16.2.6. What is the order of passage of vehicles at this intersection?
UAЯка черговість проїзду транспортних засобів на даному перехресті?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe passage through intersections and the ability to quickly determine priority in situations where there are no clues such as traffic lights, a traffic controller, or priority signs. Such cases are typical in urban neighborhoods and on secondary streets, so the correct application of traffic rules directly affects the prevention of traffic accidents.
The content of the task tests Section 16 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, "Passing Intersections," specifically the recognition of an uncontrolled intersection (item 16.1) and the application of the rule for roads of equal importance (item 16.12). When the intersection is uncontrolled and the roads are of equal importance, the "give way to the right" principle applies: the driver must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right. That is why priority is given to the green car approaching from the right, and only after it passes can you continue driving, without making it necessary for that vehicle to change speed or direction.
If you choose the option where you go first, this will be a mistake, as it ignores the requirement of item 16.12 to yield to the "right" vehicle at an uncontrolled intersection of equal roads. The direction of movement of the green car (for example, turning left) may create additional obligations for it regarding oncoming vehicles under item 16.13, but this does not cancel your obligation to yield to it in the relationship between the two of you. This understanding of the logic of priorities is often tested in the theoretical exam and helps to confidently solve similar tasks without "guessing."
Clause 16.1
“An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic signals or a traffic controller is considered regulated. 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 unregulated, and drivers must follow the rules for unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.”
This question tests the ability to determine that in the absence of a traffic light/controller (and priority signs), the intersection is unregulated and the rules for passing unregulated intersections apply.
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, except at intersections where a roundabout is organized. This rule must also be followed by tram drivers among themselves. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of its further direction, has priority over non-rail vehicles approaching it on a road of equal importance, except at intersections where a roundabout is organized. At unregulated intersections with a roundabout marked by road sign 4.10 ‘Roundabout’, priority is given to vehicles already moving in the circle.”
This question tests the application of the “right-hand rule” at an unregulated intersection of roads of equal importance: You must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right (the green car).
Clause 16.13
“At an intersection of roads of equal importance, a driver turning left or making a U-turn must yield to vehicles moving straight or turning right from the opposite direction.”
This clause is additionally tested if the green car is turning left: it must yield to oncoming vehicles (if any), but this does not cancel your obligation to yield to it as the “right-hand obstacle” under clause 16.12 in the relationship between you and the green car.
Clause 1.10 (term ‘Intersection’)
“Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundaries of which are imaginary lines between the beginning of the rounding of the edges of the carriageways of each road. The place where an exit from an adjacent area adjoins a road is not considered an intersection.”
This definition tests the recognition of an actual intersection (and not an exit from an adjacent area), to which the rules of section 16 apply.
Clause 1.10 (term ‘Yield (do not create an obstacle)’)
“Yield (do not create an obstacle)” — 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 priority to change direction or speed.”
This definition tests the meaning of the obligation to “yield” (You must not create a situation where the green car has to change its speed or direction).
Thus, the correct answer is “The green car, then you.”, given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the intersection is unregulated, the roads are of equal importance, and you must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right (clause 16.12).
The image shows an intersection without a traffic light, traffic controller, or priority signs. Therefore, the order of passage here is not set by any regulatory means, but is determined by the rules for passing uncontrolled intersections.
Since the roads at such an intersection are equivalent, clause 16.12 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine applies: at an intersection of roads of equal importance, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to vehicles approaching from the right. That is, the 'obstacle on the right' rule applies.
In our situation, the green car is approaching the intersection from the right. This means that it is the vehicle to which we must yield. The direction of its further movement (for example, turning) does not cancel this obligation for us: what matters is that it is approaching from the right at an uncontrolled intersection of equal roads.
After the green car passes through the intersection, we can continue driving, making sure the maneuver is safe.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The green car, then you," because at an uncontrolled intersection of roads of equal importance, according to clause 16.12 of the Traffic Rules, you must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right.