16.1.27. How should you act in this situation when driving straight?
UAЯк Ви повинні вчинити в даній ситуації, рухаючись прямо?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely and correctly determine the order of movement at intersections where both a traffic light and priority signs may be present at the same time. In real conditions, such situations most often lead to mistakes: the driver mistakenly relies on the 'main/secondary road' principle, although the order of passage is already set by the traffic light. For road safety, it is important to remember: at a controlled intersection, the key factor is the traffic light signal, not the nearby priority signs.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding passing intersections and traffic light signals: clause 16.1 states that an intersection with a traffic light is considered controlled, and clause 8.7.8 clarifies that traffic light signals take precedence over priority signs. Therefore, sign 2.1 'Yield' and plate 7.8 'Direction of the main road' do not affect the order of passage as long as the traffic light is operating in normal mode. Next, clause 16.6 applies: the driver of the oncoming vehicle turning left on a green signal is required to yield to vehicles moving straight ahead (or turning right) in the opposite direction.
If you have to choose between the options, the advice 'first yield to the oncoming vehicle' is incorrect precisely because of the rule in clause 16.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: priority is given to the one moving straight, not to the one making a left turn. The correct answer option corresponds to the logic of the theoretical exam: follow the traffic light signal, and the oncoming driver turning left is obliged to yield, which ensures a clear and safe order of passing the intersection.
Clause 16.1
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.
Clause 8.7.8
Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, take precedence over priority road signs.
Clause 8.7.3 (meaning of traffic light signals)
The green signal allows movement.
Clause 16.6
When turning left or making a U-turn at the green signal of the main traffic light, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to a tram moving in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving straight or turning right from the opposite direction.
Clause 33.3.1 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.1 "Yield" (additionally by situation)
"Yield" — the driver must yield to vehicles moving on the road he is crossing.
Clause 33.7.8 — 33 "Road Signs", 7 "Plates to Road Signs", plate 7.8 "Direction of the Main Road" (additionally by situation)
"Direction of the Main Road" — indicates the direction of the main road at the intersection.
That is, the correct answer is "Proceed through the intersection first," considering that the intersection is regulated (priority signs do not apply), movement is allowed by the green signal, and the oncoming vehicle turning left must yield to the vehicle moving straight.
In this situation, you are approaching an intersection with a green traffic light and moving straight ahead. This means the intersection is controlled, and the order of passage is determined specifically by the traffic light signals.
At a controlled intersection, priority signs (in particular, sign 2.1 "Yield" and the main road direction plate) do not apply for determining the order of movement as long as the traffic light is operating in its normal mode. Therefore, you should not focus on "main/secondary" roads, but rather on who is permitted to perform which maneuver according to the traffic light.
The oncoming white car also has a green signal, but it is making a left turn. According to clause 16.6 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a driver turning left on a green signal must yield to vehicles coming from the opposite direction that are going straight or turning right. You are moving straight ahead, so you have the right of way over the vehicle turning left.
Thus, the correct answer is "Proceed through the intersection first," since at a controlled intersection the traffic light is in effect, and according to clause 16.6, the oncoming vehicle turning left must yield to the vehicle going straight.