48.87. Indicate the maximum permissible length of vehicles coupled during towing (except for route vehicles).
UAВкажіть максимально допустиму довжину зчеплених при буксируванні транспортних засобів (за винятком маршрутних транспортних засобів).
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety during towing, when two vehicles form a coupled "link" using a rigid or flexible connection or by partial loading. The greater the total length of such a connection, the more difficult it is to maneuver, stay in lane, turn, and stop, which is why the traffic rules set clear limits that are checked in the theoretical exam.
Section 23 "Towing and operation of vehicle combinations" is tested, specifically clause 23.10 (c), which defines the maximum total length of coupled vehicles during towing. For non-route vehicles, the limit is 22 m, while for route vehicles a different limit is set, but in this exam question it is excluded. Additionally, it is important to remember the definition of the term "towing" from clause 1.10, so as not to confuse it with the operation of road trains.
If we compare the options, the value of 20 m is understated and does not comply with the traffic rules, while 25 m, 30 m, and 35 m exceed the permissible length for regular (non-route) vehicles, so within the traffic rules such options are incorrect. In practice, this means: before starting towing, you need to assess the total length of both vehicles together with the coupling, as exceeding the established limit makes towing prohibited regardless of other conditions.
Clause 23.10 (Section 23 "Towing and Operation of Vehicle Combinations")
Towing is prohibited: a) if the actual mass of the towed vehicle with a faulty braking system (or in its absence) exceeds half the actual mass of the towing vehicle; b) with a flexible coupling during icy conditions; c) if the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds 22 m (for route vehicles — 30 m); d) by motorcycles without a sidecar, as well as by such motorcycles, mopeds, or bicycles; e) more than one vehicle (except in cases where the procedure for towing two or more vehicles is agreed with the authorized unit of the National Police) or by a vehicle with a trailer.
Application: the exam question directly checks the provision of subclause 23.10 (c), which sets the limit for the "total length of coupled vehicles" during towing (for non-route vehicles — 22 m).
Clause 1.10 (term "Towing")
Towing — the movement of one vehicle by another vehicle, which does not pertain to the operation of road trains (vehicle combinations), using a rigid or flexible coupling or by partially loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
Application: the definition clarifies that it is specifically about towing (not the operation of vehicle combinations), for which restrictions apply, in particular regarding the maximum coupling length.
That is, the correct answer is "22 m", given that according to clause 23.10 (c) of the Traffic Rules, towing is prohibited if the total length of coupled vehicles (except for route vehicles) exceeds 22 m.
During towing, one vehicle actually pulls another, and a "link" of two cars connected by a coupling (rigid, flexible, or by partial loading) is formed on the road. Because of this, such a link occupies more space on the roadway, maneuvers worse, and requires a greater distance for safe movement.
That is why the Traffic Rules set restrictions on the total length of coupled vehicles during towing. In clause 23.10 (c), it is stated that towing is prohibited if the total length of the connected vehicles exceeds the established limit. For regular vehicles (i.e., not route vehicles), this limit is 22 meters.
In practice, this means the following: if, for example, a passenger car tows another passenger car, their total length will usually be less than 22 m, so from the point of view of length, such towing is possible. But if a large-sized vehicle is being towed, and together with the coupling a link longer than 22 m is formed, such towing will already be a violation, even if other conditions seem to allow movement.
Thus, the correct answer is "22 m," since the Traffic Rules prohibit towing when the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds 22 meters (for non-route vehicles).