7.4. Which lighting devices must be switched on on a horse-drawn cart (sleigh) when driving at night or in conditions of insufficient visibility?
UAЯкі освітлювальні прилади повинні бути ввімкнені на гужовому возі (санях) під час руху в темну пору доби, а також в умовах недостатньої видимості?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety during hours of darkness and in conditions of poor visibility, when any vehicle without proper marking becomes dangerous and hard to see. For drivers taking the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that the traffic rules regulate not only motor vehicles, but also horse-drawn transport, since the risk of collision increases precisely because of the poor visibility of the cart or sleigh on the roadway.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules related to the use of external lighting devices and the marking of vehicles (in particular, the requirements of clause 7.3), as well as basic definitions from clause 1.10 regarding hours of darkness and poor visibility. The essence of the rule is as follows: horse-drawn vehicles must use lanterns of two colors (white in front and red at the rear), and they must be installed on the left side of the cart (or sleigh), so that other road users can more easily determine the position of the vehicle relative to the center line and maintain a safe distance when overtaking or passing.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that the version about headlights and position lamps is typical for motor vehicles and does not correspond to the direct requirement of the Traffic Rules regarding horse-drawn carts. The option with lanterns placed on both sides sounds logical from the point of view of visibility, but does not match the wording of clause 7.3, which clearly specifies the left side. Therefore, the correct option is the one that simultaneously takes into account both the colors of the lanterns (white in front, red at the rear) and their placement (on the left side), which is exactly what this exam question tests.
Clause 7.3
For movement during hours of darkness and in conditions of insufficient visibility, horse-drawn vehicles must have lanterns turned on: white in the front, red in the rear, installed on the left side of the cart (sled).
Clause 1.10 (term "Hours of darkness")
Hours of darkness — the part of the day from sunset to sunrise.
Clause 1.10 (term "Insufficient visibility")
Insufficient visibility — road visibility in the direction of travel of less than 300 m in twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.
Thus, the correct answer is "Lanterns: white in the front, red in the rear, installed on the left side of the cart (sled)," considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, during hours of darkness and in conditions of insufficient visibility, horse-drawn vehicles must move with the specified lanterns turned on, installed on the left side.
While moving during the hours of darkness (from sunset to sunrise) or in conditions of insufficient visibility (when the road ahead is visible for less than 300 m due to twilight, fog, rain, snowfall, etc.), a horse-drawn cart becomes difficult to notice for other road users. Unlike a car, it does not have standard headlights and rear lights, so drivers behind and oncoming have a harder time judging the distance and dimensions of the cart in time.
That is why clause 7.3 of the Traffic Rules requires that, in such conditions, horse-drawn vehicles must have two colored lanterns turned on: a white one in front and a red one at the rear. This is done according to the general principle of road recognition: white light indicates a vehicle approaching or located ahead in the direction of view, while red light clearly indicates that this is the rear part and the vehicle is moving ahead in the same direction.
A separate important detail in the Traffic Rules requirement is the placement of the lanterns on the left side of the cart (sleigh). The left side is closer to the road's centerline, meaning that oncoming vehicles and overtaking maneuvers most often approach from this side. When the lanterns are installed on the left, it is easier for a car driver to determine where the edge of the cart is relative to the center of the carriageway, and to choose a safe gap when passing or overtaking.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Lanterns: in front – white, at the rear – red, installed on the left side of the cart (sleigh)," since the Traffic Rules (clause 7.3) directly require exactly such lanterns by color and exactly such placement for clear identification of horse-drawn vehicles in darkness and in conditions of insufficient visibility.