40.10. Which of the shown motorcyclists is violating the towing rules?
UAХто з показаних мотоциклістів порушує правила буксирування?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safety during the towing of two-wheeled vehicles. In practice, improper towing of a motorcycle sharply increases the risk of loss of control, skidding, and falling, so the traffic rules establish specific prohibitions for motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles. Such situations often occur on the road after breakdowns, so knowledge of these regulations is important not only for the theoretical exam but also for real-life trips.
The question tests Section 23 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, "Towing," and understanding of the definition of "towing" from point 1.10. The key provision here is point 23.10 (d), which directly prohibits towing by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as prohibits towing such motorcycles (likewise — mopeds or bicycles). That is, violations occur in two typical cases: when a motorcycle without a sidecar is towing, or when a motorcycle without a sidecar is being towed.
If you compare this with the answer options, the correct one is the one that specifies exactly the images where there is no sidecar on the motorcycle that is towing or on the motorcycle that is being towed. Options like "all motorcyclists" or combinations with fig. 1 are incorrect, because in the situation with fig. 1, the feature that prohibits towing under p. 23.10 (d) is absent: motorcycles with a sidecar are not subject to this prohibition. That is why, for the theoretical exam, it is important to learn to quickly notice the key detail in the diagram — the presence or absence of a sidecar — and to apply the direct rule of the Traffic Rules to it.
Clause 1.10 (term “Towing”)
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not pertain to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations), using a rigid or flexible coupling, or by partially loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
Brief application to the question: the images depict exactly “towing” as defined by the Traffic Rules, therefore special prohibitions of Section 23 apply to the situation.
Clause 23.10 (subclause “g”)
Towing is prohibited: a) if the actual mass of the towed vehicle with a faulty braking system (or in its absence) exceeds half the actual mass of the towing vehicle; b) with a flexible coupling during icy conditions; c) if the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds 22 m (for route vehicles — 30 m); d) by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as such motorcycles, mopeds, or bicycles; e) more than one vehicle (except in cases where the procedure for towing two or more vehicles is agreed with the authorized unit of the National Police) or by a vehicle with a trailer.
Brief application to the question: a violation occurs when (1) a motorcycle without a sidecar is towing, or (2) a motorcycle without a sidecar is being towed — both cases are directly prohibited by subclause “g”.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Motorcyclists in Figs. 2 and 3.”, given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, towing by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as towing such motorcycles, is directly prohibited by Clause 23.10 (subclause “g”).
When answering this question, it is important to remember that towing is considered the movement of one vehicle by another using a coupling (rigid or flexible) or partial loading. That is, the images depict towing, and special traffic rules restrictions apply to it.
Clause 23.10 (d) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes a direct prohibition: it is not allowed to tow with motorcycles without a sidecar, nor is it allowed to tow such motorcycles (and similarly mopeds or bicycles). The logic of the rule is simple: two-wheeled vehicles without a sidecar have less stability, and during towing, the risks of skidding, falling, and loss of control increase significantly.
In fig. 1, both motorcycles have sidecars. This means that, according to the criterion relevant to this question, there is no prohibition under clause 23.10 (d), and precisely because this clause is not violated, this towing arrangement is not considered incorrect.
In fig. 2, both motorcycles are without sidecars. Here the violation is obvious: towing is performed by a motorcycle without a sidecar, which is directly prohibited by clause 23.10 (d).
In fig. 3, a motorcycle without a sidecar is being towed. Even if the towing motorcycle had a sidecar, the very fact of towing a two-wheeled motorcycle without a sidecar already falls under the prohibition of clause 23.10 (d). Therefore, in this situation as well, the towing rules are violated.
Thus, the correct answer is "The motorcyclists in fig. 2 and 3.", since according to clause 23.10 (d) it is prohibited to tow with motorcycles without a sidecar and to tow such motorcycles, and in fig. 2 both motorcycles are without sidecars and in fig. 3 a motorcycle without a sidecar is being towed.