48.21. Is a driver of a cargo vehicle allowed to exceed the speed indicated on the identification sign 'Maximum speed limit'?
UAЧи дозволено водієві вантажного автомобіля перевищувати швидкість, зазначену на розпізнавальному знаку «Обмеження максимальної швидкості»?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe choice of speed and the mandatory restrictions for certain categories of vehicles. The topic is important for daily driving, as the speed of a truck affects braking distance, controllability, and the risk of accidents, especially when the vehicle is heavy, oversized, or has other special operating conditions.
In the theoretical exam, this question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding speed (paragraph 12.9) and identification signs (subparagraph "i" of paragraph 30.3), as well as understanding the meaning of the prohibitory sign 3.29 "Maximum speed limit". The essence is that the identification sign on the vehicle itself contains a specific "permitted speed" for this particular vehicle, and the Traffic Rules directly prohibit exceeding it, just as they prohibit exceeding the limit set by road signs on a section of road.
The option that allows exceeding is incorrect, because it contradicts paragraph 12.9 of the Traffic Rules: the driver is prohibited from exceeding the maximum speed indicated on the identification sign "Maximum speed limit". The correct approach for a student in the exam is simple: if such a restriction is installed on the back of the truck (for example, 70), then it is not allowed to drive faster even when the general speed limit on this road allows more, since a special lower limit applies to this vehicle.
Clause 12.9
The driver is prohibited from: a) exceeding the maximum speed determined by the technical specifications of this vehicle; b) exceeding the maximum speed specified in clauses 12.4, 12.5, 12.6, and 12.7, on a section of road where road signs 3.29, 3.31 are installed or on a vehicle on which an identification sign is installed in accordance with subparagraph "i" of clause 30.3 of these Rules; c) obstructing other vehicles by driving unnecessarily at a very low speed; d) braking sharply (except in cases where it is impossible to avoid a traffic accident without doing so).
Application to the question: if an identification sign "Maximum speed limit" is installed on a truck, the driver is expressly prohibited from exceeding the speed indicated on this sign (subparagraph "b" of clause 12.9 of the Traffic Rules).
Clause 30.3 (subparagraph "i")
The following identification signs are installed on the relevant vehicles: k) "Maximum speed limit" — an image of road sign 3.29 "Maximum speed limit" indicating the permitted speed (sign diameter — at least 160 mm, border width — 1/10 of the diameter). The sign is placed (applied) at the rear left of motor vehicles driven by drivers with less than 2 years of experience, heavy and large vehicles, agricultural machinery with a width exceeding 2.6 m, vehicles transporting dangerous goods by road, in the case of trucks carrying passengers, as well as in cases where the maximum speed of the vehicle according to its technical specifications or specific traffic conditions determined by the National Police is lower than that established in clauses 12.6 and 12.7 of these Rules.
Application to the question: this clause defines that the sign contains a specific value of the "permitted speed" and is installed on designated categories of vehicles, and clause 12.9 prohibits exceeding the speed indicated on it.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road signs", 3 "Prohibitory signs", sign 3.29 "Maximum speed limit"
"Maximum speed limit" — prohibits movement at a speed exceeding that indicated on the sign.
Application to the question: the identification sign "Maximum speed limit" (clause 30.3 "i") is an image of sign 3.29, i.e., it contains a mandatory speed limit that must be observed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is prohibited from exceeding the maximum speed indicated on the identification sign "Maximum speed limit" (clause 12.9, in conjunction with subparagraph "i" of clause 30.3).
The identification sign "Maximum Speed Limit" on a truck means that a specific upper speed limit has been set for this vehicle, which the driver must observe while driving. Such a sign is placed on vehicles whose speed is limited either by technical capabilities or by specific operating conditions, and it serves as a direct instruction for the driver.
Clause 12.9 of the Traffic Rules explicitly prohibits exceeding the speed in two important cases: first, the speed determined by the technical characteristics of the vehicle itself, and second, the speed set by special restrictions, in particular when the restriction is indicated directly on the identification sign "Maximum Speed Limit" placed on the vehicle. That is, the restriction written on this sign is mandatory in the same way as a restriction set by a road sign on the road.
For example, if an identification sign with the number 70 is installed on the back of a truck, the driver is not allowed to drive at 80 or 90, even if the general speed limit on this road allows more. In such a situation, the lower, special restriction indicated on its identification sign applies to this vehicle.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since clause 12.9 of the Traffic Rules forbids exceeding the maximum speed indicated on the "Maximum Speed Limit" identification sign installed on the vehicle.