11.4. Is the driver allowed in this situation to make a left turn from the tram track of the same direction?
UAЧи дозволено водію у даній ситуації виконати поворот ліворуч із трамвайної колії попутного напрямку?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe and predictable execution of maneuvers at intersections when there are tram tracks on the roadway. Such situations often cause confusion among drivers, as it is important to distinguish: you may cross tram tracks while turning, but using them as a 'lane' to begin a maneuver is not always permitted. Correct interpretation of the traffic rules reduces the risk of conflicts with trams and accidents.
The question tests knowledge of the section on the positioning of vehicles on the roadway and the rules for making a left turn/U-turn, in particular the requirements of clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules. The general rule of this clause does indeed allow a left turn from a same-direction tram track (if it is level with the roadway), but only if no other order of movement is established by signs 5.16, 5.18, or marking 1.18. In the given situation, the order of movement in the lanes is determined specifically by marking 1.18, so the driver is required to make the maneuver from the lane that the marking allows for a left turn, not from the tram track.
Therefore, the statement that the turn must be made from the tram track is incorrect: it ignores the priority of the 'other order of movement' set by marking 1.18. The correct conclusion for both the theoretical exam and real practice is as follows: entering the same-direction tram track to make a turn contrary to the marking is prohibited, and in this situation, the tracks may only be crossed during a turn made from the correct lane.
Clause 11.8
“A left turn or U-turn must be made from the tram track of the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway for non-rail vehicles, unless a different procedure is specified by road signs 5.16 'Lane directions', 5.18 'Direction of movement by lane', or marking 1.18.”
Brief application: in this situation, a “different procedure” is set by marking 1.18, so the left turn must be made not from the tram track, but from the lane designated by the marking; entering the tram track to make a turn contrary to this procedure is prohibited.
Clause 34.1 — 34 “Road markings”, 1 “Horizontal markings”, marking 1.18
“Marking 1.18 indicates the permitted directions of movement by lanes at an intersection. It is used independently or in combination with signs 5.16 'Lane directions', 5.18 'Direction of movement by lane'. A marking with a dead-end symbol is applied to indicate that a turn onto the nearest carriageway is prohibited. Marking that allows a left turn from the far-left lane also allows a U-turn.”
Brief application: marking 1.18 establishes a mandatory distribution of directions by lanes before the intersection, so the driver must make a left turn from the lane permitted by the marking, not from the tram track.
Thus, the correct answer is “Prohibited.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a different procedure for making a turn (according to marking 1.18) takes precedence over the rule to make a turn from the tram track of the same direction (clause 11.8).
In this situation, it is important first to determine from where exactly the driver is allowed to make a left turn when there are same-direction tram tracks on the road.
Clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules establishes a general rule: usually, a left turn or U-turn is made from the same-direction tram track if it is at the same level as the roadway. However, this rule applies only when a different order of movement is not established by lane direction road signs or road markings.
In the image, marking 1.18 is applied before the intersection, indicating the permitted directions of movement for each lane. That is, it directly determines from which lane the driver must make a left turn. In such a case, the driver is required to follow the marking: to occupy in advance the lane from which a left turn is allowed and to perform the maneuver from that lane.
Therefore, entering the same-direction tram tracks specifically to make a left turn is not allowed in this situation. The tracks may only be crossed during the turn from the correct lane, but not used as a place to begin the maneuver, because the order of movement has already been established by marking 1.18.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since at the intersection, the directions of movement by lanes are determined by marking 1.18, and according to clause 11.8, turning from the tram track is allowed only when such an order is not established by signs or markings.