35.164. If you are driving straight ahead at a green traffic signal, do you need to reduce your speed in this case?
UAЯкщо Ви рухаєтесь прямо на зелений сигнал світлофора, чи потрібно Вам зменшити швидкість у даному випадку?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage through a controlled intersection on a permissive signal. It emphasizes that “green” means permission to proceed, but does not cancel the requirement to constantly monitor the traffic situation and respond in advance to potential risks. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand: safety is determined not only by the traffic light signal, but also by the actual situation ahead, where obstacles or other road users who are still completing their maneuvers may appear.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic light signals (item 8.7.3), passing intersections (item 16.4), as well as the general duties of the driver and the choice of safe speed (items 2.3(b), 12.1, 12.3). The typical logic is as follows: even when driving straight, the driver must be prepared for the fact that a vehicle finishing a left turn may be delayed or stopped at the intersection, for example, to yield to pedestrians at a controlled crosswalk. That is why early speed reduction is the correct tactic, which allows you to stop safely or adjust your movement.
The “Yes” option is correct because it meets the requirement to act cautiously and predictably: if there is a possible obstacle ahead, the driver must reduce speed up to a stop (12.3), and also allow those still at the intersection to finish their movement (16.4). The “No” option is incorrect, as it interprets the green signal as an unconditional “priority to proceed” and ignores the obligation to choose a safe speed considering the situation (12.1) and to remain attentive (2.3(b)), which in practice often requires slowing down before the intersection.
Clause 8.7.3 (meaning of traffic light signals: green signal)
“The green signal permits movement.”
This means that you are allowed to proceed, but the green signal itself does not guarantee that the intersection ahead is clear and does not exempt you from the obligation to act safely, taking the situation into account.
Clause 16.4
“At an intersection where traffic is regulated by traffic lights or a traffic controller, drivers who are permitted to proceed must yield to vehicles completing their movement through the intersection, as well as to pedestrians finishing crossing the roadway.”
In the situation with a car completing a left turn, your “green” does not cancel the obligation to allow it to finish the maneuver; in real conditions, this often requires you to reduce speed in advance.
Clause 2.3 (b)
“To ensure road safety, the driver must: be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correct placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.”
When approaching an intersection, the driver must respond to potential changes in the situation (possible stopping of a vehicle ahead/at the intersection, appearance of pedestrians, etc.), which in practice requires reducing speed.
Clause 12.1
“When choosing a safe driving speed within the established limits, the driver must take into account the traffic situation, the specifics 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.”
Even with a permissive signal, the speed must be safe considering the intersection, pedestrian crossings, and the possible appearance of obstacles.
Clause 12.3
“If a danger to traffic or an obstacle that the driver can objectively detect arises, he must immediately take measures to reduce speed up to stopping the vehicle or safely maneuvering around the obstacle for other road users.”
A vehicle completing a turn and/or possibly stopping (for example, to yield to pedestrians) is a potential obstacle/danger that should be responded to by reducing speed.
Clause 16.5
“When turning right or left at a green traffic light, the driver must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which he is turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.”
This clause explains why another driver (completing a left turn) may be forced to stop at the intersection, creating an obstacle for you, so it is advisable for you to reduce speed in advance.
That is, the correct answer is “Yes.”, given that according to the Traffic Rules, even when moving on a green signal, the driver is obliged to be attentive, choose a safe speed, and yield to those completing movement through the intersection, and in the event of a possible obstacle — reduce speed in advance up to stopping.
The green traffic light allows you to proceed straight through the intersection, but by itself it does not guarantee that the passage will be clear and safe. The situation at an intersection can change very quickly, so the driver must assess not only the signal but also the actual road conditions ahead.
According to paragraph 2.3 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the driver is required to be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, and respond accordingly to any changes. This means that even when the signal permits movement, you should be prepared in advance for possible obstacles and, if necessary, reduce your speed so that you can safely stop or change your driving mode.
In the situation shown, there is a vehicle at the intersection completing a left turn. Even if it has almost finished the maneuver, it may be forced to stop directly at the intersection, for example, to yield to pedestrians at a controlled crosswalk when the signal allows them to cross. In such a case, this vehicle will actually become an obstacle in your path as you go straight, and if you do not reduce your speed in advance, there is a risk of sudden braking or an accident.
Therefore, the correct tactic for safely passing through a green light in such a situation is to reduce your speed in advance, maintaining readiness to stop if the situation at the intersection changes.
Thus, the correct answer is "Yes," because although movement is permitted on a green light, according to paragraph 2.3 (b) the driver must respond in advance to the possible appearance of an obstacle at the intersection and reduce speed for safety.