16.1.9. How will the cyclist proceed through the intersection in this case?
UAЯк велосипедист проїде перехрестя в даному випадку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely determine the order of movement at controlled intersections when road users follow different traffic light signals. Such situations often cause conflicts on the road, so proper understanding of signals, additional sections, and the concept of “yielding” directly affects the safety of the cyclist and other vehicles.
In terms of content, this task relates to the sections of the Traffic Rules concerning traffic light signals and passing through intersections: clause 8.7.3 (the meaning of signals, in particular the green arrow in the additional section when the main signal is red) and clause 16.9 (the obligation to yield when moving on an additional section). The key principle being tested in the theoretical exam is: the main green signal allows movement and grants the right of priority passage, whereas movement on a green arrow in the additional section when the main signal is red is only possible if those moving on a permitted signal from other directions are yielded to.
The option requiring the cyclist to yield to the tram is incorrect, because the presence of a green arrow for the tram does not make it “main” at the intersection: it is only permission to maneuver with the obligation not to create obstacles for other road users. Instead, the correct option is where the cyclist has priority, as they are moving on the main green signal, and the tram is turning on red with an additional section and, according to clause 16.9 of the Traffic Rules, must yield to vehicles from other directions.
Clause 8.7.3 (subclause "e" — traffic light signals)
"Traffic light signals have the following meanings: … e) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two flashing red signals prohibit movement. A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in an additional section together with a yellow or red traffic light signal informs the driver that movement is allowed in the indicated direction provided that vehicles moving from other directions are given way. A green arrow on a plate installed at the level of the red traffic light signal with a vertical arrangement of signals allows movement in the specified direction when the red traffic light is on from the far right lane (or the far left lane on one-way roads), provided that priority is given to other road users moving from other directions on a permissive traffic light signal."
(Application: the tram is moving on red with a green arrow in the additional section, so it may proceed only if it yields to participants moving on the main permissive (green) signal — in particular, the cyclist.)
Clause 16.9
"When moving in the direction of the arrow activated in the additional section simultaneously with the yellow or red traffic light signal, the driver must yield to vehicles moving from other directions. When moving in the direction of a green arrow on a plate installed at the level of the red traffic light signal with a vertical arrangement of signals, the driver must occupy the far right (left) lane and yield to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions."
(Application: the tram driver, making a right turn on the green arrow in the additional section when the main signal is red, is obliged to yield to vehicles from other directions moving on the green signal.)
Clause 1.10 (term "Yield (do not create an obstacle)")
"Yield (do not create an obstacle) — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, nor perform any maneuvers, if this may force other road users who have priority to change their direction or speed."
(Application: a tram moving according to the additional section when the main signal is red must not make a turning maneuver if it would force the cyclist (who has priority) to change speed or direction.)
Clause 1.10 (term "Priority")
"Priority — the right to move first in relation to other road users."
(Application: a cyclist moving on the main green traffic light signal has the right of first passage compared to a tram moving on red with a green arrow in the additional section.)
Thus, the correct answer is "Will go first, having priority," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, movement on a green arrow in the additional section with a red/yellow main signal is allowed only if priority (the obligation to "yield") is given to vehicles moving from other directions on a permissive traffic light signal.
At this intersection, the order of passage is determined by the traffic light signals, so they are the main criterion, not whether one road is “main” and the other is “secondary.”
The cyclist is moving straight ahead on the main green traffic light. The green signal permits movement, so the cyclist has the right to continue through the intersection in their direction.
The tram, on the other hand, sees the main red signal, which prohibits movement. However, an additional section with a green arrow to the right is lit, allowing the tram to make a right turn, but only if it does not create an obstacle for those moving from other directions on a permitted signal.
This directly follows from clause 16.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: when moving in the direction of the arrow in the additional section together with the red signal, the driver must yield to vehicles moving from other directions. In this situation, such a vehicle is the cyclist, who is moving on green.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Will go first, having the right of way," since the cyclist is moving on the main green signal, and the tram is turning on the green arrow in the additional section with a red light and, according to clause 16.9, must yield to those moving on the permitted signal.