16.2.102. If you are driving straight ahead, must you give way to vehicles approaching from the left?
UAЯкщо Ви рухаєтесь прямо, чи повинні Ви пропустити транспортні засоби, що наближатимуться ліворуч?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine that tests the ability to safely pass intersections and correctly determine priority. At intersections with unequal roads, the main mistake students make on the theoretical exam is focusing only on their own direction of movement "straight ahead" and forgetting that priority is determined by the main/secondary road. That is why it is important to read road signs and markings in time and to assess the approach of vehicles from dangerous directions.
The question belongs to the section of traffic rules "Passing intersections" (point 16.11) and is related to the priority set by sign 2.1 "Yield" (section "Road signs", 33.2.1). Additionally, the obligation to yield is confirmed by marking 1.13 (section "Road markings", 34.1.13), which indicates the place where you must stop if necessary to yield to vehicles on the intersecting (main) road. According to the definition of the term "Yield (do not obstruct)" (point 1.10), the driver must not continue driving if it would force others to change speed or direction.
The correct answer is the option that provides for yielding to vehicles approaching from the left, since they are traveling on the main road and you are approaching from a secondary road. The incorrect answer arises from the mistaken logic "I am going straight, so I have priority," but at an intersection with unequal roads, the direction of movement does not override the requirements of sign 2.1 and marking 1.13: you must slow down, assess the situation to the left, and yield to everyone who has priority.
Clause 1.10 (term "Give way (do not obstruct)")
"Give way (do not obstruct)" — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, nor to perform any maneuver, if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change their direction or speed.
Clause 16.11 — 16 "Passing intersections"
At an intersection of roads of unequal importance, the driver of a vehicle moving on the secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching on the main road, regardless of their further direction of movement.
(Application: if it is established before the intersection that you are moving on a secondary road, then when moving straight you are obliged to yield to vehicles traveling on the main road, including those approaching from the left.)
Clause 33.2.1 — 33 "Road signs", 2 "Priority signs", sign 2.1 "Give way"
Sign 2.1 "Give way" — the driver must give way to vehicles moving on the intersecting road.
Clause 34.1.13 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.13
Marking 1.13 indicates the place where the driver, if necessary, must stop to give way to vehicles moving on the intersecting road.
That is, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules you are moving on a secondary road (sign 2.1 and marking 1.13) and are obliged to give way to vehicles approaching on the main road from the left.
In this situation, you are approaching an intersection of roads with different priorities. This means that one road is the main road and the other is a secondary road, and the order of passage is determined by the corresponding signs and markings.
Before the intersection, there is sign 2.1 "Yield." It obliges the driver to give way to vehicles moving on the main road. That is, even if you plan to go straight, you do not have the right of way at this intersection until you make sure that you are not creating an obstacle for those traveling on the main road.
This is further confirmed by marking 1.13 in the form of "triangles" before the entry line to the intersection. It indicates the place where the driver must stop if necessary or reduce speed and must give way to those who have priority. Therefore, when approaching, you need to assess the situation to the left, from where vehicles on the main road are approaching, and yield to them.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes," since sign 2.1 and marking 1.13 require you to yield to vehicles approaching from the left on the main road, even if you are going straight.