10.54. Which rule should drivers of vehicles follow if their paths intersect and the priority of passage is not specified by the Rules?
UAЯким правилом повинні керуватися водії транспортних засобів, якщо траєкторії їхнього руху перетинаються, а черговість проїзду не обумовлена Правилами?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks the basic principle of safe interaction between drivers in situations where their paths intersect, but priority is not determined by a traffic light, traffic controller, signs, or road markings. Such scenarios often occur at intersections of equal status, in courtyards, parking lots, near gas stations, and other adjacent areas, and it is the correct understanding of the order of passage that reduces the risk of conflict and accidents both in the theoretical exam and in real traffic.
In terms of content, this question relates to the section of the traffic rules regarding maneuvering and mutual passing, and specifically relies on point 10.11 of the Traffic Rules, which establishes the "obstacle on the right" rule. If the order of passage is not specified by the Rules, the driver is obliged to yield to the vehicle approaching the intersection point from the right. At the same time, the term "yield" is explained in point 1.10: not to start or continue a maneuver if it would force the one who has priority to change speed or direction.
The analysis of the answer options in this exam question shows a typical trap: statements about the advantage of "the one going straight" or "straight or to the right" sound logical, but are not a universal rule when the order is not established by any means of traffic organization. In such cases, the right-hand priority rule applies, so the correct answer is the one that indicates the obligation to yield to the driver approaching from the right. In practice, this means: before entering a possible intersection point, check the right side and do not try to "rush through"—in such situations, the Traffic Rules of Ukraine clearly give priority to the one on the right.
Clause 10.11
If the trajectories of vehicles intersect and the order of passage is not specified by these Rules, the driver to whom a vehicle is approaching from the right must yield.
Clause 1.10 (the term "Yield (do not create an obstacle)")
Yield (do not create an obstacle) — a requirement for a road user not to start, resume, or continue movement, or perform any maneuver, if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change the direction or speed of movement.
Thus, the correct answer is: "The driver to whom a vehicle is approaching from the right must yield," considering that clause 10.11 directly establishes the rule for passage when trajectories intersect without a priority defined by the Rules (priority is given to the one approaching from the right), and the meaning of the requirement "yield" is explained in clause 1.10.
In a traffic situation, it can happen that two vehicles are moving towards each other or at an angle and their paths intersect, but there is no traffic light, no traffic controller, no priority signs, no road markings, and there is also no other direct instruction in the Rules as to who should go first. It is precisely for such cases that the Traffic Rules provide a general rule to avoid disputes and dangerous simultaneous maneuvers.
Clause 10.11 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes the “obstacle on the right” principle: if the order of passage is not determined by other regulations, priority is given to the driver approaching from your right. That is, when you assess the situation, you need to see if there is a vehicle approaching the intersection point from your right side. If so, you must yield, even if you think you can "make it in time."
This rule often applies at unregulated intersections without signs, as well as in adjacent areas: in courtyards, parking lots, near gas stations, and on lots where the directions of travel are clear but priority is not indicated anywhere. For example, if you are exiting between rows in a parking lot and another car approaches the same point from your right, you must yield to it because it is "on your right."
Therefore, the correct answer is: "The driver to whom a vehicle is approaching from the right must yield," since according to clause 10.11 of the Traffic Rules, in the case of intersecting paths without a defined order, the “obstacle on the right” rule applies.