38.11. Relative to which road marking line is it safest to control the position of your vehicle when passing oncoming traffic at night?
UAВідносно якої лінії дорожньої розмітки найбільш безпечно контролювати положення свого автомобіля при зустрічному роз’їзді в темний час доби?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safety of oncoming passing at night, when visibility is reduced and headlight glare makes it difficult to assess the position of the car in the lane. In such conditions, the driver needs the most stable visual reference, which helps maintain a safe lateral distance and avoid dangerous drifting toward oncoming traffic. That is why theoretical exams often include situations where it is important to correctly choose a reference point based on road markings.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway (section 11), distance and interval during oncoming passing (section 13), as well as road markings (section 34, in particular line 1.2, which marks the edge of the carriageway). The logic is simple: the traffic rules require drivers on two-way roads to keep as close as possible to the right edge, and the edge line is usually more visible at night and convenient for controlling the position of the vehicle.
The analysis of the options comes down to practical safety. Focusing on the left edge of the carriageway contradicts the basic principle of keeping to the right and increases the risk of dangerous proximity to oncoming vehicles. Focusing on the line separating opposing flows is less reliable at night due to glare and errors in distance estimation, and may inadvertently "pull" the car to the left. In contrast, controlling your position relative to the right edge line helps you consistently stay in your lane, reduces the risk of entering oncoming traffic, and better complies with the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine; if there is no marking, the right shoulder serves as an equivalent reference point.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Shoulder")
Shoulder — an element of the road that directly adjoins the carriageway at the same level, which is not intended for vehicle movement except as provided by these Rules, but may be used for stopping and parking, movement of pedestrians, mopeds, bicycles (in the absence of sidewalks, pedestrian paths, bicycle paths, or if it is impossible to use them), as well as for the movement of horse-drawn carts (sledges).
Clause 11.2 — 11 "Positioning of vehicles on the carriageway"
On roads with two-way traffic, vehicles must move as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except when overtaking, bypassing, stopping or parking, as well as when turning left or making a U-turn.
Brief application: during oncoming passing (especially at night), complying with the requirement to keep "as close as possible to the right edge" reduces the risk of involuntarily drifting towards the oncoming lane due to glare.
Clause 13.1 — 13 "Distance, interval, oncoming passing"
The driver, depending on the speed, road conditions, characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle, must maintain a safe distance and a safe interval.
Brief application: controlling the position of the car relative to the right edge (and not the center/dividing line) helps to consistently maintain a safe lateral interval during oncoming passing in limited visibility conditions.
Clause 34.1.2 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.2
Line 1.2 (solid or dashed) — marks the edge of the carriageway.
Brief application: this line is the most reliable visual reference at night for controlling your position on the right, which directly corresponds to the requirement to move closer to the right edge of the carriageway.
That is, the correct answer is "Relative to the line marking the right edge of the carriageway," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, marking line 1.2 marks the edge of the carriageway, and on roads with two-way traffic, the driver must move as close as possible to the right edge and maintain a safe interval during oncoming passing.
During an oncoming meeting at night, the main danger lies in limited visibility and possible glare from the headlights of the oncoming vehicle. At such moments, it is more difficult for the driver to accurately assess the lateral interval and their position in the lane, so it is important to choose the most reliable reference point on the road.
According to the requirements of the Traffic Rules, the driver must drive as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. In the dark, it is logical to control the vehicle precisely in relation to the reference point that directly corresponds to this rule and at the same time is least "disturbed" by the light of oncoming headlights. The line marking the right edge of the carriageway is usually better perceived by peripheral vision and allows the driver to more confidently keep the vehicle within their lane.
If you try to orient yourself by the center line that separates oncoming traffic flows, the risk of error increases in the dark: due to glare or incorrect distance assessment, the driver may inadvertently shift to the left, closer to the oncoming lane. In contrast, controlling by the right edge line naturally helps maintain a safer interval from oncoming vehicles and reduces the likelihood of driving into the oncoming lane.
As a practical example: when a car with bright headlights is approaching, the driver shifts their attention to the right edge of their lane and drives the car, "maintaining" a stable distance to the edge marking. If there is no edge marking, then the right shoulder becomes the reference point, so as not to lose direction and not to shift to the left.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In relation to the line that marks the right edge of the carriageway," since in the dark this reference point best helps to stay closer to the right edge, reduces the risk of shifting into the oncoming lane, and increases safety during an oncoming meeting.