16.1.4. What should the driver of the white car do if he has entered the intersection on a traffic light signal permitting movement?
UAЯк повинен вчинити водій білого автомобіля, якщо він виїхав на перехрещення проїзних частин на сигнал світлофора, що дозволяє рух?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of regulated intersections and the correct actions of a driver when the traffic light signal changes during a maneuver. The topic is important for road safety, as stopping in the middle of an intersection creates an obstacle for other participants and increases the risk of an accident, which is why the traffic rules specifically define how to complete a maneuver after entering an intersection on a permissive signal.
The question tests knowledge of the section on passing intersections (paragraph 16.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) in the context of traffic light signals (in particular, that green and flashing green are permissive signals). The logic of the rule is as follows: if the driver has already entered the intersection on a permissive signal, they must clear the intersection and continue moving in the intended direction, even if a prohibitive signal appears on the traffic light afterwards. An exception is provided by the same paragraph 16.8: when there is marking 1.12 (stop line) or sign 5.69 "Stopping Place" before the next traffic light in the direction of travel, then you must follow the signals of each traffic light and stop at the designated place.
The analysis of the options in the theoretical exam comes down to understanding exactly where the obligation to stop arises. The advice "stop before the traffic light and wait for green" seems cautious, but in a situation where the car is already at the intersection, such a stop contradicts the meaning of paragraph 16.8 and may block the intersection. Instead, the correct action corresponds to the general rule: complete the initiated turn and leave the intersection, if there is no stop line 1.12 or sign 5.69 on the way that would require stopping before a separate traffic light.
Clause 16.8
A driver who has entered the intersection of carriageways in accordance with a traffic light signal permitting movement must proceed in the intended direction regardless of the traffic light signals at the exit. However, if at intersections there is road marking 1.12 (stop line) or road sign 5.69 “Stop Place” in front of the traffic lights along the driver’s route, he must follow the signals of each traffic light.
Clause 8.7.3 (traffic light signals)
The green signal permits movement. The flashing green signal permits movement and warns that a prohibitive signal will be activated soon.
Clause 16.1
At regulated intersections, the movement of vehicles and pedestrians is determined by the signals of the traffic light or the traffic controller.
Clause 34.1 — 34 “Road markings”, 1 “Horizontal markings”, marking 1.12 (“stop line”)
Marking 1.12 indicates the place where the driver must stop in the presence of a prohibitive traffic light (controller) signal or when fulfilling the requirement of the relevant road signs.
Clause 33.5 — 33 “Road signs”, 5 “Informational and guiding signs”, sign 5.69 “Stop Place”
Sign 5.69 indicates the place where vehicles must stop (designated for stopping before a traffic light/controller), including as a reference point for the mandatory stop in the event of a prohibitive signal, if this is provided for by the traffic organization.
That is, the correct answer is: “Complete the left turn regardless of the traffic light signal along your route,” given that, according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a driver who has entered an intersection on a permissive signal is required to complete movement in the intended direction regardless of subsequent signal changes, unless there is stop line 1.12 or sign 5.69 before the next traffic light, which would require stopping.
In front of us is a signal-controlled intersection, meaning the order of movement is determined by the traffic light signals. The white car has already entered the intersection on a permissive signal and has started making a left turn (this is evident from its position and the activated turn signal).
Next, an important point: while the car is at the intersection, the traffic light changes to a prohibitive signal. In such situations, clause 16.8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine applies. Its essence is that if a driver entered the intersection on a permissive signal, they must complete their movement in the intended direction, even if another (including a prohibitive) signal is already showing at the exit or during the completion of the maneuver. The logic of the rule is simple: the driver should not stop in the middle of the intersection and create an obstacle for others, but must clear the intersection by completing the maneuver.
An exception to this rule is provided by the same clause 16.8: if a stop line marking 1.12 or sign 5.69 "Stop Place" is present before the traffic light on the route, then the driver must follow the signals of each traffic light separately and, if necessary, stop at the designated place. In this situation, there are no such markings or signs before the traffic lights on the path of the white car, so the exception does not apply.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Complete the left turn regardless of the traffic light signal on your route," since the driver entered the intersection on a permissive signal and according to clause 16.8 of the Traffic Rules is obliged to complete the maneuver and clear the intersection, and there is no stop line or "Stop Place" sign on their route.