48.40. Is a goods vehicle with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t allowed to enter the third lane?
UAВантажному автомобілю з дозволеною максимальною масою понад 3,5 т виїжджати на третю смугу?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the knowledge of safe lane selection on multi-lane roads and understanding how the weight and type of vehicle affect permitted maneuvers. For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember: the larger and slower the vehicle, the stricter the requirements for its position on the carriageway, in order not to obstruct the flow and to reduce the risk of dangerous lane changes.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and lane selection (points 11.2 and 11.6 of the Traffic Rules). The general rule in point 11.2 requires driving as close as possible to the right edge, with deviations allowed in standard cases (overtaking, bypassing, preparing for a left turn or U-turn). However, point 11.6 sets a special restriction specifically for trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons: on roads with three or more lanes in one direction, entering the far left lane is allowed only for turning left or making a U-turn (and in populated areas on one-way roads, also for permitted stops for loading/unloading).
That is why the option allowing entry into the third lane for overtaking is incorrect: for such trucks, the far left lane is not used as a "working" lane for driving straight or overtaking. The correct option is the one that restricts entry into the third lane only to maneuvers for turning left and making a U-turn; accordingly, a combination of two options is also not suitable, as it contains an incorrect statement. In practice, this knowledge helps to plan lane changes in advance, not to occupy the far left lane unnecessarily, and to avoid common mistakes both in the exam and in real traffic.
Clause 11.6
On roads with three or more lanes in one direction, trucks with a permitted maximum mass of more than 3.5 t, tractors, self-propelled machines and mechanisms are allowed to enter the far left lane only for turning left or making a U-turn, and in populated areas on one-way roads, in addition, — for stopping on the left, in permitted cases, for the purpose of loading or unloading.
Clause 11.2
On roads with two or more lanes in one direction, non-rail vehicles must drive as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except when overtaking, bypassing, or changing lanes before turning left or making a U-turn.
Clause 1.10 (term “Truck”)
Truck — a vehicle which, by its design and equipment, is intended for the carriage of goods.
Clause 1.10 (term “Permitted maximum mass”)
Permitted maximum mass — the mass of an equipped vehicle with cargo, driver, and passengers, as established by the technical specification of the vehicle as the maximum allowable.
Clause 1.10 (term “Permitted maximum mass of a road train”)
Permitted maximum mass of a road train — the sum of the permitted maximum allowable mass of each vehicle that is part of the road train.
Thus, the correct answer is “Permitted only for turning left or making a U-turn,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, trucks with a permitted maximum mass of more than 3.5 t on roads with three or more lanes in one direction are allowed to enter the far left (third) lane only for turning left or making a U-turn (clause 11.6), and the general requirement to keep to the right is confirmed by clause 11.2.
This question concerns a truck with a permitted maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tons. This specific indicator is decisive for restrictions regarding lane selection on multi-lane roads.
The general rule for lane selection is established by clause 11.2 of the Traffic Rules: on roads with two or more lanes in one direction, vehicles must keep as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway. Exceptions to this rule are allowed only in typical situations: when overtaking, bypassing an obstacle, or when the driver is preparing in advance to turn left or make a U-turn.
Separately, clause 11.6 of the Traffic Rules introduces a special restriction specifically for trucks over 3.5 tons on roads where there are three or more lanes in one direction. Such vehicles are not allowed to use the far left (that is, the third lane in a typical three-lane road layout) as a “regular” lane for driving straight ahead. Entering this lane is permitted only when it is necessary for a maneuver: turning left or making a U-turn.
Practical example: if a truck over 3.5 tons is driving on a road with three lanes in one direction and needs to go straight, it must remain in the right or, if necessary, the center lane (for example, for overtaking). But occupying the third lane on the left and continuing to drive straight is not allowed. However, if there is an intersection ahead where a left turn or U-turn is required, then the driver has the right to move into the left lane specifically to perform this maneuver.
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed only for turning left or making a U-turn," since for trucks over 3.5 tons, clause 11.6 of the Traffic Rules restricts entering the far left (third) lane only to cases where it is needed for a left turn or U-turn.