43.1. Are drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds required to wear fastened motorcycle helmets?
UAЧи зобов'язані водії та пасажири мотоциклів і мопедів бути в застебнутих мотошоломах?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns passive safety and reducing injuries while riding two-wheeled vehicles. A motorcycle helmet is a basic means of protection for both the driver and the passenger, so knowledge of this requirement directly affects road safety and is a typical topic for theoretical exam preparation.
The question checks the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the driver's duties, specifically item 2.3 (sub-item "g"). It clearly states that while riding a motorcycle or moped, the driver must wear a fastened motorcycle helmet, and is also not allowed to carry passengers without fastened helmets. Thus, the requirement actually applies to both the driver and the passenger: the driver is obliged to ride in a helmet and cannot continue driving if the passenger has not fastened their helmet.
The analysis of answer options in such tasks comes down to checking for exceptions: an option about the absence of obligation contradicts the direct rule of item 2.3 (d), and a statement about "relaxation" within populated areas is also incorrect, since the Rules do not differentiate between city and highway specifically for motorcycle helmets. In practice, this means that even for a short trip on a motorcycle or moped within the city, it is necessary to ensure that both the driver and the passenger are wearing fastened motorcycle helmets; otherwise, carrying a passenger is a violation of the traffic rules.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "g")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged: "while riding a motorcycle or moped, to wear a fastened motorcycle helmet and not to carry passengers without fastened motorcycle helmets."
This subclause directly establishes the obligation both for the driver (to wear a fastened motorcycle helmet) and for passengers (passengers must be in fastened motorcycle helmets, otherwise their transportation is prohibited).
Clause 1.10 (term "Driver")
"Driver — a person who operates a vehicle and has a driver's license (tractor operator's license, temporary permit to drive a vehicle, temporary coupon to drive a vehicle) of the appropriate category. A driver is also a person who teaches driving while being directly in the vehicle."
This definition clarifies to whom the obligation of the "driver" under clause 2.3 (d) applies.
Clause 1.10 (term "Passenger")
"Passenger — a person who uses a vehicle and is in it, but is not involved in driving it."
This definition clarifies who is considered a passenger and to whom the prohibition of transportation "without fastened motorcycle helmets" under clause 2.3 (d) applies.
Thus, the correct answer is "Obliged.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver while riding a motorcycle or moped must wear a fastened motorcycle helmet and is not allowed to carry passengers without fastened motorcycle helmets.
The duties of the driver while driving are collected in point 2.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. It is there that it is directly defined how to act to ensure road safety, in particular when operating a motorcycle or moped.
For motorcycles and mopeds, the Rules establish a separate clear requirement: while driving, the driver must wear a fastened motorcycle helmet. Additionally, the driver is prohibited from carrying a passenger if the passenger has not put on and fastened a motorcycle helmet. That is, the driver's responsibility is not only to ride in a helmet themselves, but also not to start or continue driving with a passenger without a fastened helmet.
Note that this requirement applies specifically to driving and does not depend on where you are: whether in a populated area or outside of it. For example, even if you are riding a few blocks through the city on a moped, both the driver and the passenger must be in fastened motorcycle helmets. The same rule applies on country roads.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Required.", since point 2.3 of the Traffic Rules requires that while driving, the driver of a motorcycle or moped must be in a fastened motorcycle helmet and must not carry passengers without fastened motorcycle helmets.