16.1.19. Must the driver of a car, when turning right at an intersection, yield to a cyclist who is moving straight ahead in the same direction?
UAЧи повинен водій автомобіля, повертаючи праворуч на перехресті, дати дорогу велосипедистові, який рухається прямо в попутному напрямку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests one of the most important safety principles: the interaction of the driver with vulnerable road users during a maneuver. Turning at an intersection often leads to crossing paths, so the traffic rules require the driver not only to pay attention to the traffic light signal, but also to monitor the situation on the right, including the "blind spots," in order not to endanger a cyclist who continues to move straight ahead.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the section on passing intersections in the traffic rules and checks knowledge of the requirements of clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules. The rule applies to both regulated and unregulated intersections: when turning, the driver is obliged to yield to cyclists moving straight in the same direction, that is, not to force them to change speed or direction (the definition of "yield" is explained in clause 1.10). That is why, in the format of the theoretical exam, it is important to understand: a permissive traffic light signal does not cancel the obligation to yield to the one whose path you are crossing.
The analysis of the answer options shows typical pitfalls. The statement about the obligation only in the presence of a bicycle lane is incorrect, because clause 16.2 does not tie the right of way to infrastructure: a cyclist may be riding either on a bike lane or on the right edge of the roadway. The option "not obliged" is also incorrect, since when turning, the car crosses the path of the cyclist moving straight, and it is the driver performing the maneuver who must yield. In practice, this means: before turning, you should take the correct position, check the right side, and perform the maneuver only after making sure that the cyclist has passed and you will not create an obstacle for them.
Clause 16.2
At regulated and unregulated intersections, the driver, when turning right or left, must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which he is turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.
Clause 1.10 (the term “Yield (do not obstruct)”)
Yield (do not obstruct) — a requirement for a road user not to start, resume, or continue movement, nor to perform any maneuvers, if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change their direction or speed.
Clause 16.1
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic signals or a traffic controller is considered regulated. At such an intersection, priority signs do not apply. If the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated, and drivers must follow the rules for unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.
Thus, the correct answer is “Must always yield,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the driver, when turning at an intersection, is obliged to yield to a cyclist moving straight in the same direction (clause 16.2), i.e., not to create any obstacles for their movement (the term “yield” from clause 1.10).
When a driver approaches an intersection and plans to turn right, they must assess not only the traffic light signals but also the trajectories of other road users moving in the same direction. Even if the traffic light allows the car to proceed, the very act of turning creates a crossing of paths with those who continue to go straight.
The rule here is unambiguous. According to clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a driver who turns right or left is required to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction. That is, a cyclist riding straight alongside or in the bicycle lane in the same direction has the right of way because they are not changing direction, while the car, by turning, crosses their path.
In practice, this looks like the following: a cyclist is moving straight along the right edge or in the bicycle lane, and a car from the right lane begins to turn right. If the driver makes the turn without yielding, they essentially “cut off” the cyclist, force them to brake, or create a dangerous situation. That is why the requirement to “yield” always applies, regardless of whether the intersection is regulated or not, and regardless of whether there is a separate bicycle lane.
To properly comply with the Traffic Rules, the driver should check the right side and the “blind spots” of the mirrors before turning, and only make the turn after making sure that the cyclist moving straight has been yielded to and their trajectory will not be crossed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Must always," since when turning right, according to clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules, the driver is required to yield to a cyclist moving straight in the same direction, as the car crosses their path.