16.2.105. Should you follow the rules for passing uncontrolled intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection if you approach a traffic light operating in the flashing yellow mode?
UAВи повинні керуватись правилом проїзду нерегульованих перехресть та установленими на перехресті відповідними дорожніми знаками, якщо наближаєтесь до світлофора, який працює в режимі миготіння жовтого сигналу?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety at intersections and the ability to correctly determine who has the right of way when the usual traffic light regulation is not functioning. Such situations often occur at night or during periods of reduced traffic intensity, so the driver should not rely on the “usual” traffic light sequence, but on the traffic rules for uncontrolled intersections and priority road signs.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding passing intersections, specifically item 16.1, as well as understanding the meaning of the flashing yellow signal (item 8.7.3). If the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode, and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered uncontrolled. Therefore, the order of passage is determined by priority signs (for example, “Yield”, “No entry without stopping”, “Main road”) or, in their absence, the “obstacle on the right” rule applies as at an equivalent intersection.
The analysis of the options in the theoretical exam is straightforward: the correct answer is the one that confirms the need to follow the rules for passing uncontrolled intersections and the installed signs, because the flashing yellow only permits movement and warns of danger, but does not establish priority. An incorrect answer contradicts the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, since ignoring the signs and rules of an uncontrolled intersection during a flashing yellow directly creates conflict situations and increases the risk of an accident.
Clause 16.1
In case the traffic light is turned off or operates in the flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated and drivers must follow the rules for passing unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.
Brief application: flashing yellow (and no traffic controller) means the intersection is unregulated — the order of passage is determined by priority signs and general rules for unregulated intersections.
Clause 8.7.3
The flashing yellow signal allows movement and warns of danger.
Brief application: the flashing yellow by itself does not establish the order of passage at the intersection, but only warns and allows movement with increased attention; the order is determined according to clause 16.1 (as at an unregulated intersection).
Clause 33.2 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.1 "Yield"
The driver must yield to vehicles moving on the intersecting road.
Clause 33.2 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.2 "Stop"
It is prohibited to proceed without stopping before the stop line, and if there is none — before the edge of the carriageway of the intersecting road; the driver must yield to vehicles moving on the road being crossed, and if plate 7.8 is present — also to vehicles moving on the main road.
Clause 33.2 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.3 "Main Road"
Gives priority to non-rail vehicles at intersections of roads with unequal importance.
That is, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules (clause 16.1), when the traffic light is flashing yellow without a traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated and the driver is guided by the rules for passing unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs.
When you approach an intersection and see that the traffic light is not controlling traffic in its usual mode, but is only flashing a yellow signal, this means it does not establish the order of passage. The flashing yellow signal only warns of the intersection and requires increased attention, but does not grant priority or prohibit movement.
According to paragraph 16.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, if the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, such an intersection is considered unregulated. That is, the driver must act as if there is no traffic light: apply the rules for passing unregulated intersections and take into account the road signs installed at the approaches to the intersection.
In practice, this means the following. If priority signs are installed at the intersection (for example, "Yield" or "Main Road"), you determine the order of passage according to them: vehicles on the main road have priority, and those on the secondary road must yield. If there are no priority signs, the intersection should be treated as equivalent and the "right-hand rule" should be applied.
Thus, the correct answer is "Yes," because when the yellow signal is flashing and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated, and you must follow the rules for passing unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs.