11.3. Along which trajectory is the driver allowed to make a left turn?
UAПо якій траєкторії водієві дозволено виконати поворот ліворуч?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to safely perform a left turn maneuver at an intersection where tram tracks are present. Such situations often occur in cities, and a mistake in choosing the trajectory can lead to a conflict with a tram, entering the oncoming lane, or causing a traffic jam, so the topic is directly related to road safety.
According to the content of the question, this refers to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and the use of tram tracks (paragraph 11.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine). The key rule for the theoretical exam: if tram tracks are located in the middle of the carriageway at the same level and there are no signs 5.16, 5.18, or marking 1.18 establishing a different order, the left turn (and U-turn) must be made precisely from the tram tracks in the same direction, without obstructing the movement of the tram.
The correct trajectory in such a scheme corresponds to the requirement of 11.8: the driver occupies the tram track in the same direction and performs the maneuver from there, without entering the oncoming tram tracks. The option that involves entering the oncoming tram track is a violation (this is additionally prohibited by paragraph 11.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine). And attempting to turn from a more rightward position on the carriageway, when there is no other order established by signs or markings, contradicts the logic of 11.8 and in practice often blocks those going straight or turning right, reducing the intersection's capacity.
Clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
On roads with tram tracks located in the middle of the carriageway at the same level with it, the movement of non-rail vehicles is allowed on tram tracks in the same direction provided that all lanes of the carriageway intended for movement in this direction are occupied, and if it is not prohibited by road signs or road markings and does not create obstacles for the movement of the tram. Left turns or U-turns must be made from the tram tracks in the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway, unless a different order of movement is specified by road signs 5.16, 5.18 or marking 1.18.
Explanation of application: in the situation described in the question, in the absence of signs/markings establishing a different order, the driver is required to make a left turn precisely from the tram tracks in the same direction (trajectory B), without creating obstacles for the tram.
Clause 11.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
It is prohibited to drive onto tram tracks of the opposite direction.
Explanation of application: trajectory A involves driving onto the opposite-direction tram tracks, which is directly prohibited by this clause.
Thus, the correct answer is "Along trajectory B.", considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a left turn in the absence of another order established by signs/markings must be made from the tram tracks in the same direction (clause 11.8), and driving onto the opposite-direction tram tracks is prohibited (clause 11.9).
In this situation, there are tram tracks on the roadway, located at the same level as the road. There are no signs or markings before the intersection that would determine the directions of movement by lanes or establish a different procedure for making the turn.
According to clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, if same-direction tram tracks are located at the same level as the roadway and there is no other traffic procedure established by signs or markings, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must make a left turn (or U-turn) specifically from these same-direction tram tracks. That is, before turning, the driver takes a position on the same-direction tram track and performs the maneuver from there.
Trajectory A is incorrect because it actually involves entering the oncoming tram tracks, which is prohibited. In addition, turning "not from the track" when it is available and the traffic procedure is not defined by signs or markings contradicts the requirements of clause 11.8.
Trajectory B complies with the rule: the car uses the same-direction tram tracks as a place to prepare for the left turn and performs the maneuver without entering the oncoming tracks. At the same time, the driver is required to act in such a way as not to create an obstacle for the movement of the tram.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Along trajectory B," since a left turn in the absence of signs and markings should be made from the same-direction tram tracks located at the same level as the roadway, without entering the oncoming tracks.