16.1.29. How should a driver act when the traffic light signal permitting movement is switched on?
UAЯк повинен вчинити водій у разі ввімкнення сигналу світлофора, що дозволяє рух?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to act safely at a controlled intersection when a permissive traffic light signal is activated. Even a “green” light does not guarantee that the intersection is completely clear: there may still be vehicles in the conflict zone finishing their maneuvers, or pedestrians completing their crossing. That is why the traffic rules require the driver not to rush, but to assess the situation and avoid creating danger.
The question relates to the topic of passing intersections and traffic light/regulator signals (Section 16 of the Traffic Rules, clause 16.5), and also relies on the definition of “give way (do not create an obstacle)” from clause 1.10. In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand: upon receiving permission to proceed, the driver is obliged to yield to everyone who is already lawfully at the intersection or crossing and is completing their movement, so that they are not forced to change speed or direction because of your entry.
The analysis of the options here is illustrative: starting to move immediately, relying only on the permissive signal, is incorrect, as it ignores the obligation to ensure safety and “give way.” Limiting the yield only to vehicles or only to pedestrians is also a mistake, since clause 16.5 directly requires yielding to both categories of participants who are finishing their crossing/passage. In practice, this means: before starting on green, you should quickly check the intersection, allow those who did not have time to leave during the previous phase to finish their movement, and only then begin your maneuver.
Clause 16.5
In case a signal is given by a traffic controller or a traffic light signal permitting movement is activated, the driver is obliged to give way to vehicles finishing their movement through the intersection, as well as to pedestrians completing their crossing.
Clause 1.10 (term "Give way (not to create an obstacle)")
Give way (not to create an obstacle) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or start moving, not to perform any maneuver if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change their direction or speed.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginning of the rounding of the edges of the carriageways of each road. The place where an exit from an adjacent territory adjoins the road is not considered an intersection.
Clause 1.10 (term "Controlled intersection")
Controlled intersection — an intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller.
Thus, the correct answer is "Give way to all vehicles and pedestrians finishing their movement through the intersection," considering that according to clause 16.5, when a permissive signal is activated, the driver is obliged to "give way" to those finishing their movement through the intersection/crosswalk, and "give way" means not to start or continue moving if this would force them to change speed or direction.
When a traffic light displays a signal that allows movement (usually green), this means you may begin to move through the intersection. However, permission to go does not mean the intersection is already completely clear and safe for immediate entry.
According to clause 16.5 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a driver who receives a permissive traffic light signal or a command from a traffic controller is required to first yield to those road users who are still finishing crossing the intersection or completing their crossing. This is logical, since these vehicles and pedestrians may have started moving earlier on a permissive signal but did not have time to fully leave the intersection before the signals changed.
Practical example: you are standing at the stop line waiting for the green light. When the green comes on, there may still be a car in the intersection finishing a turn that began during the previous phase, or pedestrians may be finishing crossing in your direction. Your duty at this moment is not to "rush on green," but to make sure you do not create an obstacle or danger for them, and to let them finish their movement.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yield to all vehicles and pedestrians who are finishing crossing the intersection," because according to clause 16.5 of the Traffic Rules, when a permissive signal is displayed, the driver must yield to those who are still completing their crossing or passage through the intersection to ensure traffic safety.