18.15. How should you act if the traffic light is operating in the flashing yellow mode?
UAЯк ви повинні вчинити, якщо світлофор працює в режимі миготіння жовтого сигналу?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks your understanding of how to act in areas with increased risk for pedestrians when the traffic light does not set the order of movement, but only warns of danger. In real traffic, the flashing yellow signal mode often means “attention”: the driver must be ready for an unpredictable situation at an uncontrolled intersection or pedestrian crossing, where maintaining a safe distance and controlling speed are critically important.
According to the content of the traffic rules, it is clause 8.7.3 (f) that determines that a flashing yellow signal allows movement but informs about a dangerous uncontrolled section. Therefore, in the theoretical exam, it is checked whether the candidate understands that in such a situation, the pedestrian crossing actually becomes uncontrolled, and thus clause 18.1 applies: when approaching a crossing with pedestrians, the driver must reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give way and not create an obstacle or danger (in the sense of the terms “give way” and “priority” from clause 1.10).
The analysis of the answer options comes down to one thing: ignoring pedestrians is a direct mistake, because a flashing yellow does not cancel the obligation to yield to people at the crossing, but on the contrary, emphasizes the danger of the place. The statement that it is enough just to reduce speed is also incomplete: the Traffic Rules of Ukraine require not just to “slow down,” but to be ready to stop if necessary to give priority to the pedestrian. This logic is embedded in the correct option, which repeats the norm of clause 18.1 and is typically important for preparation for the theoretical exam.
Clause 8.7.3 (f) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: ... d) a flashing yellow signal or two flashing yellow signals permit movement and inform about the presence of a dangerous uncontrolled intersection or pedestrian crossing.”
Brief application: the flashing yellow mode means that movement is allowed, but the section is dangerous and is considered uncontrolled (the driver must act with increased caution, especially regarding pedestrians at the crossing).
Clause 18.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“The driver of a vehicle approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing where there are pedestrians must reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give way to pedestrians who may be obstructed or endangered.”
Brief application: if the traffic light is operating in flashing yellow mode and there are pedestrians at the crossing, the driver is obliged to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to let them pass.
Clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (term ‘Give way’)
“Give way — a requirement for a road user not to continue or resume movement, not to make any maneuvers (except for the requirement to vacate the occupied lane), if this may force other road users who have priority to change direction or speed.”
Brief application: it is in this sense that the driver ‘gives way’ to pedestrians at an uncontrolled crossing — does not create an obstacle or danger for them.
Clause 1.10 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (term ‘Priority’)
“Priority — the right to move first in relation to other road users.”
Brief application: at an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing, pedestrians have priority, and the driver is obliged to ensure its realization.
That is, the correct answer is “You must reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give way to pedestrians,” given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a flashing yellow signal permits movement and warns of a dangerous uncontrolled crossing/intersection (clause 8.7.3 f), and when approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing with pedestrians, the driver is obliged to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give way to them (clause 18.1; terms ‘give way’ and ‘priority’ — clause 1.10).
When the traffic light operates in the flashing yellow mode, it does not “control” the order of movement as usual. This signal only warns that there is a dangerous section ahead: an uncontrolled intersection or an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing. This directly follows from the content of clause 8.7.3 f) of the Traffic Rules: movement is allowed, but the driver is specifically warned about increased danger.
The practical meaning of this warning is as follows: you need to drive more attentively and be prepared in advance for a possible stop. If there is a pedestrian crossing nearby, then under flashing yellow it effectively becomes uncontrolled, and therefore the rule about pedestrian priority at the crossing applies.
This is why clause 18.1 of the Traffic Rules applies: when approaching an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing where there are pedestrians, the driver is required to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to let them pass. “Give way” means not to continue moving in such a way that the pedestrian is forced to change speed or direction because of your vehicle.
Imagine the situation: you are approaching a crossing, the traffic light is flashing yellow, and a pedestrian has already stepped onto the “zebra” or is standing at the edge and clearly starting to cross. In this case, the correct action for the driver is to reduce speed in advance, assess the situation, and, if necessary, come to a complete stop before the crossing, ensuring the pedestrian can cross safely.
Therefore, the correct answer is “You must reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to give way to pedestrians,” since the flashing yellow signal only warns of a dangerous uncontrolled section, and at an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing the driver is required to reduce speed and, if necessary, stop to let pedestrians pass.