16.2.39. How should the driver of the yellow vehicle act in this situation?
UAЯк повинен вчинити водій жовтого автомобіля в даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of safe and proper passage through uncontrolled intersections, particularly with roundabouts. Such situations often occur in the city, and a mistake in priority leads to conflicts and accidents, which is why the theoretical exam specifically tests the ability to quickly determine who has the right of way, based on traffic rules and road signs.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules about passing intersections (point 16.12) and additionally checks understanding of the meaning of the mandatory sign 4.10 "Roundabout" (section "Road Signs"). The key principle: at an uncontrolled intersection with an organized roundabout, the right of way is given to vehicles already moving in the circle. That is why the car that is already on the roundabout has the primary right of passage, and the one that is only approaching to enter must yield.
The analysis of the options in this theoretical exam comes down to the correct interpretation of priority: the statement about the advantage of the car already on the roundabout corresponds to point 16.12 and the definition of "priority" from the Traffic Rules. The alternative option about the need to yield to the car contradicts the special rule for roundabouts, because the "obstacle on the right" at such intersections is applied with an exception, and the decisive factor is the fact of moving in the circle.
The practical benefit of this rule is simple: before entering a roundabout, you do not need to "look for the one on the right," but rather assess the flow on the roundabout and let those already moving in the circle pass. This reduces the risk of side collisions and helps confidently answer similar exam questions on traffic rules.
Clause 16.12
At an intersection of roads of equal importance, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to vehicles approaching from the right, except at intersections where a roundabout is organized. This rule must also be followed by tram drivers among themselves. At any uncontrolled intersection, a tram, regardless of its further direction of movement, has priority over non-rail vehicles approaching it on a road of equal importance, except at intersections where a roundabout is organized. Priority at uncontrolled intersections with a roundabout, marked with road sign 4.10 "Roundabout", is given to vehicles already moving in the circle.
Application: if the intersection is marked with sign 4.10 and it is uncontrolled, priority is given to those vehicles already moving in the circle (i.e., those already at the roundabout intersection).
Clause 33.4 — 33 "Road signs", 4 "Mandatory signs", sign 4.10 "Roundabout"
Sign 4.10 "Roundabout" — movement is allowed only in the direction indicated by the arrows (around the central island/flowerbed).
Application: the sign confirms that the intersection is an intersection with an organized roundabout; therefore, the order of passage is determined by the special rule of clause 16.12 (priority to those already moving in the circle).
Clause 1.10 (term "Priority")
Priority — the right to move first in relation to other road users.
Application: "priority" means that other drivers must "give way" to the vehicle that has the right to move first under the conditions of clause 16.12 (in the circle — to those already moving in the circle).
That is, the correct answer is "Must go first, as he has the right of way because he is at the roundabout intersection," given that according to clause 16.12 at an uncontrolled roundabout intersection (marked with sign 4.10), priority is given to vehicles already moving in the circle, and "priority" as defined in clause 1.10 is the right to move first.
In this situation, we have a roundabout, as confirmed by the presence of sign 4.10 "Roundabout." This sign means that vehicles move around the central island (flowerbed) in the direction of the arrows, and a driver who is already on the roundabout continues moving through the intersection until they begin to exit it.
Next, it is important to correctly determine the order of passage. For ordinary uncontrolled intersections of roads of equal importance, the "obstacle on the right" rule is often applied. However, clause 16.12 of the Traffic Rules makes a direct exception for intersections where a roundabout is organized and marked with sign 4.10: priority is given to vehicles already moving on the roundabout.
Therefore, the yellow car has the right of way because it is already on the roundabout, i.e., at the intersection. Other vehicles that are only approaching and about to enter the roundabout must yield, even if under the general rule it might be "to the left" or "to the right." The very fact of moving on the roundabout gives it the primary right of passage.
Thus, the correct answer is "Should go first, as it has the right of way because it is at a roundabout," since at an intersection marked with sign 4.10, priority according to clause 16.12 is given to those already moving on the roundabout.