48.8. Is the driver of a cargo vehicle allowed to overtake in the depicted situation if the vehicle being overtaken is moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h?
UAЧи дозволено водієві вантажного автомобіля виконати обгін у зображеній ситуації, якщо состав, який обганяють, рухається зі швидкістю менш ніж 30 км/год.?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of overtaking and the correct interpretation of prohibitory road signs in real-life conditions. Overtaking for a truck is a higher-risk maneuver due to its size and the longer distance required to return to its lane, so in the theoretical exam it is important to be able to read exceptions to prohibitions, not just memorize general rules.
The question tests knowledge of Section 33 "Road Signs," in particular the prohibitory sign 3.27 "Overtaking by trucks prohibited" and the note in paragraph 33.3 regarding the concept of "single vehicles." In general, sign 3.27 prohibits trucks (over 3.5 t) from overtaking vehicles within its zone of effect, but the traffic rules provide an exception: it is allowed to overtake single vehicles moving at less than 30 km/h. Here, "single vehicles" include not only individual cars, but also road trains (combinations), as well as couplings during towing, so a slow-moving combination also falls under the exception.
This is why the option "allowed" is correct: the restriction of sign 3.27 does not apply to a single vehicle (including a combination) if it is moving slower than 30 km/h. On the other hand, the answer "prohibited" would only be correct if the vehicles ahead are moving faster than 30 km/h or if it is not a single object (for example, a convoy), that is, when the exception to the rule does not apply.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.27 "Overtaking by trucks is prohibited"
"Sign 3.27 'Overtaking by trucks is prohibited' prohibits trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 t from overtaking any vehicles (except single ones moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h). Tractors are prohibited from overtaking any vehicles except single bicycles and horse-drawn carts (sledges). The sign applies from the place of installation to the nearest intersection beyond it, and in populated areas where there are no intersections — to the end of the populated area. The effect of the sign is not interrupted at the exits from adjacent territories to the road and at intersections (junctions) with field, forest, and other unpaved roads, before which no priority signs are installed. The area of the sign's effect may be reduced by installing sign 3.28 at the end of its effect zone."
Short application: in the presence of sign 3.27, the driver of a truck (over 3.5 t) is generally not allowed to overtake, but there is an exception — it is allowed to overtake single vehicles moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h.
Clause 33.3 (note regarding the term "single")
"Single are considered to be individual vehicles, road trains, as well as a vehicle towing, coupled with the towed one."
Short application: a "composition" (in particular, a road train or a coupling during towing) is directly classified as "single", so at a speed of less than 30 km/h it falls under the exception of sign 3.27.
Clause 1.10 (term "Overtaking")
"Overtaking — passing one or more vehicles, involving entering the oncoming traffic lane."
Short application: the question checks the possibility of performing the "overtaking" maneuver in the area of the prohibitory sign, taking into account the exception.
That is, the correct answer is "Allowed.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, sign 3.27 prohibits overtaking by trucks, but allows overtaking single vehicles (including road trains/couplings) moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h.
In the given situation, a 3.27 sign "Overtaking by trucks is prohibited" is installed on this section of the road. The general rule of this sign is as follows: trucks with a permitted maximum mass of over 3.5 tons are prohibited from overtaking vehicles within the area of the sign's effect.
At the same time, the Rules provide an exception to this prohibition. Sign 3.27 does not prohibit a truck from overtaking single vehicles that are moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h. That is, if there is a single vehicle ahead moving slower than 30 km/h, the truck driver may overtake it without violating the requirements of the sign.
It is important to correctly understand what "single" means in the context of the Traffic Rules. A "single" vehicle is not only an individual vehicle, but also a road train (combination), as well as a vehicle towing another. Therefore, the combination being overtaken in the question also falls under the concept of "single", and if it is moving slower than 30 km/h, the exception applies.
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed.", since sign 3.27 has an exception: trucks are allowed to overtake single vehicles (including combinations) moving at a speed of less than 30 km/h.