16.1.33. Approaching an intersection where, in addition to an operating traffic light, you see a traffic controller whose signals differ from the traffic light signals. Which will you follow?
UAПід’їжджаючи до перехрестя, де крім працюючого світлофора ви бачите регулювальника, сигнали якого відрізняються від сигналів світлофора. Ви будете керуватись:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety at intersections and the correct choice of the priority source of traffic regulation. In real-life situations on busy sections or during traffic jams, a traffic controller may be additionally involved alongside a working traffic light to quickly change the order of passage and prevent conflicts between vehicle and pedestrian flows.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic regulation, specifically points 8.1 and 8.3, which define the means of regulation and their hierarchy. For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember the principle: if both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present at an intersection, and their signals do not match, the driver is required to follow the instructions of the traffic controller, as these have higher priority than traffic light signals and road signs.
The analysis of the answer options is straightforward: following the gesture of the traffic controller is correct, as this is directly established by point 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and ensures coordinated actions of all road users at a given moment. On the other hand, relying only on the traffic light signal in such a situation is a mistake, as it may lead to a dangerous entry into the intersection when the controller is temporarily stopping your direction to let another flow pass or to relieve congestion.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and road signs and are mandatory for compliance.
Clause 8.1
Traffic regulation is carried out using road signs, road markings, traffic light signals, and traffic controller signals.
That is, the correct answer is "The signal of the traffic controller," given that according to the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller have priority over the signals of an operating traffic light and are mandatory for compliance.
When approaching an intersection, a driver usually follows the traffic light signals. However, sometimes there is also a traffic controller at the intersection who manually directs traffic, for example, when the traffic flow is uneven and the traffic light does not ensure the necessary order of passage.
In such a situation, it is important to remember the requirement of paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: if there is a traffic controller at the intersection, their signals have a higher priority than the signals of the traffic light and the requirements of road signs. That is, even if the traffic light continues to operate, but the controller’s gesture indicates a different order of movement, the driver is obliged to follow the instructions of the controller.
For example, it may happen that the traffic light for your direction shows green, but the controller’s gesture prohibits movement in order to let vehicles from another direction pass and to relieve congestion. In this case, you stop and wait for the permissive signal from the controller, because it is the controller who now determines the order of passage through the intersection.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The signal of the traffic controller," since according to paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules, their signals take precedence over the traffic light and are mandatory to follow.