43.2. Which external lighting devices must be switched on on mopeds and bicycles when driving at night, regardless of the degree of road illumination?
UAЯкі зовнішні світлові пристрої повинні бути ввімкнені на мопедах і велосипедах під час руху в темний час доби незалежно від ступеня освітлення дороги?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks basic safety during nighttime driving: how a moped rider or cyclist should indicate their presence on the road to be visible to drivers and pedestrians. In the evening and at night, the risk of traffic accidents increases due to limited visibility and more difficult assessment of speed and distance, so the traffic rules set clear requirements for the use of external lighting devices.
The content of the question refers to the section of the Traffic Rules that regulates the use of external lighting devices (paragraph 19.1, subparagraph b). The rule directly obliges that when moving in the dark, regardless of how well the road is lit, mopeds and bicycles must have their headlights or lamps turned on. This knowledge is often tested in the theoretical exam because it has practical value every day.
The option suggesting that only reflectors are sufficient is incorrect: reflectors increase visibility but do not replace the required activated lights as specified in paragraph 19.1(b). Similarly, the idea that reflectors on clothing alone are enough for safety is also wrong: they can help, but do not fulfill the requirement for lighting devices on the vehicle itself.
In practice, this topic means a simple rule: if you ride a bicycle or moped after sunset, you must ensure that your lighting is working and turn it on while moving, even on well-lit streets. This reduces the chance of not being noticed during overtaking, at intersections, or when changing lanes, and helps you properly prepare for similar questions in the exam tickets.
Clause 19.1 (subclause "b")
At night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, regardless of the degree of road illumination, as well as in tunnels, the following lighting devices must be switched on on a moving vehicle: a) on all motor vehicles — low (high) beam headlights; b) on mopeds (bicycles) and horse-drawn carts (sledges) — headlights or lamps; c) on trailers and vehicles being towed — marker lights. Note. In conditions of insufficient visibility, it is allowed to switch on fog lights instead of low (high) beam headlights on motor vehicles.
This clause directly establishes the obligation for mopeds and bicycles at night (regardless of road illumination) to move with headlights or lamps switched on.
Clause 1.10 (term "Night time")
Night time — the part of the day from sunset to sunrise.
This definition explains when exactly the requirement of clause 19.1 regarding the switching on of lighting devices applies.
Clause 1.10 (term "Bicycle")
Bicycle — a vehicle, except for wheelchairs, that is propelled by the muscular power of the person on it.
This definition clarifies that the requirements of clause 19.1 (subclause "b") apply specifically to bicycles as vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Moped")
Moped — a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with an engine with a cylinder capacity of up to 50 cc or an electric motor with a power of up to 4 kW.
This definition clarifies that the requirements of clause 19.1 (subclause "b") apply to mopeds as a separate category of vehicles.
Thus, the correct answer is "Headlights or lamps," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, at night, regardless of road illumination, mopeds and bicycles must move with headlights or lamps switched on (clause 19.1 b).
While driving at night (that is, from sunset to sunrise), the main purpose of external lighting devices on a moped or bicycle is to make you visible to other road users and to allow you to move safely on the road. That is why the requirement for lights applies regardless of whether the road is well-lit or not.
Clause 19.1 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly states that for mopeds and bicycles at night and in conditions of insufficient visibility, headlights or lamps must be switched on. In other words, the rules do not tie this requirement to the presence of street lighting: even if you are riding on a well-lit street, the lights on your vehicle must still be on.
In practice, this means the following: if you are riding a bicycle in the evening on a central, well-lit street, or a moped at night within the city, you must turn on the front headlight or lamp (and use the appropriate lights if they are installed). Without this, other drivers may notice you too late, especially when approaching from behind or during maneuvers at intersections.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Headlights or lamps," because according to clause 19.1 (b), at night, regardless of road lighting, these lighting devices must be switched on when riding mopeds and bicycles.