16.1.21. Is the driver of the red car allowed to enter the intersection on a flashing green traffic light signal if there is a traffic jam beyond the intersection and he will have to stop within the intersection?
UAЧи дозволено водієві червоного автомобіля виїхати на перехрестя на зелений миготливий сигнал світлофора, якщо за перехрестям утворився затор і йому буде потрібно зупинитися на перехресті?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of intersections and a common driver mistake in traffic jams: “do not block the intersection,” even when the traffic light gives a permissive signal. Such situations directly affect road capacity and safety, as a vehicle stopped in the intersection area obstructs the cross flow of traffic and may block pedestrian crossings.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding intersection passage (clause 16.4) in combination with understanding the meaning of traffic light signals (clause 8.7.3 "v"). The green flashing light does indeed permit movement and only warns of an imminent signal change, but it does not override general prohibitions. The key condition here is not the color of the signal, but the presence of a traffic jam beyond the intersection: if the driver cannot fully pass the intersection and will be forced to stop on it, they must not enter, as this will create an obstacle for other road users.
The analysis of the options for the theoretical exam is straightforward: the statement about the prohibition of entering is correct, since clause 16.4 directly prohibits entering any intersection even on a permissive signal when a traffic jam will force you to stop in the intersection. In contrast, the argument “the green flashing light does not prohibit movement” is incomplete: it ignores the driver’s obligation to assess whether there is free space beyond the intersection and not to allow blocking the crossing of roads.
In practice, this rule means: before the stop line or traffic light, you must wait until there is enough space beyond the intersection for uninterrupted passage. This is how the correct driving habits are formed, which this exam question checks, and which help avoid “locked” traffic jams and conflicts at intersections.
Clause 16.4
It is prohibited to enter any intersection, including when the traffic light signal permits movement, if there is a traffic jam that will force the driver to stop at the intersection, thereby creating an obstacle for other vehicles and pedestrians.
In this situation, even despite the flashing green signal, the driver does not have the right to enter the intersection if there is a traffic jam beyond it and stopping at the intersection will be unavoidable.
Clause 8.7.3 (subclause "v")
Traffic light signals have the following meanings: v) a flashing green permits movement, but informs that a prohibiting signal will soon be activated. To inform drivers of the time (in seconds) remaining until the end of the green signal, digital displays may be used.
This clause confirms that a flashing green by itself permits movement, but applies together with general restrictions, in particular the prohibition from clause 16.4 regarding entering an intersection during a traffic jam.
That is, the correct answer is "Entering the intersection is prohibited," given that by the definition of the Traffic Rules, even with a permissive (including flashing green) traffic light signal, it is prohibited to enter the intersection if a traffic jam will force you to stop on it and create an obstacle for other road users.
The green flashing traffic light generally allows movement, but it warns the driver that the green will soon change to a prohibitive signal. That is, it is not “extra time to pass at any cost,” but a signal that requires assessing the situation and making a safe decision.
Next, it is necessary to consider the condition of the problem: there is a traffic jam beyond the intersection, and the driver of the red car will have to stop right at the intersection. Such behavior is the main problem, because a car stopped at the intersection blocks the paths of other road users: vehicles moving in the cross direction and pedestrians at crosswalks.
Clause 16.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly establishes a prohibition: it is not allowed to enter any intersection even when the traffic light allows movement, if due to congestion the driver will be forced to stop at the intersection and thereby create an obstacle for others. That is, in this situation, the traffic light’s permission does not cancel the obligation not to “block” the intersection.
Practically, this means the following: if you see that there is no free space beyond the intersection where your car can fully enter and continue moving, you must stop before the stop line or before the traffic light and wait until the traffic jam clears. Only after that can you enter the intersection, so as not to remain standing on it.
Therefore, the correct answer is “It is prohibited to enter the intersection,” because according to clause 16.4 of the Traffic Rules, you cannot enter the intersection even on a permissive signal if congestion will force you to stop at the intersection and create an obstacle for others.