33.3.35. Along which trajectory are you permitted to turn left?
UAПо якій з траєкторій Вам дозволено повернути ліворуч?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's attentiveness to prohibitory road signs and the correct understanding of the limits of their effect at intersections. In real traffic, mistakes made while making left turns often lead to conflict situations, so knowledge of traffic rules regarding signs and maneuvering directly affects safety.
The question relates to the topic of passing intersections and Section 33 of the Traffic Rules (road signs), in particular the prohibitory sign 3.23 "Left turn prohibited," as well as the general requirements of point 8.4 regarding the mandatory compliance with signs. The key nuance: the effect of sign 3.23 applies to the intersection of carriageways or another place before which it is installed. If the diagram shows two intersections of carriageways, you need to determine which one is the "closest" to the sign and which one is actually subject to the prohibition.
When analyzing the options, it is important to correlate the trajectory with the area of effect of the sign. The maneuver along trajectory A falls under the prohibition, as it is performed at the first intersection of carriageways, before which sign 3.23 is installed. In contrast, trajectory B leads to a turn at the second intersection, to which the effect of this sign does not apply, so such a turn is permitted. This is exactly what the theoretical exam checks: the ability to read the road situation, not just memorize the wording.
Clause 8.4 (general requirements regarding road signs)
Road signs establish a certain order of movement. Road users are required to comply with the requirements of road signs.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road signs", 3 "Prohibitory signs", sign 3.23 "Left turn prohibited"
Sign 3.23 "Left turn prohibited" prohibits left turns for vehicles. However, U-turns are allowed. The sign does not apply to vehicles operating on established routes. The effect of the sign applies to intersections of carriageways and other places before which the sign is installed.
Clause 1.10 (term "Carriageway")
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginning of the rounding of the edges of the carriageways of each road.
Thus, the correct answer is "Along trajectory B.", considering that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the effect of sign 3.23 applies only to the intersection of carriageways before which it is installed (the first one), and does not apply to the next (second) intersection where the turn along trajectory B is made.
When approaching an intersection, first assess the road signs installed before the location where you intend to make a maneuver. In this situation, before the first intersection of carriageways, sign 3.23 "Left turn prohibited" is installed.
It is important to understand the limits of this sign's effect. According to the rules, it prohibits a left turn precisely at the place where it is installed, that is, at the nearest intersection of carriageways. In the image, there are two separate intersections: the first is closer to the sign, the second is located further away.
Therefore, turning along trajectory A would be performed at the first intersection of carriageways and thus falls under the prohibition of sign 3.23. Such a maneuver is not allowed.
Turning along trajectory B is performed at the second intersection of carriageways. Since the sign is installed before the first intersection and does not extend its effect to the next intersection, turning left along trajectory B is permitted.
Thus, the correct answer is "Along trajectory B," because sign 3.23 prohibits a left turn only at the first intersection of carriageways, while trajectory B passes through the second, to which the sign's effect does not apply.