9.45. Is it always permitted to use the audible warning device to attract the attention of the driver of the vehicle being overtaken on roads outside populated areas?
UAЧи завжди для привертання уваги водія транспортного засобу, якого обганяють, дозволене подавання звукового сигналу на дорогах за межами населеного пункту?
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This is a driving exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning road safety during overtaking and the correct use of warning signals. In real situations, a sound signal can help attract the attention of another driver, but improper use of the horn creates unnecessary noise and may violate established restrictions. That is why theoretical exams often include situations where it is necessary to distinguish between "allowed as a general rule" and "prohibited on a specific section of the road."
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules about warning signals (paragraph 9.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) and understanding the priority of prohibitory road signs, in particular sign 3.33 "Sound signal prohibited." According to paragraph 9.6, outside populated areas, a driver may use a sound signal when overtaking, but this is not an unconditional right: in the area of sign 3.33, the signal may not be used, except in cases where it is impossible to prevent an accident without it.
The analysis of the options in this exam question is straightforward: the statement that the sound signal is always allowed is incorrect, as it ignores the special prohibition established by the road sign. Instead, the option with a warning about the presence of the "Sound signal prohibited" sign complies with the requirements of the Traffic Rules: the general rule about the possibility of using the signal outside populated areas applies only when there are no specific restrictions introduced by signs on that section of the road.
Clause 9.6
To attract the attention of the driver of the vehicle being overtaken, the driver may give a warning signal by flashing the headlights, and outside populated areas — also by using the horn.
Explanation: this clause allows the use of the horn specifically as a warning during overtaking outside populated areas, but only in the absence of prohibitions established by road signs.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.33 "Use of Horn Prohibited"
It is prohibited to use the horn, except in cases where it is impossible to prevent a traffic accident without it.
Explanation: within the area of sign 3.33, the use of the horn (including to attract attention during overtaking) is prohibited, except in cases of preventing an accident.
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited if the sign 'Use of Horn Prohibited' is installed.", given that according to the traffic rules, the horn is allowed outside populated areas to attract attention during overtaking (clause 9.6), but may be prohibited by sign 3.33 (with the exception for accident prevention).
During overtaking, it is sometimes necessary to make the driver of the vehicle being overtaken aware of your intention. The Traffic Rules provide for warning signals: in particular, according to clause 9.6, you may attract attention by flashing your headlights, and outside populated areas, it is additionally permitted to use the horn.
But it is important to remember that the permission “outside populated areas” does not mean “always and everywhere.” On certain sections of the road, a special prohibition may apply, which takes priority. If road sign 3.33 “Use of sound signals prohibited” is installed, the driver must refrain from using the horn even if they only want to warn about overtaking. Such signs are often placed near locations where silence is required (for example, medical facilities or recreation areas), and that is why the restriction applies to any “ordinary” attention-getting.
Practical example: you are driving on a highway outside a populated area and plan to overtake a truck. Before the 3.33 sign, you may, if necessary, give a short sound signal to attract attention. But if, while driving, you enter the zone of the 3.33 sign, then giving a sound signal “for overtaking” is no longer allowed, and you must limit yourself to other legal ways of assessing safety and performing the maneuver.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Prohibited if the ‘Use of sound signals prohibited’ sign is installed,” since clause 9.6 allows the use of the horn outside populated areas only in the absence of a special prohibition, and sign 3.33 directly prohibits its use on the relevant section of the road.