48.3. In which directions is it permitted for the lorry to proceed in the depicted situation?
UAУ яких напрямках дозволено рух вантажного автомобіля в зображеній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely navigate an intersection and correctly interpret road signs that establish mandatory directions of movement. Special attention here is given to vehicles transporting dangerous goods: for them, the traffic rules provide for separate routes to reduce risks for other road users and to avoid passing through undesirable areas of the city.
According to the content of the question, this is the topic of Section 33 of the Traffic Rules, mandatory signs, in particular sign 4.18.2 "Direction of movement for vehicles carrying dangerous goods," as well as Section 30 regarding identification signs (orange plate and hazard sign). If such markings are present on the truck, it falls under the effect of 4.18.2 and is required to follow exactly the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign. Priority sign 2.3 "Main road" only determines who has the right of way but does not change the mandatory direction for dangerous goods, and according to paragraph 8.3, the driver must comply with the requirements of road signs.
The analysis of the options in this theoretical exam boils down to the fact that only one maneuver is allowed: turning right. The option "straight or right" is incorrect because sign 4.18.2 does not provide a choice between two directions but establishes a single permitted one. The option "left" contradicts the sign's instruction. The option "in any direction" ignores the special regulation for vehicles with dangerous goods, and is therefore also incorrect.
Clause 33.4 — 33 “Road Signs”, 4 “Mandatory Signs”, sign 4.18.2 “Direction of movement for vehicles carrying dangerous goods”
Sign 4.18.2 “Direction of movement for vehicles carrying dangerous goods” indicates the permitted direction of movement (to the right) for vehicles with identification signs “Danger Sign” and “Orange Plate”.
Clause 30.3 (identification signs on vehicles; subclauses “d” and “e”)
“The following identification signs must be installed on the respective vehicles:
f) “Orange Plate” — a rectangular orange plate with a reflective surface and a black border. The dimensions of the sign, inscriptions of the hazard identification numbers and dangerous goods, if required, and its placement on vehicles are determined by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road;
g) “Danger Sign” — an information plate in the form of a diamond, displaying the danger sign. The design, dimensions, and placement of the plates on vehicles are determined by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.”
Explanation of application: the presence of these identification signs means that this is a vehicle carrying dangerous goods, and therefore sign 4.18.2 applies to it.
Clause 8.3 (compliance with road signs)
Road signs establish a certain order of movement, and road users are required to comply with their requirements.
Explanation of application: the driver of a truck carrying dangerous goods must comply with the instruction of sign 4.18.2 and choose the direction permitted by it.
Clause 33.2 — 33 “Road Signs”, 2 “Priority Signs”, sign 2.3 “Priority Road”
Sign 2.3 “Priority Road” informs that the road on which it is installed is the priority road in relation to the road(s) intersecting it.
Explanation of application: this sign determines priority at the intersection, but does not cancel or change the mandatory direction of movement for vehicles carrying dangerous goods, as set by sign 4.18.2.
Therefore, the correct answer is “To the right.”, considering that according to the Traffic Rules, sign 4.18.2 establishes the only permitted direction of movement at the intersection for vehicles with dangerous goods identification signs — to the right.
In the depicted situation, the truck has identification markings on its body indicating that it is carrying dangerous goods. Such vehicles are distinguished by special signs (in particular, an orange plate and a hazard sign), and they may be subject to specific restrictions or permitted directions of movement.
At the intersection, a mandatory sign from section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, 4.18.1, is installed, which determines the direction of movement specifically for vehicles transporting dangerous goods. The essence of this sign is that it does not give the driver a choice between several directions: it directly indicates the only permitted direction so that dangerous goods do not enter prohibited routes.
Since the truck in the illustration belongs to the category of vehicles carrying dangerous goods, it is required to comply with the instruction of this mandatory sign and turn only in the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign, that is, to the right. Other directions are not allowed for it in this situation.
Therefore, the correct answer is "To the right," since sign 4.18.1 establishes the only permitted direction of movement for vehicles transporting dangerous goods, and at this intersection, that direction is to the right.