9.12. Which warning signals must be activated on a motor vehicle moving with technical malfunctions, if such movement is not prohibited by the Traffic Rules?
UAЯкі попереджувальні сигнали повинні бути увімкнені на механічному транспортному засобі, що рухається з технічними несправностями, якщо такий рух не заборонено Правилами дорожнього руху?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and warning other drivers about potential danger. When a vehicle is moving not in normal mode due to a breakdown, its speed and maneuvers may be atypical and difficult to predict, so the traffic rules require a clear and understandable signal for those around. Such knowledge directly affects safe distance, overtaking, and reducing the risk of accidents, which is important for the theoretical exam.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules about warning signals, in particular the use of hazard warning lights (paragraph 9.9 (c)). This specific subparagraph establishes the obligation to turn on the hazard lights when driving a motor vehicle with technical malfunctions, if such movement is not prohibited by the traffic rules. That is, the focus is not on illuminating the road, but on drawing the attention of other road users to the fact that the car may be moving more slowly or unstably.
The analysis of the answer options according to the logic of the rules is simple: low beam headlights are a means of lighting and marking the vehicle, but do not replace the special warning signal in case of a technical malfunction. Combining hazard lights with low beam is not a requirement in this case under the traffic rules and creates a false impression that additional conditions are needed. Instead, hazard warning lights are directly provided for by the traffic rules as a mandatory warning signal in such a situation; and if it is impossible to turn them on due to a malfunction, then an alternative is used according to paragraph 9.10 (an emergency stop sign or a flashing red light).
Clause 9.9 (c)
The hazard warning lights must be switched on: “...v) on a motor vehicle moving with technical malfunctions, if such movement is not prohibited by these Rules...”
This subclause directly establishes the obligation to turn on the hazard warning lights when driving a vehicle with technical malfunctions, provided that such movement is not prohibited by the Traffic Rules.
Clause 9.10
“If the hazard warning lights are absent or malfunctioning, or if it is impossible to switch them on, a warning triangle or a flashing red light must be used in accordance with the requirements of these Rules.”
This clause is supplementary to 9.9 and defines alternative warning means if the hazard warning lights cannot be switched on due to technical reasons.
Thus, the correct answer is “Hazard warning lights,” given that according to the definition in Clause 9.9 (c) of the Traffic Rules, it is directly required to switch on the hazard warning lights on a motor vehicle moving with technical malfunctions, if such movement is not prohibited by the Rules.
When a car has a technical malfunction, but it is not one of those for which driving is prohibited by the Rules, the driver still creates a potentially dangerous situation for others. The vehicle may move more slowly, unevenly, with limited controllability, or with other signs that are difficult for drivers behind to anticipate.
That is why the Traffic Rules in clause 9.9 (c) require in such cases to turn on the hazard warning lights. Their purpose here is simple: to warn other road users in advance that the vehicle is not operating in normal mode, and they should be more attentive, increase their following distance, and be more cautious when overtaking or changing lanes.
For example, if you have a malfunction that allows the car to drive only to a parking or repair location and you are forced to move slowly, the hazard warning lights immediately explain to others the reason for the car's unusual behavior. This reduces the risk of sudden maneuvers by other drivers and the likelihood of an accident.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Hazard warning lights," because when driving with a technical malfunction, if driving is not prohibited by the Traffic Rules, clause 9.9 (c) requires turning on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.