40.20. Is towing of motorcycles and mopeds without sidecars permitted?
UAЧи дозволене буксирування мотоциклів і мопедів без бокових причепів?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning safety during the movement of malfunctioning vehicles and tests knowledge of the restrictions that apply to two-wheeled vehicles. Towing creates additional risks due to jerks in coupling, changes in balance, and more difficult braking, so the traffic rules specifically regulate when such an action is dangerous and unacceptable.
The question tests Section 23 of the PDR of Ukraine, "Towing and operation of vehicle combinations," specifically clause 23.10 (d). It directly establishes a prohibition regarding motorcycles without a sidecar: such motorcycles cannot act as a towing vehicle, and it is also not allowed to tow a motorcycle or moped without a sidecar. This is consistent with the definition of the term "towing" from clause 1.10 of the PDR, which covers the movement of one vehicle by another using a rigid or flexible coupling or by partial loading.
An analysis of the answer options shows typical mistakes made in the theoretical exam. The speed limit of 30 km/h does not make towing two-wheeled vehicles without a sidecar permissible, because the prohibition is unconditional. Similarly, "allowed only with a flexible coupling" does not comply with the rule: the type of coupling does not override the direct prohibition from clause 23.10 (d). In practice, this means that in case of a breakdown of a moped or motorcycle without a sidecar, another method of transportation should be chosen, such as transporting it on a platform or in a trailer/tow truck, and not by towing with a rope.
Clause 23.10 (d) (Section 23 "Towing and operation of vehicle combinations")
Towing is prohibited: "g) by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as such motorcycles, mopeds, or bicycles."
This clause directly establishes a prohibition both on towing by a motorcycle without a sidecar and on towing (moving) a motorcycle/moped without a sidecar.
Clause 1.10 (term "Towing")
"Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not relate 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."
This definition clarifies which actions are considered towing under the Traffic Rules and are subject to the prohibition established by clause 23.10 (d).
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that the Traffic Rules explicitly prohibit towing by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as towing such motorcycles and mopeds (clause 23.10 (d)), and "towing" is understood as the movement of one vehicle by another (clause 1.10).
In the Traffic Rules, towing is understood as the movement of one vehicle by another using a coupling (rigid or flexible) or by partial loading. That is, when one driver "pulls" another vehicle, this is considered towing.
Next, it is necessary to refer to the restrictions that are directly established by the Rules. In clause 23.10 (d) of the Traffic Rules, it is stated that towing by motorcycles without a sidecar is prohibited, as well as towing such motorcycles, mopeds, or bicycles. This means that two-wheeled vehicles without a sidecar cannot be either the towing vehicle or the one being towed.
The logic behind this prohibition is simple from a safety perspective: during towing, the two-wheeled vehicle is affected by jerks from the rope, its balance and handling are altered, and the risk of falling increases when braking or maneuvering. Due to instability and limited maneuverability, a motorcycle or moped without a sidecar does not provide sufficient safety for this method of movement.
Practical example: if a moped breaks down, it cannot be towed by another moped or a motorcycle without a sidecar, and likewise, a motorcycle without a sidecar cannot tow another vehicle. In such a situation, another safe method of transportation should be chosen (for example, transport on a platform).
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since clause 23.10 (d) of the Traffic Rules directly prohibits towing motorcycles and mopeds without sidecars and towing with such motorcycles.