16.2.55. You will pass the intersection:
UAВи проїдете перехрестя:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of intersections and the correct yielding of the right of way when both priority road signs and emergency vehicle signals are present. Such situations often occur in cities, and a mistake in the order of passage can lead to an accident or create an obstacle for a vehicle performing an urgent task.
The question tests knowledge of Section 16 of the Traffic Rules (passing uncontrolled intersections) and Section 3 (movement of vehicles with special signals). At an uncontrolled intersection, the order is usually determined by sign 2.3 "Main Road" and the rule of point 16.11: vehicles on a secondary road must yield to those approaching on the main road. However, if an emergency vehicle with blue and red flashing beacons is approaching, point 3.2 applies: other drivers are required to ensure its unobstructed passage (if necessary — stop at the right edge), even if it is moving from a secondary road.
That is why the option "first" is incorrect: the priority of the main road does not cancel the obligation to yield to emergency vehicles with flashing beacons. The option "third" is also incorrect, because after the emergency vehicle passes, your priority as a vehicle on the main road is restored, and you proceed before the vehicle from the secondary road. Therefore, the correct logic for the theoretical exam: first yield to the emergency vehicle according to point 3.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, and then proceed through the intersection as a participant on the main road according to point 16.11.
Clause 3.2
When an emergency vehicle is approaching with a blue flashing beacon and/or a special sound signal, drivers of other vehicles who may create an obstacle to its movement are required to give way and ensure the unobstructed passage of the specified vehicle (and those accompanied by it). Vehicles moving in an escorted convoy must have their dipped headlights on. If such a vehicle has blue and red or only red flashing beacons activated, drivers of other vehicles must stop near the right edge of the carriageway (on the right shoulder). On a road with a dividing strip, this requirement must be fulfilled by drivers of vehicles moving in the same direction.
This clause checks the driver's obligation to yield (and with blue+red — actually ensure unobstructed passage by stopping at the right edge as required by the Traffic Rules) to an emergency vehicle, even if it is approaching from a secondary road.
Clause 16.11
At an intersection of roads of unequal importance, the driver of a vehicle moving on a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
This clause checks the basic order at an uncontrolled intersection of roads of unequal importance: a vehicle from a secondary road usually yields to those on the main road (but in this question, the priority changes due to the effect of clause 3.2 for the emergency vehicle).
Clause 16.1
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller is considered controlled. At such an intersection, priority signs do not apply. If the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered uncontrolled, and drivers must follow the rules for passing uncontrolled intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.
This clause is needed to conclude that the intersection is uncontrolled, and therefore, priority signs and the rules of Section 16 (in particular, clause 16.11) apply — but taking into account the priority of emergency vehicles under Section 3.
Clause 33.2 — 33 "Road Signs", 2 "Priority Signs", sign 2.3 "Main Road"
Sign 2.3 "Main Road" grants the right of priority passage at uncontrolled intersections.
This clause checks the ability to determine that your direction of movement is along the main road (that is, under normal conditions you would have priority over vehicles from the secondary road).
Clause 1.10 (term "Give way (do not create obstacles)")
Give way (do not create obstacles) — 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.
This definition is applied for the correct understanding of the "give way" requirements in clauses 16.11 and 3.2.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Second.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules you are moving along the main road (sign 2.3, clause 16.11), but you are required to yield to the emergency vehicle with flashing beacons (clause 3.2), after which you proceed through the intersection.
In front of us is an uncontrolled intersection, since the order of passage is determined not by a traffic light or a traffic controller, but by road signs. At the approach, there is a priority sign "Main Road," so our car is moving on the main road, while the other two vehicles are approaching from the secondary road.
According to the general rule for passing intersections of unequal roads (paragraph 16.11 of the Traffic Rules), drivers from the secondary road must yield to vehicles on the main road, regardless of whether they are turning or going straight. If there were no other circumstances, we would have priority over the gray car.
However, in this situation, there is an emergency vehicle with blue and red flashing beacons turned on. In such a case, the special requirement of paragraph 3.2 of the Traffic Rules applies: other drivers must ensure its unobstructed passage and not create obstacles. That is, even if it is approaching from the secondary road, it must be allowed to pass first.
After the emergency vehicle passes, the order is again determined by the priority signs: we, as a vehicle on the main road, pass through the intersection before the gray car, which remains on the secondary road and is required to yield.
Thus, the correct answer is "Second," since you must first yield to the emergency vehicle with blue and red beacons on (p. 3.2), and then we pass as a vehicle on the main road before the car from the secondary road (p. 16.11).