48.10. Under which condition is a driver of a goods vehicle with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t allowed to overtake in the situation shown?
UAЗа якої з умов водієві вантажного автомобіля з дозволеною максимальною масою понад 3,5 т дозволено виконати обгін у зображеній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of overtaking and compliance with prohibitory road signs. For drivers of trucks with a maximum permitted weight over 3.5 tons, this topic is especially important, as overtaking involves entering the oncoming traffic lane and is one of the riskiest maneuvers on the road, which is why traffic rules strictly limit it in certain places.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 "Road Signs" (prohibitory signs) and understanding of the definition of the maneuver "overtaking" from paragraph 1.10 of the Traffic Rules. The key point is sign 3.27 "Overtaking by trucks prohibited": as a general rule, it prohibits overtaking by trucks with a maximum permitted weight over 3.5 tons, but it contains an exception for overtaking a single vehicle moving slowly. Specifically, the speed limit of less than 30 km/h is the condition under which the maneuver is allowed, and this is important to remember for the theoretical exam.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the accuracy of the exception wording in the description of sign 3.27. The option about "less than 30 km/h" corresponds to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and is therefore correct. The option about "less than 40 km/h" is incorrect, as it broadens the permitted exception, which does not exist in the rules. The statement about it being "strictly prohibited" is also incorrect, since sign 3.27 explicitly provides for a permitted case of overtaking for trucks over 3.5 tons if the single vehicle ahead is moving slower than 30 km/h.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entering the oncoming traffic lane.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road signs", 3 "Prohibitory signs", sign 3.27 "Overtaking by trucks prohibited"
Sign 3.27 "Overtaking by trucks prohibited" forbids trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t from overtaking any vehicles (except for single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h). Tractors are prohibited from overtaking any vehicles except for single bicycles and horse-drawn carts (sledges).
The sign's area of effect extends from the place of installation to the nearest intersection beyond it, and in populated areas where there are no intersections, to the end of the populated area. The sign's effect is not interrupted at exits from adjacent areas to the road and at intersections (junctions) with field, forest, and other unpaved roads, before which no priority signs are installed. The area of effect of the sign may be reduced by installing sign 3.28 at the end of its area of effect.
Therefore, the correct answer is "If a single vehicle is moving at less than 30 km/h," considering that sign 3.27 directly establishes an exception to the overtaking prohibition for trucks over 3.5 t specifically in the case of overtaking a single vehicle moving at less than 30 km/h.
In this situation, for a truck with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons, the key factor is the presence of the prohibitory sign 3.27 “Overtaking by trucks prohibited.” This sign determines whether the driver has the right to overtake on this section of the road.
To answer correctly, it is important to understand that according to the Traffic Rules, overtaking is considered to be passing another vehicle where the driver moves into the oncoming traffic lane. That is, if the truck has to move into the oncoming lane to pass, this will be considered overtaking, and the effect of sign 3.27 applies.
As a general rule, sign 3.27 prohibits the driver of such a truck from overtaking vehicles. However, the description of this sign contains a clearly defined exception: overtaking a single vehicle moving slowly, that is, at a speed of less than 30 km/h, is allowed. For example, if there is a single tractor or another lone vehicle ahead moving very slowly (less than 30 km/h), the truck may overtake it without violating the requirements of the sign.
If the vehicle ahead is moving at a speed of 30 km/h or more, or if it is not a single vehicle, then the exception does not apply, and overtaking by the truck is prohibited.
Therefore, the correct answer is: “If a single vehicle is moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h,” since sign 3.27 prohibits overtaking by trucks over 3.5 tons, but allows it only as an exception for a single slow-moving vehicle (less than 30 km/h).