52.52. Indicate the maximum permissible length of coupled vehicles when towing route vehicles.
UAВкажіть максимально допустиму довжину зчеплених при буксируванні маршрутних транспортних засобів.
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety during towing, when one vehicle temporarily pulls another. Excessive length of coupled vehicles complicates maneuvering, increases the "tail" during turns, creates risks at intersections and during overtaking, and also requires more space for safe stopping. That is why the traffic rules set clear limits for such situations, especially when it comes to transporting passengers.
The question tests knowledge of Section 23 "Towing," specifically clause 23.10 (c) of the Traffic Rules, which defines the maximum total length of coupled vehicles. For regular vehicles, the limit is 22 m, but for route vehicles (buses, trolleybuses, trams, etc., as defined in clause 1.10), a separate standard is provided. Such exceptions are often included in the theoretical exam, so it is important to remember: for route vehicles, a higher limit is allowed than the general one.
The analysis of answer options comes down to comparing with the standard in clause 23.10 (c): 20 m and 22 m are not suitable, because 22 m is the restriction for most vehicles, not for route vehicles. The values 25 m and 35 m also do not correspond to the wording of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, as the rules directly specify a different limit for route vehicles. The correct option is the one that reflects the established standard for route vehicles, and this is necessary for a correct answer to the exam question during the theoretical test.
Clause 23.10 (c) (Section 23 "Towing")
Towing is prohibited: … c) if the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds 22 m (for route vehicles — 30 m); …
This subclause directly establishes the maximum permissible total length of vehicles coupled during towing, specifically highlighting route vehicles — 30 meters.
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 rigid or flexible coupling or by partially loading onto a platform or special supporting device.
This definition clarifies that the question refers specifically to towing (and not movement as part of a road train).
Clause 1.10 (term "Route vehicles (public transport vehicles)")
Route vehicles (public transport vehicles) — buses, minibuses, trolleybuses, trams, and taxis that operate on established routes and have designated places on the road for passenger boarding (alighting).
This definition explains exactly which vehicles are considered route vehicles, for which a separate length limit is provided in clause 23.10 (c).
Thus, the correct answer is "30 m.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, towing of route vehicles is prohibited if the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds 30 m.
During towing, one vehicle temporarily pulls another using a coupling. When two vehicles are connected, it is important to consider not only the weight or the method of coupling, but also the total length of such a "combination," since an excessively long coupling is harder to maneuver, takes up more space on the road, and creates an increased risk for other road users, especially at intersections and during overtaking.
The rules directly set a limit on the length of coupled vehicles during towing. According to clause 23.10 (c) of the Traffic Rules, towing is prohibited if the total length of the coupled vehicles exceeds the specified limit. There is one limit for regular vehicles, and an increased permissible length is provided for route vehicles (that is, those carrying passengers on a fixed route, such as buses, trolleybuses, trams).
That is why, when it comes to towing route vehicles, you need to remember a separate value: the maximum permissible total length of coupled route vehicles is 30 meters. If it is greater, such towing will be a violation of the Traffic Rules.
Therefore, the correct answer is "30 m," since the Traffic Rules (clause 23.10 (c)) limit the total length of coupled route vehicles during towing to no more than 30 meters.