34.11. How should you act if the reversible traffic signals are switched off:
UAЯк Ви повинні вчинити, якщо реверсивні світлофори вимкнулися:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine checks the understanding of safe driving on roads with reversible lane organization, where the direction on a specific lane can change depending on traffic load. Such sections are potentially dangerous, as a driver's mistake may lead to entering oncoming traffic, so the traffic rules require clear and prompt actions when signals change or disappear.
The question concerns reversible traffic lights and horizontal marking 1.9 (Section 34 "Road Markings"), as well as the requirements of clause 8.7.4 regarding the use of reversible regulation. The key rule is as follows: if the signals of the reversible traffic light above the lane marked with 1.9 are turned off, movement/entry onto this lane becomes prohibited, and the driver must immediately move to the right of the 1.9 marking. This exact wording is tested in the theoretical exam: when lane control disappears, the reversible lane must be vacated immediately by changing to the right.
The analysis of answer options shows why only one complies with the rules: continuing to drive to the intersection or proceeding further "in the absence of oncoming traffic" is not allowed, because when reversible traffic lights are off, the lane is no longer predictably controlled, and oncoming traffic may appear suddenly. The correct action is not to "drive a little further," but to immediately change to the right, performing the maneuver safely and yielding to vehicles in the adjacent lane.
Clause 8.7.4
To regulate the movement of vehicles on streets, roads, or on lanes of the carriageway where the direction of travel may be changed to the opposite, reversible traffic lights with a red X-shaped signal and a green signal in the form of a downward-pointing arrow are used. These signals prohibit or allow movement on the lane above which they are located. The main signals of the reversible traffic light may be supplemented by a yellow signal in the form of an arrow slanting diagonally down to the right, the activation of which prohibits movement on the lane marked on both sides by road marking 1.9, and informs about the change of the reversible traffic light signal and the need to change to the right lane. When the signals of the reversible traffic light located above the lane marked on both sides by road marking 1.9 are turned off, entry onto this lane is prohibited.
(Application to the question: if the reversible traffic lights are turned off above the lane marked 1.9, continuing/driving onto it is prohibited; you must leave such a lane by changing to the right.)
Clause 34.1.9 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.9
Marking 1.9 indicates the boundaries of lanes where reversible regulation is carried out; it separates traffic flows of opposite directions (when reversible traffic lights are off) on roads where reversible regulation is in effect. On the section of the road between reversible traffic lights, the line may be crossed if it is located to the right of the driver. When green signals are on in the reversible traffic lights, the line may be crossed from either side if it separates lanes where movement is allowed in the same direction. When reversible traffic lights are turned off, the driver must immediately change to the right of this line. The line located to the right must not be crossed when reversible traffic lights are off.
(Application to the question: the rule directly establishes the obligation — when reversible traffic lights are off, the driver must immediately change to the right of line 1.9, that is, to the right lane.)
Thus, the correct answer is "Immediately change to the right lane," given that according to the Traffic Rules, when reversible traffic lights are off, entry/movement on the lane marked 1.9 is not allowed, and the driver is required to immediately change to the right of this line.
The reversible lane is intended for temporary changes in the direction of traffic depending on the road situation. Its boundaries are marked with road marking 1.9, and the right to drive in this lane or the obligation to vacate it is determined exclusively by the signals of the reversible traffic lights above the lane.
When the reversible traffic lights are operating, they indicate whether driving in the lane is permitted (green downward arrow) or prohibited (red X). But the key point for this question is different: if the signals of the reversible traffic light above the lane marked with 1.9 are turned off, entry into such a lane becomes prohibited. That is, the lane ceases to be "controlled" by traffic lights, and continuing to drive in it is dangerous, since traffic in the opposite direction may be organized there at any moment.
That is why the Traffic Rules, in the description of marking 1.9, directly specify the driver's actions when the reversible traffic lights are switched off: the driver must immediately move to the right of this line. In practice, this means: if you were already driving in the reversible lane and the traffic lights went out, you should not continue driving "just a bit further" to the next traffic light — you must immediately, without delay, change to the right lane (while ensuring the safety of the maneuver and yielding to those already traveling in it).
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immediately change to the right lane," since when the reversible traffic lights are off, the lane marked with 1.9 becomes prohibited for driving, and the Traffic Rules require you to leave it immediately by moving to the right.