35.97. Is the seat belt mandatory for pregnant women?
UAРемінь безпеки є обов’язковим для вагітних?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns passive safety in a vehicle and the responsibilities of road users when transporting passengers. The use of seat belts directly affects the severity of the consequences in a traffic accident, which is why this rule is fundamental and applied as broadly as possible, with clearly defined exceptions.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the duties of drivers and passengers, specifically the requirements of clause 2.3 [v] on the use of passive safety devices and the prohibition of transporting unbelted passengers. This clause contains an exhaustive list of cases when it is allowed not to wear a seat belt, and pregnancy is not among these exceptions. Therefore, in the format of the theoretical exam, the correct answer is the one confirming the obligation to use the seat belt: the rule is the same for everyone if the vehicle is equipped with belts.
The analysis of the answer options is straightforward: the statement about the obligation corresponds to the norm of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, while denial is incorrect, as it is based on a common myth that is not found in the traffic rules. In practice, it is important not only to fasten the seat belt, but also to do it correctly: the lap part should go under the abdomen along the hips, and the shoulder part — over the shoulder and between the breasts, without pressing on the abdomen; if necessary, certified adapters can be used. This helps to better understand the logic of the rule and to answer similar exam questions with more confidence.
Clause 2.3 [v]
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: use passive safety devices (headrests, seat belts) in vehicles equipped with them, and not to transport passengers who are not wearing seat belts. It is permitted not to wear seat belts: for drivers and passengers with disabilities whose physiological characteristics make it impossible to use seat belts; for drivers and passengers of emergency and special vehicles, as well as taxis — while driving within a populated area.
This clause establishes the general obligation to use seat belts and contains exhaustive exceptions; pregnancy is not among these exceptions.
Clause 5.2 [b]
Passengers are obliged: while traveling in a vehicle equipped with seat belts, to be fastened with them.
This obligation applies to all passengers without a separate exception for pregnant women.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the Traffic Rules, drivers and passengers are required to use seat belts in vehicles where they are provided by design, and pregnant women are not included in the exceptions.
While driving a car, the seat belt is regarded by the Rules as a basic means of passive safety. Therefore, the requirement to use it applies to everyone in the car if it is equipped with seat belts.
Clause 2.3 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes the driver's duty to use available passive safety devices and not to allow the transportation of passengers who are not wearing seat belts. That is, the driver must be buckled up and ensure that passengers are also buckled up.
Pregnancy is not an exception to this requirement. The Rules do not grant pregnant women the right not to use a seat belt, so they must buckle up just like other drivers and passengers. In practice, this means that during a trip, a pregnant woman must be buckled up, and the driver has no right to transport her unbuckled.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," since the Traffic Rules require the use of seat belts in cars where they are provided, and pregnant women are not among the exceptions to this requirement.