16.1.13. What must the driver of the black car, who intends to go straight, do if he sees a vehicle with the right turn signal on in the rear-view mirror?
UAЩо повинен зробити водій чорного автомобіля, який має намір їхати прямо, якщо в дзеркалі заднього виду він побачив транспортний засіб з увімкненим правим поворотом?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe passage through controlled intersections and the correct response to traffic lights with an additional section. Such situations are important not only for the theoretical exam but also for real-world driving, as mistakes in lane selection or misunderstanding the meaning of the green arrow can lead to traffic jams and conflicts between drivers.
The question tests knowledge of Section 8 "Traffic Regulation" (clause 8.7.3 on the meaning of traffic light signals) and Section 16 "Passing Intersections" (clause 16.10). The logic is as follows: the main prohibitive signal does not allow driving straight, but the green arrow in the additional section allows movement only in the indicated direction. If the driver is in the turn lane and stopping at the prohibitive signal creates an obstacle for the car behind (which is visible by the activated right turn signal), the traffic rules require not to block the lane, but to continue moving in the direction permitted by the additional section.
In the option where it is suggested to wait for the main green signal, the requirement of clause 16.10 is ignored: such a stop actually blocks the legal right turn for the vehicle behind. The option to move according to the arrow of the additional section corresponds both to the meaning of the traffic light signals and the obligation not to create an obstacle in the turn lane. Changing lanes to the left during this traffic light phase is not a "rule-compliant solution" for this moment: it does not replace the requirement to follow the permitted direction when stopping blocks others, and moreover, it can be dangerous and impossible without violations.
Clause 8.7.3 (Section 8 "Traffic Regulation", meaning of traffic light signals)
"Traffic light signals have the following meanings: ... e) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two flashing red signals prohibit movement. A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in an additional section together with a yellow or red traffic light signal informs the driver that movement is allowed in the indicated direction provided that vehicles moving from other directions are given way."
(Application: when the main red signal is on, movement straight ahead is prohibited, but if a green arrow is lit in the additional section, movement is allowed only in the direction of this arrow, provided that priority is given to those moving from other directions on a permitted signal.)
Clause 16.10 (Section 16 "Passing Intersections")
"At an intersection where traffic is regulated by a traffic light with an additional section, a driver who is in a lane from which a turn is made must continue moving in the direction indicated by the arrow lit in the additional section if stopping at the prohibiting traffic light signal would create an obstacle for vehicles moving behind him in the same lane."
(Application: if the driver of the black car is in a lane from which a right turn is made, and a vehicle with the right turn indicator on appears behind, then stopping "at red" would create an obstacle — therefore, the driver is obliged to continue moving in the direction of the green arrow in the additional section.)
Thus, the correct answer is "Continue moving in the direction indicated by the arrow lit in the additional section," considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a green arrow in the additional section with the main red signal allows movement only in the indicated direction, and clause 16.10 obliges the driver in the turning lane not to stop if this creates an obstacle for vehicles behind in the same lane.
Let us imagine a situation at an intersection with a traffic light that has an additional section with a green arrow. The main signal for your lane currently prohibits movement, meaning you are not allowed to go straight. At the same time, the green arrow in the additional section permits movement only in the direction it indicates (in this case, to the right), but only if you do not create obstacles for other road users who have the right of way.
You, in the black car, planned to go straight, but in the rearview mirror you see a vehicle behind you with its right turn signal on. This means that the driver behind you is lawfully waiting to take advantage of the permission given by the additional section and turn right. If you stop at the prohibiting signal and wait for the green light to go straight, you will actually block their opportunity to make the permitted turn and create an obstacle in this very lane.
It is precisely for such cases that clause 16.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes the requirement: if a driver is in a lane from which a turn is made, and stopping at the prohibiting signal would hinder vehicles behind, they must continue moving in the direction indicated by the arrow in the additional section. That is, even if you made a mistake in choosing the lane and wanted to go straight, your stopping now will create an obstacle for those behind you who intend to turn right.
In practice, this means: turn on your right turn signal, make sure the maneuver is safe, and make a right turn in the direction permitted by the additional section, without blocking the cars behind you.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Continue moving in the direction indicated by the arrow illuminated in the additional section," because stopping at the prohibiting signal in this lane will create an obstacle for the car behind, which has the right to turn right on the green arrow, and clause 16.10 obliges you not to block such movement.