42.1. What is the maximum permitted speed for motorcycle drivers in populated areas?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено рух водіям мотоциклів у населених пунктах?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe selection of speed within populated areas. Adhering to urban speed limits is one of the key factors in reducing accidents, since cities and towns have significantly more pedestrians, intersections, public transport stops, and unpredictable maneuvers by other road users.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed, specifically the requirements of clause 12.4, which sets the general limit for all vehicles in populated areas. It is also important to understand the definition of the term "motorcycle" (clause 1.10): a motorcycle is a motor vehicle, so the basic city limit of 50 km/h applies to it, unless road signs establish a different regime. Separately, one should remember clause 12.6: in residential and pedestrian zones, an even stricter limit of 20 km/h applies, meaning that "city" does not always imply the same speed everywhere.
If we compare the answer options, the values of 60, 70, 80, and 90 km/h do not correspond to the general rule for populated areas and may only be relevant outside populated areas or where specially established by signs. In contrast, 50 km/h is consistent with the requirement of clause 12.4, so this option is correct for the theoretical exam: it reflects the basic speed norm for vehicles, including motorcycles, within a populated area.
Clause 12.4
In populated areas, the movement of vehicles is permitted at a speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
Clause 1.10 (term “Motorcycle”)
Motorcycle — a two-wheeled motor vehicle with or without a sidecar, equipped with an engine with a displacement of 50 cubic cm or more. Mopeds, motor scooters, tricycles, and other motor vehicles with a permitted maximum mass not exceeding 400 kg are equated to motorcycles.
Clause 12.6
In residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h.
Therefore, the correct answer is "50 km/h," considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a motorcycle is a vehicle, and in populated areas, a general speed limit of no more than 50 km/h is established for vehicles (except for special zones where a 20 km/h limit applies).
When answering this question, it is important to remember that, according to the Traffic Rules, a motorcycle is classified as a motor vehicle. This means that general speed rules apply to it unless there are specific special restrictions established for motorcycles.
Within populated areas, the Traffic Rules set a single basic speed limit for vehicles: no more than 50 km/h. This rule applies to all drivers, including motorcyclists, regardless of engine capacity or design (with or without a sidecar).
For example, if you are riding a motorcycle on a city or village street and see the "Beginning of a populated area" sign, from that point your speed must not exceed 50 km/h, unless other road signs establish a different regime.
Therefore, the correct answer is "50 km/h," since within populated areas, the Traffic Rules set a maximum speed of 50 km/h for vehicles, including motorcycles.