48.75. On which lane of a motorway is it permitted for goods vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of over 3.5 t to drive?
UAНа якій смузі автомагістралі дозволено рух вантажних автомобілів з дозволеною максимальною масою понад 3,5 т?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety on high-speed roads and the proper organization of traffic flows. On motorways, speeds are higher and maneuvers carry greater risks, so the traffic rules set specific restrictions for slower and larger vehicles, particularly trucks. Understanding lane distribution reduces conflicts during overtaking and helps avoid dangerous situations.
The question tests knowledge of Section 27 "Driving on motorways and automobile roads," specifically clause 27.2 (b). This regulation directly prohibits trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons from driving outside the first and second lanes in one direction. That is, on a road with three or more lanes, such vehicles are not allowed to occupy the third, fourth, or other lanes for movement, which is important to remember for the theoretical exam.
Analyzing the answer options in the tickets helps avoid a common mistake: the answer "any lane" contradicts the direct prohibition in clause 27.2 (b), because then a truck could drive in the high-speed lanes. The option "only the first lane" is also incorrect, as the traffic rules allow movement in the second lane as well (for example, for overtaking within the permitted limits), but prohibit going beyond the second lane. In practice, this makes traffic more predictable: trucks keep to the right, and passenger cars have freer lanes for overtaking, which directly increases safety.
Clause 27.2 b) (Section 27 "Traffic on Motorways and Roads for Motor Vehicles")
On motorways and roads for motor vehicles, it is prohibited: b) for freight vehicles with a permitted maximum mass of more than 3.5 t to travel outside the first and second traffic lanes (except when turning left or making a U-turn on roads for motor vehicles).
Clause 1.10 (term "Freight vehicle")
Freight vehicle — a vehicle that, by its design and equipment, is intended for the transportation of goods.
Clause 1.10 (term "Permitted maximum mass")
Permitted maximum mass — the mass of an equipped vehicle with cargo, driver, and passengers, which is established by the technical specification of the vehicle as the maximum allowable.
Clause 1.10 (term "Traffic lane")
Traffic lane — a longitudinal strip on the carriageway at least 2.75 m wide, which may be marked or unmarked with road markings and is intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Motorway")
Motorway — a road that: is specially constructed and intended for vehicle traffic, is not intended for entry to or exit from adjacent territory; has separate carriageways for each direction of travel, separated from each other by a median strip; does not intersect at the same level with other roads, railways and tram tracks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, animal crossings, has barriers on the roadsides and median strip, and is also fenced with a mesh; is marked with road sign 5.1 "Motorway".
Clause 33.5.1 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Informational and Directional Signs", sign 5.1 "Motorway"
Sign 5.1 "Motorway" — a road on which special traffic conditions established by these Rules apply.
Thus, the correct answer is "On the first and second lanes," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the movement of freight vehicles with a permitted maximum mass of more than 3.5 t on a motorway is prohibited outside the first and second traffic lanes (clause 27.2 b)).
On a motorway, traffic is organized so that traffic flows are predictable and safe. Therefore, for certain categories of vehicles, the rules establish restrictions on lane selection.
Trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons are considered slower and larger road users. For this reason, the Traffic Rules restrict their movement on certain lanes so that they do not create obstacles on high-speed lanes, which are usually used by passenger cars for overtaking.
According to clause 27.2 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, on motorways it is prohibited for freight vehicles with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons to drive outside the first and second lanes. That is, if there are three or more lanes in one direction on the motorway, such a truck cannot drive in the third, fourth, etc., and is only allowed to move within the first and second lanes.
For example, if there are three lanes in one direction, a truck over 3.5 tons may drive in the first lane, and for overtaking or passing may occupy the second, after which it must return back, without using the third lane for driving.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In the first and second lanes," since clause 27.2 (b) of the Traffic Rules prohibits trucks over 3.5 tons from driving on any lanes of a motorway except the first and second.