9.55. Is it always required to switch on dipped headlights when driving in a tunnel?
UAЧи завжди під час руху в тунелі потрібно вмикати ближнє світло фар?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety when driving in conditions of sudden changes in lighting and visibility. Tunnels create specific risks: the “tunnel effect,” contrast between the entrance and the interior, difficulty for the driver’s eyes to quickly adapt, and reduced visibility of vehicles. That is why the traffic rules specifically regulate the use of lighting devices in such places, regardless of whether the driver thinks “it’s bright enough anyway.”
The question tests knowledge of Section 9 “Warning Signals,” in particular item 9.8 (f) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, which directly establishes the obligation to drive in a tunnel with dipped headlights on. In the context of the theoretical exam, it is important to remember that this is not a recommendation and does not depend on the time of day or the presence of artificial lighting: the very fact of driving in a tunnel is the reason for turning on the dipped headlights.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to a simple rule: any statement about the possibility of not turning on the lights if there is lighting in the tunnel is incorrect, as it contradicts the direct provision of item 9.8 (f). The correct approach for a driver in practice and on the exam: when approaching a tunnel (often marked with sign 1.9), turn on the dipped headlights in advance and do not turn them off until fully exiting, so that the car is more visible to other road users and to reduce risks due to changes in lighting.
Clause 9.8 f) (Section 9 "Warning signals")
When driving motor vehicles during daylight hours for the purpose of indicating a moving vehicle, the low beam headlights must be turned on: … d) in tunnels.
Application: the requirement applies specifically when driving in a tunnel and does not depend on the presence or absence of artificial lighting in the tunnel (that is, the low beam headlights must be turned on every time when driving in a tunnel).
Therefore, the correct answer is "The headlights are always turned on," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, when driving a motor vehicle in a tunnel, the low beam headlights must be turned on.
When driving in a tunnel, dipped headlights must always be turned on. This is a specific requirement of the Rules, which does not depend on the time of day or whether the tunnel has artificial lighting.
Clause 9.8 (f) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly states that when driving mechanical vehicles, dipped headlights must be turned on in tunnels. That is, the very fact of entering and driving in a tunnel is grounds for the mandatory use of dipped headlights.
The logic behind this requirement is related to safety: in a tunnel, the driver encounters a sudden change in lighting, and vision does not always adapt quickly. Even if the tunnel is lit, the contrast between the entrance, the interior, and the exit can impair the perception of the road situation. Turning on dipped headlights makes the vehicle more visible to other road users and reduces the risk of dangerous situations in such conditions.
In practice, this means the following: when approaching a tunnel (usually indicated by road sign 1.9), the driver turns on the dipped headlights in advance and does not turn them off until fully exiting the tunnel, regardless of whether it is light or dark inside.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The lights are always turned on," since clause 9.8 (f) of the Traffic Rules directly requires turning on dipped headlights in tunnels regardless of the presence of lighting.