4.2. In the presence of underground and overhead pedestrian crossings, pedestrians must cross the carriageway:
UAЗа наявності підземних і надземних пішохідних переходів пішоходи повинні переходити проїзну частину:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety when crossing the road and reducing conflicts between pedestrian flows and vehicles. Underground and overground crossings are among the safest ways to cross the road, as they physically separate the pedestrian from the carriageway and reduce the risk of traffic accidents. That is why theoretical exams often include situations where it is necessary to correctly choose the place to cross.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding pedestrian responsibilities, specifically the requirements of clause 4.7 of the Traffic Rules, as well as understanding of the term "pedestrian crossing" (clause 1.10), which includes not only the "zebra" but also engineering structures. The logic of the rule is simple: if a specially equipped underground or overground crossing exists, the pedestrian must use it and not enter the carriageway elsewhere.
The option allowing crossing "along the lines of sidewalks/road shoulders at intersections" is correct only in the absence of pedestrian crossings, so if an underground or overground crossing is present, it contradicts the traffic rules. The option about crossing "beyond them" or "at a right angle in places with good visibility" also refers to exceptional situations when there are no designated crossing places; if an engineering structure is present, it creates danger and violates the requirement to use the crossing. Therefore, in the context of this theoretical exam, the correct approach is only one: if there are underground and overground pedestrian crossings, crossing the road is allowed only through them.
Clause 4.7
Pedestrians must cross the carriageway at pedestrian crossings, including underground and overground ones, and if they are absent — at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or roadsides.
This clause directly establishes the obligation for pedestrians: if there is an underground or overground pedestrian crossing, the carriageway must be crossed specifically at it (and not elsewhere).
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway, safety island or dividing strip, or an engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road.
This definition clarifies that underground and overground crossings are a type of pedestrian crossing (as engineering structures), and the requirement of clause 4.7 applies to them.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
This term is needed to understand that it is specifically the "carriageway" (i.e., the part of the road for vehicle movement) that pedestrians are allowed to cross only at places defined by the Traffic Rules, in particular at underground/overground crossings if they exist.
Thus, the correct answer is "Only at them," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, pedestrians are obliged to cross the carriageway at pedestrian crossings, including underground and overground ones, and the engineering structures of underground/overground crossings are pedestrian crossings.
When an underground or overground pedestrian crossing is provided near the road, it means that a special safe place for pedestrians to cross the road has already been created. Such crossings are engineering structures that separate pedestrians from the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of being hit.
Clause 4.7 of the Traffic Rules establishes the obligation for pedestrians to use pedestrian crossings and move within their boundaries when crossing the carriageway. The logic of the rule is simple: if a crossing is organized and designated for pedestrians, then entering the carriageway elsewhere is not allowed, as it creates danger for both pedestrians and drivers.
Practical example: you approach a multi-lane road, and there is an underground crossing nearby. Even if it seems that "you can quickly run across" on the surface, the Traffic Rules require you to use the underground crossing specifically, and not to cross the carriageway directly. The same applies to an overground crossing: if there is a pedestrian bridge, the pedestrian must cross using it, and not step onto the road.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Only by them," since in the presence of underground or overground pedestrian crossings, the pedestrian is obliged to use them specifically to cross the carriageway, and not to step onto the road outside the designated crossing place.