20.14. How should you act in a situation where you have stopped in front of a railway crossing at a prohibitory traffic signal, when the train has already passed, but the light and sound signals have not yet turned off?
UAЯк ви повинні вчинити в ситуації, якщо ви зупинилися перед залізничним переїздом на заборонний сигнал світлофора, коли поїзд вже проїхав, а світлова та звукова сигналізація ще не вимкнулися?
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This exam question focuses on road safety when crossing railway crossings, where a driver's mistake can have the most serious consequences. According to the traffic rules, the signals of the crossing automation always have priority, as they warn of real danger even when the train has already disappeared from sight. That is why the theoretical exam often includes situations where you need not "guess," but act strictly according to the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding movement through railway crossings and the ability to follow the signals of the traffic light and sound alarm. According to clause 20.5 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, movement through the crossing is prohibited if a prohibitory traffic light signal is on or a sound signal is given, regardless of the position of the barrier. Additionally, the logic of this rule is reinforced by the requirement to make sure there is no approaching train (including a possible second train, locomotive, or trolley), which directly corresponds to the content of clauses 20.2 and 20.5 (e) of the traffic rules.
An analysis of the answer options shows typical mistakes. Continuing to move "in any case" is not allowed, because the prohibitory signal and sound themselves mean a ban on crossing. Starting to move only after visually checking for the absence of a train is also insufficient, since the Traffic Rules of Ukraine prohibit crossing the tracks until the prohibitory traffic light signal and/or sound alarm are turned off. The only correct tactic for passing the theoretical exam and for real safety: wait until the prohibitory signals stop, and only then additionally make sure that no other rail vehicle is approaching within visibility, and only after that continue driving.
Clause 20.5 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Crossing the railway crossing is prohibited if: “... v) a prohibitory traffic light signal or sound signal is activated, regardless of the presence and position of the barrier ...”.
Brief application: even if the train has already passed, but the prohibitory traffic light signal and/or sound signal are still operating — starting to move across the crossing is prohibited, you must wait for them to turn off.
Clause 20.5 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Crossing the railway crossing is prohibited if: “... g) a train (locomotive, railcar) is approaching the crossing within visible distance”.
Brief application: after the signals are turned off, the driver must additionally make sure that no other train/locomotive/railcar is approaching within visible distance.
Clause 20.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“When approaching a railway crossing, the driver must follow the requirements of road signs, road markings, traffic light signals, the position of the barrier, and the instructions of the crossing attendant, and make sure that there is no approaching train (locomotive, railcar).”
Brief application: this clause directly requires acting according to the crossing signals (not driving on a prohibitory signal) and making sure there is no approaching train before continuing to move.
Clause 8.7.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: ... the red signal, including a flashing one, prohibits movement.”
Brief application: a prohibitory (red) traffic light signal at the crossing means an unconditional prohibition to start moving.
That is, the correct answer is: “Wait until the prohibitory traffic light signal and sound signal are turned off, and also make sure that no train is approaching, after which you may continue driving.” This is because, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, crossing a railway crossing is prohibited when the prohibitory traffic light/sound signal is on and/or a train is approaching, and the driver is required to follow the crossing signals and ensure it is safe to proceed.
When you have stopped in front of a railway crossing at a prohibitive signal, it is important to remember: the mere fact that the train has already passed does not mean that the crossing has become safe and permitted for passage. The rule of maximum caution applies at the crossing, and priority is given to the signaling, which warns of possible danger.
Clause 20.5 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly states that movement across the crossing is prohibited if a prohibitive signal of the traffic light is on or an audible signal is being given. That is, the prohibition applies regardless of whether you see a train, and regardless of the position of the barrier. If the signaling is still operating, the driver does not have the right to start moving across the tracks.
The practical meaning of this rule is simple: after one train passes, another train, locomotive, or railcar may appear, including from the opposite direction or on a neighboring track. In addition, the signaling may remain on for a short time to complete the dangerous phase of movement and ensure safety at the crossing. Therefore, rushing, relying only on the fact that "the train has already passed," is incorrect and dangerous.
Therefore, your actions should be consistent: remain stopped, wait until the prohibitive signals of the traffic light and the audible signaling are turned off, and only after that additionally make sure that no other train is approaching the crossing within visible range, after which you may continue driving.
Thus, the correct answer is "Wait until the prohibitive signal of the traffic light and the audible signaling are turned off, and also make sure there is no approaching train, after which you may continue driving," since according to clause 20.5 (c) of the Traffic Rules, movement across the crossing is prohibited as long as the prohibitive signal of the traffic light or audible signaling is operating, and safety is also confirmed by the absence of an approaching train.