9.18. What must be done during a forced stop if the hazard warning lights are absent or malfunctioning?
UAЩо необхідно виконати під час вимушеної зупинки, якщо аварійна світлова сигналізація відсутня або несправна?
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This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety during a forced stop, when a vehicle becomes a potential obstacle for others. In such situations, the main task of the driver is to warn other road users in advance and clearly, especially in areas with poor visibility, to reduce the risk of collision and secondary accidents.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding external lighting devices and hazard warning signals, specifically the requirements of clause 9.11(b) in conjunction with clause 9.10. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand: if the hazard warning lights are absent or malfunctioning, their warning function must be replaced by one of the marking devices—either a warning triangle or a flashing red light. That is, the rule does not require both at the same time, but obliges the driver to perform at least one of these actions depending on the available equipment.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to a simple principle: the warning triangle is a correct solution, as is the flashing red light, but each of them on its own is an alternative, not a mandatory pair. That is why the correct answer is a combined option that reflects the traffic rules: the driver must choose one of the two permitted ways to mark a forced stop and place it so that the warning is visible from the side with poorer visibility; in practice, this also means observing the safe placement distance provided for in clause 9.10.
Clause 9.11 (External lighting devices. Hazard warning lights — actions in case of their absence or malfunction)
“If the vehicle is not equipped with hazard warning lights or they are malfunctioning, a warning triangle or a flashing red lantern must be placed: a) at the rear of the vehicle specified in clause 9.9 (“v”, “h”, “g”) of these Rules; b) on the side with poorer visibility for other road users in the case specified in subparagraph “b” of clause 9.10 of these Rules.”
This clause directly tests the driver’s knowledge of the obligation during a forced stop in the absence/malfunction of hazard warning lights: it is necessary to use one of the means of marking — a warning triangle or a flashing red lantern (that is, to perform one of the two actions given in answer options 1 and 2).
Clause 9.10 (External lighting devices. Placement of the warning triangle/lantern and cases of use)
“Together with switching on the hazard warning lights, a warning triangle or a flashing red lantern must be placed at a distance that ensures road safety, but not closer than 20 m to the vehicle in populated areas and 40 m outside them, in the event of: a) a road traffic accident; b) a forced stop in places with limited road visibility in at least one direction of less than 100 m.”
This clause is related (referential) to clause 9.11 (in particular to subparagraph “b”), and explains the context of a forced stop and that the triangle/lantern is used to mark the vehicle (including in places with limited visibility).
That is, the correct answer is “Perform one of the actions indicated in answers 1 and 2,” given that according to the requirements of clause 9.11 of the Traffic Rules, in the absence or malfunction of hazard warning lights, the vehicle is marked by placing a warning triangle or a flashing red lantern.
During a forced stop, other road users must be able to understand in advance that your car is not just "parked for no reason," but is creating a potential hazard. Usually, the hazard warning lights are switched on for this purpose. However, if they are absent or malfunctioning, the rules provide for another way to mark the vehicle.
According to clause 9.11 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in such a situation, the driver must use one of two warning devices: set up an emergency stop sign or use a flashing red lantern. The main purpose of these devices is the same: to clearly warn other drivers about an obstacle on the road.
It is also important to position this device correctly. If the forced stop occurred in a place where visibility for other road users is worse (for example, before a turn, on an ascent, near any section where visibility is less than 100 m in at least one direction), the sign or lantern should be placed on the side with poorer visibility so that the warning appears to others in advance. In practical terms, this means: place the sign (or lantern) so that a driver approaching from the "dangerous" side notices it before seeing the vehicle itself.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Perform one of the actions specified in answers 1 and 2," since according to clause 9.11 (b) of the Traffic Rules, if the hazard warning lights are absent or malfunctioning, the driver is required to mark the forced stop by setting up an emergency stop sign or a flashing red lantern.