35.111. When approaching an intersection where the traffic light is operating in flashing yellow mode, the driver of a passenger car must:
UAНаближаючись до перехрестя, де світлофор працює в режимі миготіння жовтого сигналу водій легкового автомобіля повинен:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's attentiveness in conditions of increased danger and the ability to choose a safe speed. A flashing yellow signal does not provide a “green corridor,” but only warns of a dangerous location, so the key skill for the theoretical exam is to reduce speed in advance and leave yourself the opportunity to stop safely if the situation on the road changes.
The question belongs to Section 8 “Traffic Regulation” (traffic light signals), and is also related to Section 12 “Speed of Movement.” According to clause 8.7.3 [d], a flashing yellow allows movement, but informs about a dangerous uncontrolled intersection or pedestrian crossing; accordingly, the traffic light does not actually determine the order of passage, and the driver must be guided by priority signs or the rules for passing uncontrolled intersections. At the same time, clauses 12.1 and 12.3 require driving at a safe speed and, if necessary, reducing it down to a stop.
The correct option is logical precisely because reducing speed gives time to assess the situation: the presence of vehicles from other directions, pedestrians, visibility, road surface, as well as to determine priority. The option of passing without reducing speed ignores the warning meaning of the flashing yellow and increases the risk of conflict at an uncontrolled intersection. The option of increasing speed is even more dangerous, as it reduces reaction time and contradicts the requirements of the traffic rules regarding safe speed and actions in case of potential danger.
Clause 8.7.3 [d] (section 8 "Traffic Regulation", traffic light signals)
A flashing yellow signal or two flashing yellow signals permit movement and inform about the presence of a dangerous uncontrolled intersection or pedestrian crossing.
Clause 12.1 (section 12 "Speed of Movement")
When choosing a safe speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the road situation, the characteristics of the cargo being transported, and the condition of the vehicle in order to be able to constantly control its movement and drive it safely.
Clause 12.3 (section 12 "Speed of Movement")
If there is a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely bypassing the obstacle for other road users.
Clause 1.10 (terms "Controlled intersection", "Uncontrolled intersection")
Controlled intersection — an intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller.
Uncontrolled intersection — an intersection where there is no traffic light or traffic controller, or the traffic light operates in flashing yellow mode or is turned off.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Reduce speed and be ready to stop completely," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, a flashing yellow signal only permits movement and warns of a dangerous uncontrolled intersection, and the driver is obliged to choose a safe speed and, in the event of potential danger, take measures to reduce speed up to stopping.
When approaching an intersection where the traffic light is operating in flashing yellow mode, the driver must understand that such a traffic light does not actually control the order of passage. According to clause 8.7.3 [d], a flashing yellow signal does not prohibit movement, but warns of a potentially dangerous place and requires increased attention.
In this situation, the intersection becomes unregulated. This means that passage should be carried out not “by the traffic light,” but according to the rules for unregulated intersections: follow the priority signs (if they are installed), and if there are no signs — act according to the general rule of giving way to vehicles approaching from the right. Since the situation can change quickly, the driver must have enough time to assess the situation.
In practice, it looks like this: you approach the intersection and see the flashing yellow. You reduce your speed, observe the approaches to the intersection, check for the possible appearance of vehicles from other directions and pedestrians, and also clarify whether there are signs that determine priority. If someone has the right of way or there is a risk of conflict — you must be able to stop safely.
That is why the requirement to “reduce speed and be ready to stop completely” is key: the flashing yellow allows movement, but warns of danger and does not guarantee you the right of way, so passing at normal speed without being ready to stop can create an emergency situation.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Reduce speed and be ready to stop completely,” since the flashing yellow signal only warns of a dangerous section and does not regulate the order of passage, so the driver must act cautiously, assess priority, and leave the possibility for a safe stop.