16.1.22. How is the driver of the black car required to act when the green traffic signal is on?
UAЯк зобов'язаний вчинити водій чорного автомобіля, для якого ввімкнувся зелений сигнал світлофора?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks the understanding of safe passage through regulated intersections and the correct response to changing traffic light signals. In real traffic, a green signal does not always mean you can immediately start moving without conditions: at intersections, there are often vehicles and pedestrians who are legally finishing their maneuver or crossing. The ability not to obstruct them is key to avoiding accidents and typical mistakes on the theoretical exam.
The question relates to Section 16 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, "Passing Intersections," specifically the requirement of clause 16.5: when a permissive traffic light signal is on, the driver must yield to vehicles finishing their movement through the intersection, as well as to pedestrians completing their crossing. That is, even with a green light (clause 8.7.3), the driver must not start moving in a way that forces other participants already within the intersection to stop or change speed or direction (the definition of "yield" from clause 1.10). Priority signs are not taken into account here, since this is a regulated intersection (clause 16.1).
The analysis of the answer options comes down to one principle: yield to everyone who is completing an already started movement. The option "only the purple car" is incorrect, because a pedestrian may also be finishing a crossing started on a permissive signal, and must also be yielded to under clause 16.5. The option "only the pedestrian" is incorrect for the same reason: a vehicle already in the intersection and completing a maneuver has priority to finish passing. Therefore, the correct logic for the theoretical exam according to the traffic rules: yield to both the car and the pedestrian, and only then continue moving on your green signal.
Clause 16.5 (Section 16 "Passing Intersections")
In the event that a signal is given by a traffic controller or a traffic light signal permitting movement is activated, the driver must yield to vehicles completing their movement through the intersection, as well as to pedestrians finishing their crossing.
Application: even if the green signal is on for the black car, it does not have the right to start moving in a way that would impede the purple car and pedestrians who are already finishing their passage/crossing through the intersection.
Clause 16.1 (Section 16 "Passing Intersections")
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light 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 appropriate road signs installed at the intersection.
Application: the question concerns a regulated intersection, where the order of movement is determined by traffic light signals, but the special requirement of clause 16.5 regarding "completing movement" applies.
Clause 8.7.3 (Section 8 "Traffic Control", Subsection 8.7 "Traffic Lights")
Traffic light signals have the following meanings: green signal — permits movement.
Application: the green signal allows the black car to move, but this permission is realized taking into account the obligation under clause 16.5 to yield to those completing their movement through the intersection/crosswalk.
Clause 1.10 (term "Yield (do not impede)")
Yield (do not impede) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or begin movement, or perform any maneuver, if this may force other road users who have priority to change their direction or speed.
Application: "yield" in the answer means not to start/continue moving in such a way that the purple car or pedestrian would be forced to change speed or direction, stop, or avoid a collision.
That is, the correct answer is "Yield to the purple car and the pedestrian who are completing their movement through the intersection," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, when a permissive signal is activated, the driver is obliged to yield to vehicles and pedestrians completing their movement/crossing (clause 16.5), and "yield" means not to start or continue moving if this would force them to change speed or direction (clause 1.10).
We are dealing with a signal-controlled intersection, meaning the order of movement is determined by the traffic light signals. In this situation, the driver should not focus on the “obstacle on the right” or on priority signs, but primarily on the traffic light signals and the rules for passing signal-controlled intersections.
The green signal has turned on for the black car, which in general allows the driver to start moving. However, “allowed to move” does not mean “can go unconditionally.” Before starting, the driver must make sure not to obstruct those who are already in the intersection area and are finishing their maneuver.
In this situation, the purple car and the pedestrian started moving earlier on their permissive signal but did not have time to fully complete their crossing before the signals changed. They are, in fact, continuing to finish their already started movement through the intersection, crossing the path of the black car.
It is for such cases that clause 16.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes the requirement: when a permissive traffic light signal turns on for a driver, they must yield to vehicles that are finishing their movement through the intersection, as well as to pedestrians who are finishing their crossing. That is, the black car should not “use the green first,” but must yield to those who are lawfully finishing their movement within the intersection.
After the purple car completes its maneuver and the pedestrian finishes crossing, the black car can safely continue moving on its green signal.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Yield to the purple car and the pedestrian who are finishing their movement through the intersection,” since according to clause 16.5, a driver with a permissive signal must yield to vehicles and pedestrians who are already finishing their movement through the intersection.