16.2.12. What is the order of passage of vehicles at this intersection?
UAЯка черговість проїзду транспортних засобів на даному перехресті?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe passage of uncontrolled intersections and the correct determination of the order of movement. In real-life situations, mistakes most often occur at such intersections during the theoretical exam, because drivers mistakenly rely on the width of the roadway or the 'convenience' of the direction, although the traffic rules require first assessing the presence of priority signs, traffic lights, and the type of road surface.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding passing intersections, in particular the application of clause 16.12 concerning intersections of roads of equal importance. If there are no priority signs, the traffic light is not working, and the road surfaces at the approaches are the same, the intersection is considered equal, and the 'right-hand rule' applies: the driver must yield to vehicles approaching from the right. In this situation, the blue car has no obstacle on its right, so it has priority and may proceed first, while you must yield.
The option where you go first is incorrect because it ignores the requirement of clause 16.12 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: for you, the blue car is on the right, so you must 'yield' and not proceed if it would force the blue car to change speed or direction. The practical takeaway for preparing for the theoretical exam is simple: at equal intersections, do not assess the 'main' road by its width, but always check for signs of equality and apply the right-hand rule.
Clause 16.12
At an intersection of roads of equal importance, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to vehicles approaching from the right.
Explanation of application: since the intersection is of equal importance (there are no priority signs, the road surface is the same), the “right-hand rule” applies. The blue car does not have a vehicle to its right, so it has the right to go first, and you are required to yield to it.
Clause 1.10 (term “Intersection”)
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginnings of the curves of the edges of the carriageways of each road.
Clause 1.10 (term “Roads of equal importance”)
Roads of equal importance — roads that intersect where there are no priority signs and/or their surfaces are of equal significance for determining the order of passage.
Clause 1.10 (term “Yield”)
Yield — the requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, or make any maneuvers, if this may force other road users who have the right of way to change their speed or direction.
That is, the correct answer is "The blue car, then you," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules this is an intersection of equal importance and according to clause 16.12 you must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right (the blue car).
There are no priority signs or traffic lights at this intersection, and the road surface at the approaches is the same. Therefore, this intersection is considered an intersection of roads of equal importance. The width of the carriageway does not determine which road is “main” and does not affect the order of passage.
At intersections of roads of equal importance, the “right-hand rule” applies, as provided in paragraph 16.12 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to vehicles approaching from the right.
If you look at the relative positions of the vehicles, the blue car does not have any vehicle approaching it from the right. Therefore, it is not required to yield to anyone under this rule and has the right to proceed through the intersection first.
You, on the other hand, have a vehicle to your right — the blue car. Therefore, you must yield to it and start moving after it has passed through the intersection.
Thus, the correct answer is "The blue car, then you," because at an intersection of equal roads, according to paragraph 16.12 of the Traffic Rules, the vehicle without an obstacle on the right has the advantage, and you are required to yield to the car approaching from your right.