16.2.65. In which illustration is an uncontrolled intersection shown (in illustrations 2 and 3 the yellow light is flashing)?
UAНа якому малюнку показано нерегульоване перехрестя (на малюнках 2 і 3 миготливий жовтий)?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's attentiveness when determining the type of intersection, as the direction taken depends on this and affects road safety and the correct order of passage. In practice, confusion between regulated and unregulated intersections leads to incorrect application of priority signs or ignoring traffic control signals, which creates conflicts and increases the risk of accidents.
The question belongs to the section of the traffic rules concerning passing intersections and is based on clause 16.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: an intersection is considered regulated if the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller, and in this case, 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 the driver must follow the rules for passing unregulated intersections and the installed signs.
The comparison of the images comes down to the presence of active traffic control. In the first image, the traffic light shows a regular permissive signal, so the order of movement is set by the traffic light and the intersection is regulated. In the second image, the traffic light operates in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, so there is no control over the order of passage and the intersection becomes unregulated. In the third image, despite the flashing yellow, a traffic controller is present, which means it is their signals that determine priority and this is again a regulated intersection.
For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember a simple rule: flashing yellow does not establish the order of passage like regular traffic light signals, but only warns and allows movement with increased caution; the final status of the intersection is determined by the presence or absence of a traffic controller according to clause 16.1. This skill helps to quickly choose the correct actions at intersections and correctly apply road signs and priority rules.
Clause 16.1
“An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller is considered regulated. At such an intersection, priority signs do not apply. If the traffic light is turned 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 passing unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.”
Brief application: if the traffic light is operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is unregulated; if there is a traffic controller, the intersection is considered regulated (the order is determined by their signals).
Clause 8.7.3
“A flashing yellow signal permits movement and informs about the presence of an unregulated intersection or pedestrian crossing, and warns of danger.”
Brief application: the very fact of a “flashing yellow” means that the traffic light does not determine the order of passage as with regular signals, but only warns and allows movement with increased attention; the type of intersection (regulated/unregulated) is further determined by the presence/absence of a traffic controller according to clause 16.1.
That is, the correct answer is "In the second one.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, with a flashing yellow signal and no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated.
To determine where the intersection is unregulated, you need to follow clause 16.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. According to this clause, an intersection is considered regulated when the order of passage is set by traffic light signals or a traffic controller. In such a situation, priority signs do not determine the order of movement.
At the same time, if the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection becomes unregulated. In this case, the driver must follow the rules for passing unregulated intersections and rely on the installed priority signs.
Let's consider the illustrations. In illustration 1, the traffic light shows a green signal, meaning the order of movement is determined by the traffic light — this is a regulated intersection.
In illustration 2, according to the question, the traffic light operates in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller. Therefore, there are no signals establishing the order of passage, and the intersection is considered unregulated — the order of passage will be determined by the rules and priority signs.
In illustration 3, although the traffic light is also flashing yellow, a traffic controller is present. And the presence of a traffic controller means that the order of passage is set by their signals, so the intersection is regulated.
Therefore, the correct answer is "In the second one," since with a flashing yellow traffic light and no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated.