43.27. What is allowed for a motorcyclist in case of a traffic jam?
UAЩо дозволяється робити мотоциклістові в разі затору?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks the basic principles of safety in conditions of complicated traffic, when traffic jams occur, visibility is limited, and the actions of other participants are unpredictable. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that even though a motorcycle is narrower, the rider does not receive any "privileges" in a traffic jam: any actions must be cautious and must not create obstacles or danger, as required by the traffic rules.
In terms of content, this question relates to the sections of the Traffic Rules on the driver's responsibilities and the safe start/continuation of movement and maneuvering (specifically points 1.5, 2.3 "b", 10.1, 12.3). The correct logic of actions comes down to the fact that before continuing to move in a traffic jam, the rider must stop and assess the situation: make sure that there is indeed free space ahead, that no one will suddenly change lanes, no doors will open, no pedestrian will appear between cars, and that further movement will not create a risk for others.
The first option, "to ride between vehicles closer to the intersection," is dangerous because it encourages movement between lanes without a guarantee of safety, and near intersections the risks are even higher due to changing trajectories, the appearance of pedestrians, and possible maneuvers by cars. The second option, about bypassing on the shoulder, usually creates an obstacle for others and conflicts with the requirement not to endanger (point 1.5), since the shoulder is not intended for "overtaking a traffic jam" and there may be pedestrians or obstacles there. Instead, the third approach complies with the Traffic Rules: to act attentively, in case of danger to reduce speed up to a stop, and to resume movement only after checking that it is safe and the road ahead is clear.
Clause 1.5
The actions or inaction of road users and other persons must not create danger or obstacles to traffic, threaten the life or health of citizens, or cause material damage.
Brief application: in a traffic jam, a motorcyclist does not have the right to "squeeze through" or continue moving if this creates an obstacle/danger to other road users (in particular due to unpredictable maneuvers of cars, opening doors, etc.).
Clause 2.3 (subclause "b")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to: be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the proper placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.
Brief application: the wording "stop, assess the situation" directly follows from the driver's duty to be attentive and respond to changes in the traffic situation (including when a traffic jam forms).
Clause 10.1
Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in the direction of movement, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Brief application: after a forced stop in a traffic jam, "continuing to move" is allowed only after checking the safety of further actions and that the road ahead is indeed clear.
Clause 12.3
If a danger to traffic or an obstacle arises, which the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Brief application: a traffic jam and related risks (sudden maneuvers, narrowing, limited visibility between vehicles) are conditions under which the driver must be ready to reduce speed up to stopping and act only when further movement is safe.
That is, the correct answer is "Stop, assess the situation, continue moving only after making sure that the further path is clear for movement," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to act attentively and safely (clause 2.3 "b"), not to create danger or obstacles (clause 1.5), to make sure of safety before continuing/changing the mode of movement (clause 10.1), and in case of danger to take measures up to stopping (clause 12.3).
When a traffic jam forms on the road and vehicles are either stationary or moving extremely slowly, a motorcyclist may be tempted to “slip through” between the lanes. However, the Traffic Rules stipulate that any maneuver must be performed only if it is safe and with constant monitoring of the traffic situation.
In a traffic jam, the situation is often unpredictable: a car driver may suddenly open a door, change lanes, start to go around an obstacle, a pedestrian may step out between vehicles, and ahead there may be a narrowing, a pothole, or another obstacle that the motorcyclist cannot see from their position. Because of this, continuing to move “blindly” or relying only on the motorcycle’s smaller size is dangerous and does not meet the requirement to act prudently.
Therefore, the correct behavior model for a motorcyclist in a traffic jam is as follows: first stop to calmly assess whether there is actually free space ahead to move, and whether continuing to move will create danger or obstacles for other road users. Only after you have made sure that the way ahead is truly clear and your actions will not lead to risk, is it permitted to continue moving.
It is important to distinguish between a traffic jam and normal traffic flow: when vehicles are moving, “squeezing” between lanes as a way of overtaking is not a standard of safe driving. In a traffic jam, however, the key requirement remains unchanged: first assess safety, and only then proceed.
Thus, the correct answer is "Stop, assess the situation, and continue moving only after making sure that the way ahead is clear for movement," since in a traffic jam a motorcyclist may act only after stopping and checking that there are no obstacles ahead and that further movement will be safe for all participants.