44.8. How should a non-rail vehicle move on a road with two or more lanes in each direction, free from other vehicles, if there is no need to perform maneuvers?
UAЯк має рухатися нерейковий транспортний засіб на дорозі, яка має по дві й більше смуг для руху в кожному напрямку, вільній від інших транспортних засобів, якщо немає необхідності виконувати маневри?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe positioning of a vehicle on the carriageway and lane discipline on multi-lane roads. Proper lane selection affects road capacity, the predictability of drivers’ actions, and reduces the risk of conflicts during overtaking and lane changes, which is especially important for the theoretical exam, where basic principles of traffic rules are tested.
The question checks the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the road, in particular the requirement of point 11.2: on roads with two or more lanes in one direction, non-rail vehicles must keep as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, unless there is a need to overtake, go around an obstacle, or change lanes in advance for a left turn or U-turn. That is, under free road conditions, the “normal” position for moving straight ahead is as far to the right as possible, while the left lanes are mainly intended for maneuvers.
The analysis of answer options in this exam question is straightforward: the requirement to move as close to the right as possible corresponds to point 11.2 and reflects the rule of right-hand traffic. The statement that one can drive “in any lane at the driver’s discretion” contradicts the Traffic Rules, as the rules do not allow free lane choice without cause. The option “continue driving in the same lane” is also incorrect, because even if the driver finds themselves in the middle or left lane, in the absence of the need for maneuvers, they must return to the right so as not to create obstacles for other road users.
Clause 11.2
On roads that have two or more lanes in one direction, non-rail vehicles must move as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except in cases when overtaking, bypassing, or changing lanes before turning left or making a U-turn.
Brief application: if the road is clear and there is no need for maneuvers (overtaking, bypassing, preparing for a left turn/U-turn), the driver is obliged to take a position as close to the right as possible.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Traffic lane")
Traffic lane — a longitudinal strip on the carriageway at least 2.75 m wide, which may be marked or unmarked by road markings and is intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
That is, the correct answer is "As close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, on roads with two or more lanes in one direction, non-rail vehicles are required to move as far to the right as possible, unless there are grounds for exceptions (overtaking, bypassing, changing lanes before turning left or making a U-turn).
When a road has two or more lanes in your direction and it is clear, there may be a temptation to choose any lane "for convenience." However, the Traffic Rules establish not a right to choose, but an obligation regarding positioning on the carriageway.
According to clause 11.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, non-rail vehicles on such roads must move as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. That is, the basic position for driving straight ahead without additional actions by the driver is the right lane (or the farthest right position), not the middle or left, even if those are also clear.
The left lanes are mainly intended for situations where it is truly necessary: to overtake, bypass an obstacle, or to change lanes in advance for a left turn or U-turn. If no maneuver is planned and there are no vehicles ahead, there is no reason to occupy the left or middle lanes.
For example, on a clear city road with three lanes in one direction, if you are driving straight without the intention to overtake or turn left, you must keep to the right lane. Moving into the middle or left lane just "because it is more convenient" would violate the principle established in clause 11.2: the right lane is the main one, others are for maneuvers.
Therefore, the correct answer is "As close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway," since clause 11.2 of the Traffic Rules requires that on a multi-lane road, if there is no need for maneuvers, you must occupy the farthest right position, and use the left lanes only when necessary (overtaking, bypassing, preparing for a left turn or U-turn).