the start of movement by other vehicles, and the appearance of pedestrians at the crossing are possible, so performing an overtaking maneuver within the intersection creates unpredictable situations. Additionally, it should be remembered that near pedestrian crossings, there are also overtaking restrictions under clause 14.6 v, which further reinforces safety requirements.
The option that provides for a prohibition is correct, because the very location of the maneuver falls under a direct rule of the Traffic Rules: overtaking at intersections is not allowed regardless of the traffic light signal or traffic intensity. In contrast, the option where overtaking is allowed is incorrect: in the theoretical exam, it is important to distinguish passing within your own lane from overtaking with entry into the oncoming lane, as well as to clearly know the list of places where the traffic rules establish an unconditional prohibition of such a maneuver.
Clause 14.6 [a]
Overtaking is prohibited: a) at an intersection.
Explanation of application: in the depicted situation, overtaking would be performed directly at the intersection, therefore it is prohibited regardless of the presence/absence of other factors.
Clause 14.6 [v]
Overtaking is prohibited: c) less than 50 m before a pedestrian crossing in a populated area and 100 m — outside a populated area.
Explanation of application: the presence of a pedestrian crossing additionally excludes the possibility of overtaking (within the distances established by the Traffic Rules to the crossing).
Clause 1.10 (term “Overtaking”)
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 1.10 (term “Intersection”)
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginning of the rounding of the edges of the carriageways of each road.
Clause 1.10 (term “Pedestrian crossing”)
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway or engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road and marked with road signs and/or road markings.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, overtaking is prohibited at an intersection (clause 14.6 [a]) and is additionally restricted near a pedestrian crossing (clause 14.6 [v]).
In this situation, you are approaching an intersection regulated by a traffic light. Overtaking is a maneuver that involves moving into the oncoming traffic lane, and it requires increased attention and sufficient visibility so as not to create danger for other road users.
At an intersection, the directions of vehicle movement change simultaneously, turns and U-turns are possible, as well as the appearance of pedestrians at the crosswalk. Because of this, overtaking within the intersection is especially risky: other drivers may start a maneuver, change lanes or direction, and the overtaking driver may not have enough space to safely complete the maneuver.
This is why clause 14.6 (a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly prohibits overtaking at an intersection. Regardless of which traffic light signal is on at the moment and how other cars are moving, the intersection itself is a place where overtaking is not allowed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since overtaking at an intersection is prohibited by clause 14.6 (a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.