48.27. What is the maximum permitted speed for a lorry in the situation shown?
UAЗ якою максимальною швидкістю дозволено рух вантажного автомобіля в зображеній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to choose a safe speed in areas with increased risk for pedestrians. In pedestrian and residential zones, priority is always given to people, so the traffic rules set stricter limits to ensure the driver can react in time and stop if necessary. Such situations often occur in cities, near shopping areas, and in territories where pedestrians are actively moving.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the section on speed limits, specifically to clause 12.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. It also checks knowledge of informational and indicative signs: the 'Pedestrian Zone' sign means a special regime applies throughout the designated area, while 'Pedestrian Crossing' signs further emphasize the presence of organized crossing points. For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember that the speed limit in such a zone is set by the Traffic Rules and applies to all vehicles, including trucks, unless otherwise indicated by separate signs.
Among the suggested options, only the speed of 20 km/h meets the requirement of clause 12.5 for pedestrian and residential zones. The values of 40, 50, and 60 km/h are typical for other driving conditions, but within a pedestrian zone they contradict the traffic rules and do not provide the necessary level of safety, especially near crossings and places where pedestrians may appear suddenly. This knowledge helps not only to correctly answer the exam question in the theoretical test but also to avoid dangerous situations in real traffic.
Clause 12.5
In residential and pedestrian zones, the speed must not exceed 20 km/h.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and guidance signs", sign 5.36 "Pedestrian zone"
Sign 5.36 "Pedestrian zone" informs about the special features and conditions of traffic as provided by these Rules. The sign applies to the entire area marked by it.
(Application: in the area marked by sign 5.36, a special traffic regime applies, in particular the speed limit according to clause 12.5.)
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and guidance signs", sign 5.38.1/5.38.2 "Pedestrian crossing"
Sign 5.38.1/5.38.2 "Pedestrian crossing" is used to indicate places intended for organized pedestrian crossing of the carriageway. The sign is installed to the left of the road at the far edge of the crossing.
(Application: confirms the presence of a pedestrian crossing within the zone, but the actual speed limit in the task is determined by clause 12.5 in combination with sign 5.36.)
That is, the correct answer is "20 km/h", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, in a pedestrian zone (sign 5.36) the speed of vehicles is limited to 20 km/h (clause 12.5).
In the depicted situation, the truck is moving within an area marked by the “Pedestrian Zone” sign. This sign means that you have entered a specially designated zone where special traffic conditions apply to all vehicles, regardless of their type.
Additionally, the diagram shows locations of organized pedestrian crossings (signs “Pedestrian Crossing”). This emphasizes that in this zone, priority is given to pedestrian safety, and the driver is required to move with minimal risk and the ability to stop immediately.
According to clause 12.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in residential and pedestrian zones, the speed of vehicles must not exceed 20 km/h. This restriction also applies to trucks, unless otherwise specified by signs.
Therefore, the correct answer is “20 km/h,” since in a pedestrian zone, according to clause 12.5 of the Traffic Rules, the maximum permitted speed for any vehicle is 20 km/h.