4.23. Are pedestrians allowed to cross the carriageway at this section of the road?
UAЧи дозволено пішоходам переходити проїзну частину на цій ділянці дороги?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests basic pedestrian safety skills in areas of heavy traffic. In such sections, the risk of people entering the roadway increases significantly, so the traffic rules establish clear restrictions that are important to know for both the theoretical exam and real life.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules concerning the duties and rights of pedestrians and focuses on situations where traffic flows are separated by a median strip. According to clause 4.14(g), if traffic directions are separated by a median strip (as well as by a fence or boulevard strip), pedestrians are prohibited from entering the roadway. It is also important to remember the logic of clause 4.7: pedestrians should cross the road at pedestrian crossings, and if there are none—at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or road edges, but in areas with a median strip, there is an additional direct prohibition on entering the roadway to cross.
The analysis of the options in this exam question is straightforward: the assumption that "it is allowed" is incorrect, because the very presence of a median strip means increased danger and a prohibition for pedestrians to enter the roadway outside of a specially designated place. If people are seen on the road, this does not create permission for ordinary pedestrians: according to the definition of "pedestrian" in the Traffic Rules (clause 1.10), persons performing work on the road are not considered pedestrians, so their presence in the work zone is not grounds for crossing by other road users.
Clause 4.14 [g]
In areas with heavy traffic, the likelihood of pedestrians safely crossing the carriageway is very low, so traffic flows in opposite directions are separated by a dividing strip, barriers, or a boulevard strip, and pedestrians are prohibited from entering the carriageway.
Explanation of application: if on a section of road the traffic flows are separated by a dividing strip (as shown in the image) and there is no marked pedestrian crossing, pedestrians are prohibited from entering the carriageway (to cross) on such a section.
Clause 4.7
Pedestrians must cross the carriageway at pedestrian crossings, including underground and overground crossings, and in their absence — at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or road shoulders.
Explanation of application: in the absence of a pedestrian crossing, crossing is permitted only in places provided for by the Traffic Rules (at intersections along the lines of sidewalks/shoulders), but clause 4.14 [g] additionally establishes a direct prohibition on entering the carriageway on sections with a dividing strip/barriers/boulevard strip.
Clause 1.10 (term "Dividing strip")
Dividing strip — a part of a road, structurally separated or marked by solid road markings, that separates adjacent carriageways. The dividing strip is not intended for the movement or parking of vehicles.
Explanation of application: the presence of a dividing strip is a key feature of a road section where, according to clause 4.14 [g], pedestrians are prohibited from entering the carriageway.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian")
Pedestrian — a person participating in road traffic outside of vehicles and not performing any work on the road.
Explanation of application: the prohibition in clause 4.14 [g] applies specifically to pedestrians as defined by the Traffic Rules (persons performing work on the road are not considered pedestrians under this definition).
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, on a section with a dividing strip, pedestrians are prohibited from entering the carriageway (clause 4.14 [g]).
The depicted section of the road shows a dividing strip that separates opposing traffic flows. Such sections are specifically constructed where traffic is heavy and pedestrians entering the roadway is especially dangerous.
According to clause 4.14(g) of the Traffic Rules, in places where opposing directions are separated by a dividing strip (or a fence or a boulevard strip), pedestrians are prohibited from entering the roadway to cross it. That is, the very presence of a dividing strip is a key indicator that crossing here outside of a specially designated place is not allowed.
It is also important to understand: even if people can be seen on the roadway, this does not mean that pedestrians are allowed to cross the road. Road service workers performing work on the roadway in the designated area are acting as staff while carrying out their duties, and this does not entitle ordinary pedestrians to cross the road at this location.
Additionally, in this situation, there is no visible pedestrian crossing, and therefore there is no designated place where crossing would be permitted. On sections with a dividing strip, pedestrians must use only specially equipped crossings, if any exist.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since there is a dividing strip on this section and no pedestrian crossing, and according to the Traffic Rules, pedestrians are not allowed to enter the roadway in such places.