16.2.97. When turning left at this intersection, you must:
UAПовертаючи ліворуч на даному перехресті, Ви повинні:
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of uncontrolled intersections and the correct determination of the order of movement when turning left. Such situations are among the most common on the road and in the theoretical exam, since it is at intersections that drivers most often make mistakes regarding priority, confuse the effect of signs with the 'obstacle on the right' rule, and underestimate the danger of trajectory conflicts when turning left.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules concerning passing intersections (points 16.11 and 16.13 of the Traffic Rules), as well as understanding of priority signs, in particular sign 2.3 'Main Road.' At an uncontrolled intersection, the order of movement is determined precisely by the priority of the main/secondary road (point 16.11), and when turning left, the driver is additionally required to yield to trams and oncoming vehicles moving straight or to the right (point 16.13). Therefore, in this traffic situation, it is not enough to consider only one factor: you must simultaneously apply both the priority rules and the rules for performing the maneuver.
The analysis of answer options comes down to the logic of conflicting directions: you cannot go first, because when turning left you cross the trajectories of other road users who have the right of way. The option 'yield only to the tram' is also incorrect, since after the tram passes, there remains an oncoming car moving straight, which must also be yielded to according to point 16.13. The correct approach for successfully passing the theoretical exam and for real safety is simple: first consider the priority of the main road, and then make the left turn only after both the tram and the oncoming straight-moving vehicle have passed.
Clause 16.11
“At an intersection of roads of unequal importance, the driver of a vehicle traveling on a secondary road must yield to vehicles approaching this intersection along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.”
Brief application: when entering/crossing an intersection with a main and secondary road, vehicles traveling on the main road always have the right of way.
Clause 16.12
“At any uncontrolled intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has priority over non-rail vehicles approaching it on an equivalent road, except for intersections where a roundabout is organized.”
Brief application: in the absence of regulation (traffic light/traffic controller), the tram has priority over non-rail vehicles at equivalent approaches to the intersection (except in the case of a roundabout).
Clause 16.13
“Before turning left or making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to a tram moving in the same direction, as well as to vehicles moving straight or turning right on an equivalent road in the opposite direction. This rule must also be followed among tram drivers themselves.”
Brief application: when making a left turn, the driver must yield to the tram and oncoming vehicles moving straight (or right) if the roads are equivalent.
Clause 33.2.3 — 33 “Road Signs”, 2 “Priority Signs”, sign 2.3 “Main Road”
“A road on which the right of priority passage at uncontrolled intersections is granted.”
Brief application: the sign indicates that vehicles on this road have priority at an uncontrolled intersection over those approaching from a secondary road.
Clause 16.1
“Intersections where traffic is regulated by traffic lights or a traffic controller are regulated. Other intersections are unregulated.”
Brief application: provides grounds to apply the rules for passing specifically an unregulated intersection (in particular, clauses 16.11–16.13) if there is no traffic light or traffic controller.
That is, the correct answer is: “Yield to the tram and the red car, and then turn left,” taking into account that at an unregulated intersection, the priority rules (main/secondary road) apply, as well as the driver’s obligation when turning left to yield to the tram and oncoming vehicles moving straight.
There are no traffic lights or a traffic controller at this intersection, so it is an uncontrolled intersection. In such a situation, the order of passage is determined by priority signs. The 2.3 sign “Main Road” is installed in front of you, and there is no 7.8 plate “Direction of the Main Road”. This means that the main road goes straight, and the road to the left is a secondary road. The tram and the red car are also moving along the main road, meaning all three vehicles are on the main road.
Next, we apply clause 16.11 of the Traffic Rules: if there is a main and a secondary road at the intersection, drivers moving on the secondary road must yield to vehicles approaching on the main road, regardless of where those vehicles are going next. In our situation, it is important to understand that the “obstacle on the right” rule does not determine the order here as the priority is already set by the sign.
Since your car is making a left turn, you also need to consider the requirements of clause 16.13 of the Traffic Rules. Before turning left, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must yield to a tram moving in the same direction, as well as to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are going straight or turning right on an equal road. That is, even while on the main road, when turning left you must yield to the tram and the oncoming car going straight.
In practice, it looks like this: first, the tram passes through the intersection, because under these conditions it has priority over non-rail vehicles. After that, you yield to the red car coming towards you and going straight, since you are turning left and crossing its path. Only after both vehicles have passed can you safely complete the left turn.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Yield to the tram and the red car, and then turn left,” because at an uncontrolled intersection, priority is determined by the sign, and when turning left you are required to yield to the tram and the oncoming vehicle going straight.