48.38. Which warning signal must be activated on a vehicle equipped with the identification signs 'Danger Sign' and 'Dangerous Goods Information Plate' while transporting dangerous goods?
UAЯкий попереджувальний сигнал вмикається на транспортному засобі, на якому встановлені розпізнавальні знаки «Знак небезпеки» та «Інформаційна таблиця небезпечного вантажу», під час перевезення ним небезпечного вантажу?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety during the transportation of dangerous goods and how other road users should be able to timely notice and identify such a vehicle in traffic. In real-world conditions, this reduces risks during overtaking, maneuvering, and driving in heavy traffic, as vehicles carrying hazardous substances require increased attention and distance.
The question tests knowledge of Section 9 of the Traffic Rules, specifically the requirements of clause 9.8 (d) regarding the use of low beam headlights during daylight hours as a warning signal for vehicles transporting dangerous goods. Additionally, it is based on Section 30 (clause 30.3), which describes the identification signs "Dangerous Goods Information Plate" (an orange rectangular plate) and "Danger Sign" (a diamond with a hazard symbol), confirming that such vehicles are subject to the special requirement from Section 9.
The answer options deliberately mix different means of identification. "Road train" is an identification sign for another category of vehicles and is not a warning signal for the transportation of dangerous goods. The orange flashing beacon is used in other situations (for example, for certain types of work or specific driving conditions) and, in the context of this theoretical exam, is not a mandatory signal specifically for transporting hazardous substances. Instead, the correct logic of the Ukrainian Traffic Rules is simple: to identify such a vehicle while driving, the low beam headlights are switched on, so the combination "beacon plus low beam" also does not comply with clause 9.8 (d).
The practical benefit of this rule for preparing for the theoretical exam and for everyday driving is that it helps not to confuse daytime running lights outside populated areas with the separate requirement for dangerous goods. If a vehicle is marked with the appropriate ADR plates, the driver must ensure visibility in traffic precisely by switching on the low beam headlights, as is directly stipulated by the traffic rules.
Clause 9.8 (Section 9 "Warning signals" — switching on dipped headlights during daylight hours)
While driving motor vehicles during daylight hours for the purpose of marking a moving vehicle, dipped headlights must be switched on: a) on motorcycles and mopeds; b) on route vehicles moving in a lane marked with road sign 5.8, against the general flow of traffic; c) on buses (minibuses) transporting organized groups of children; d) on heavy, oversized vehicles, agricultural machinery with a width exceeding 2.6 m, and vehicles transporting dangerous goods; e) on a vehicle that is towing. From October 1 to May 1, all motor vehicles outside populated areas must have daytime running lights switched on, and if the vehicle's design does not provide for them — dipped headlights. In conditions of insufficient visibility, motor vehicles may use high beams or additionally fog lights, provided that this does not dazzle other drivers.
This clause (specifically subclause 9.8 d)) directly establishes the obligation to switch on dipped headlights while driving a vehicle transporting dangerous goods (during daylight hours — as a means of marking such a vehicle in traffic).
Clause 30.3 (Section 30 "Number, identification marks, inscriptions and signs" — identification signs of dangerous goods)
The following identification signs must be installed on the relevant vehicles: f) "Dangerous goods information 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 substance, 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, depicting the danger sign. The image, dimensions, and placement of the plates on vehicles are determined by the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
This clause checks the understanding that the plates mentioned in the question are exactly the identification signs of a vehicle transporting dangerous goods, and therefore the requirement of clause 9.8 d) regarding the switching on of dipped headlights applies to it.
That is, the correct answer is "Dipped headlights.", considering that according to the Traffic Rules, during daylight hours, vehicles transporting dangerous goods (marked with the appropriate identification signs) must drive with dipped headlights switched on (clause 9.8 d)).
When transporting dangerous goods, the vehicle is marked with special identification signs. In particular, these are the “Dangerous Goods Information Plate” (an orange rectangular plate) and the “Danger Sign” (a diamond-shaped plate). Their presence clearly indicates that the vehicle is carrying hazardous substances and should be more visible to other road users.
That is why the Traffic Rules establish an additional requirement for the lighting devices of such a vehicle. In paragraph 9.8 (subparagraph g), it is explicitly stated: during daylight hours, vehicles transporting dangerous goods must have their low beam headlights turned on. This is not a driver’s option “at their discretion,” but a mandatory warning signal that increases the visibility of such a vehicle in traffic.
It is important not to confuse this requirement with the use of other signals. For example, an orange beacon is not a mandatory warning signal for transporting dangerous goods in this situation. Also, this rule should not be substituted with the rule about daytime running lights outside populated areas: for dangerous goods, the Traffic Rules specifically require the use of low beam headlights.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Low beam headlights," since vehicles transporting dangerous goods and marked with the appropriate signs, according to paragraph 9.8g of the Traffic Rules, must drive with low beam headlights on during daylight hours to clearly indicate their presence.