11.5. Does the driver have the right in this situation to make a left turn from the tramway track of the same direction?
UAЧи має право водій у даній ситуації виконати поворот ліворуч із трамвайної колії попутного напрямку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks the driver's attentiveness when passing intersections and the correct choice of lane before performing a maneuver. Such situations are directly related to road safety, as entering tram tracks and incorrect positioning of the vehicle before turning can create a conflict with the tram and lead to an emergency situation.
In terms of content, it relates to the topic of traffic rules regarding the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway and the use of tram tracks (the section on traffic lanes and tram tracks, in particular clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules). Clause 11.8 allows movement on tram tracks in the same direction only if it is not prohibited by signs or markings and does not interfere with the tram. However, turning left from such tracks is allowed only when a different procedure is not established by signs 5.16, 5.18, or marking 1.18. In this situation, the order of movement in the lanes is set by sign 5.16 (and usually confirmed by directional arrows 1.18), so the maneuver must be performed from the carriageway lane, not from the tram track.
The analysis of the options in the theoretical exam boils down to the key exception from clause 11.8: the statement that turning left "must" be done from tram tracks would only be correct in the absence of signs/markings that determine lane movement. When the directions of movement in the lanes are regulated by sign 5.16, the driver is required to occupy the appropriate lane in advance and not use the tram tracks for such a turn, so as not to violate the Traffic Rules and not create an obstacle for rail transport.
Clause 11.8
Tram tracks in the same direction, located at the same level as the carriageway, may be used for the movement of non-rail vehicles provided that this is not prohibited by road signs or road markings and if it does not create obstacles to the movement of the tram. Left turns or U-turns must be made from the same-direction tram tracks located at the same level as the carriageway, unless a different procedure is established by road signs 5.16, 5.18, or road marking 1.18.
Explanation of application: in the task, the procedure for movement before the intersection (from which lane a left turn is allowed) is determined by sign 5.16 and/or marking 1.18, therefore the exception from clause 11.8 applies — the turn should be made from the carriageway lane, not from the tram track.
Clause 11.9
It is prohibited to enter tram tracks of the opposite direction.
Explanation of application: the rule emphasizes the special regime of tram tracks and additionally restricts maneuvering near them (including during turns/U-turns).
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and direction signs", sign 5.16 "Lane direction indicators"
Sign 5.16 "Lane direction indicators" shows the permitted directions of movement for each lane (including at intersections) and obliges drivers to move in the directions indicated on the sign only.
Explanation of application: if sign 5.16 specifies that a left turn is to be made from the left lane of the carriageway, the driver does not have the right to enter the same-direction tram tracks for this purpose.
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.18
Marking 1.18 (directional arrows) indicates the permitted directions of movement in the lanes at or before an intersection and obliges the maneuver to be performed according to the arrows applied.
Explanation of application: the presence of 1.18 establishes the mandatory distribution of directions by lanes, which also means that the left turn is to be made from the designated carriageway lane, not from the tram track.
Thus, the correct answer is "Not allowed.", given that according to the Traffic Rules (clause 11.8), a left turn from same-direction tram tracks is permitted only when no other procedure is established, and in this situation, the maneuver procedure is determined by sign 5.16 and/or marking 1.18.
In this situation, it is important to correctly determine from where the driver must make a left turn. There are two lanes in the direction of travel, and the lane usage at the intersection is specified by the informational sign 5.16 (and may also be duplicated by arrow markings). This means the driver is required to occupy in advance the specific lane from which a left turn is permitted and to perform the maneuver according to the sign's instructions.
Clause 11.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine allows non-rail vehicles to use same-direction tram tracks that are level with the roadway only under certain conditions and only when it is not prohibited by signs or markings. This clause separately establishes the rule for left turns: a left turn may be made from same-direction tram tracks only when a different order of movement is not specified by road signs 5.16, 5.18, or marking 1.18.
In our case, a different order is indeed specified by sign 5.16: it distributes the directions of movement by lanes and effectively “ties” the left turn to the corresponding lane of the roadway. Therefore, entering the tram tracks to make a left turn contradicts the requirements of clause 11.8, even if the tracks are level with the roadway. Moreover, such a maneuver potentially creates an obstacle for the tram, which is also unacceptable.
Thus, the correct answer is "Not allowed," since the procedure for making a left turn in this situation is determined by sign 5.16, and according to clause 11.8, when such a sign is present, making a left turn from the same-direction tram tracks is not permitted.