54.15. Operation of buses is not prohibited if:
UAЕксплуатація автобусів не забороняється, якщо:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety as it relates to the technical condition of a bus and the conditions under which operation of the vehicle is permitted or expressly prohibited. Such situations are often included in the theoretical exam because they affect handling, braking distance, and the risk of accidents in real-world conditions, especially during winter or when parked on a slope.
The question tests knowledge of item 31.4 of the Traffic Rules and Appendix 1 "List of malfunctions and conditions under which operation of vehicles is prohibited," with an emphasis on the sections "Wheels and tires" and "Other structural elements." The key logic here is that the traffic rules contain specific prohibitions, and it is important to distinguish them from situations that are allowed as long as established standards are met. In particular, the restriction regarding tires with a restored tread for buses applies to the front axle, not the rear, so the mere presence of such tires on the rear is not an automatic reason for prohibiting operation.
To briefly analyze the options: the absence of at least two wheel chocks in a bus with a permitted maximum mass of over 5 tons is a condition under which operation is prohibited (this is a requirement of the "Other structural elements" section, and it is needed to prevent unintentional rolling). Likewise, in the presence of snow, ice, or sleet, the absence of anti-skid chains on the wheels of the driving (traction) axle, when their use is necessary, is a prohibition, as the risk of losing traction increases sharply. In contrast, tires with a restored tread on the rear axle of a bus are not subject to this specific prohibition, since in Appendix 1 the restriction is formulated for the front axle, so operation in such a case is not considered a violation.
Clause 31.4
The operation of vehicles is prohibited in accordance with the List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited (Annex 1 to these Rules).
Annex 1 to the Traffic Rules — “List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited” (section 5 “Wheels and tires”)
It is not allowed to install tires restored by the second class of repair on the front axle of buses (as well as on the front axle of trucks).
Explanation of application: the prohibition applies specifically to the front axle of the bus; therefore, installing tires with a restored tread on the rear axle of the bus by itself is not a condition that prohibits operation.
Annex 1 to the Traffic Rules — “List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited” (section 7 “Other structural elements”)
Buses with a permitted maximum mass of more than 5 tons (as well as trucks and road trains) are not equipped with wheel chocks (there must be at least two).
Annex 1 to the Traffic Rules — “List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited” (section 7 “Other structural elements”)
If there is snow or ice on the carriageway, as well as during icy conditions, anti-skid chains are not installed on the wheels of the driving axle (traction axle) when their use is necessary.
That is, the correct answer is "Tires with a restored tread are installed on the rear axle of the bus," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the prohibition regarding tires restored by the second class of repair for buses applies to the front axle, not the rear axle.
When preparing for the exam, it is important to distinguish between two concepts: what constitutes a direct technical prohibition for operating a bus, and what is allowed provided established requirements are met. The Traffic Rules and requirements for the technical condition of vehicles specify particular cases when a bus must not be put into service.
For example, operation is prohibited if the bus (with a permitted maximum mass of over 5 tons) does not have at least two wheel chocks. This is considered a violation of safety requirements, as such a bus may roll away on its own during a stop or parking, especially on a slope.
Similarly, prohibition applies to situations when there is snow, ice, or glaze ice on the roadway, and anti-skid chains are not installed on the wheels of the drive axle. In such conditions, the absence of chains poses a real threat of loss of control and increased braking distance, so operation is not permitted.
On the other hand, installing tires with a restored tread on the rear axle of the bus in itself is not grounds for prohibiting operation. Provided that such tires meet the established restoration standards, the Traffic Rules do not consider this a malfunction or a dangerous nonconformity that would automatically prohibit movement.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Tires with a restored tread are installed on the rear axle of the bus," since this does not fall under the conditions under which the Traffic Rules prohibit bus operation.