35.84. Pedestrians must refrain from crossing the carriageway if a vehicle with flashing beacons is approaching:
UAПішоходи повинні утриматись від переходу проїзної частини, якщо наближається транспортний засіб з проблисковими маячками:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety and the priority of special vehicles during their emergency movement. In real-life situations, the ability to quickly recognize flashing beacons and respond correctly reduces the risk of being hit and helps avoid creating obstacles for emergency services that may be responding to a call.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding pedestrian responsibilities, specifically point 4.13. The rule is straightforward: if a vehicle with activated red and/or blue flashing beacons and/or a special sound signal is approaching, a pedestrian must refrain from stepping onto the roadway, and if already on it—must immediately leave. Importantly, even one of these signals is sufficient, and the rule applies regardless of whether there is a pedestrian crossing nearby or whether crossing is otherwise "allowed" under other conditions.
During the theoretical exam, people often get confused: some believe that a pedestrian always has priority on a "zebra" crossing. That is why the answer "Yes" meets the requirements of the Traffic Rules and safety logic, while "No" is incorrect because it ignores the obligation not to start crossing (or to urgently leave the roadway) when special vehicles with beacons and/or sirens are approaching. In practice, the correct action is to stop before the edge of the roadway or quickly finish crossing, without trying to "make it," to ensure an unobstructed passage.
Clause 4.13
In the event of the approach of a vehicle with an activated red and/or blue flashing beacon and/or a special sound signal, pedestrians must refrain from crossing the carriageway or must immediately leave it.
Application: this requirement applies regardless of whether the pedestrian is crossing at a pedestrian crossing or elsewhere — if flashing beacons (red and/or blue) and/or a special sound signal are activated, the pedestrian must not enter the carriageway, and if already on it, must immediately leave it.
That is, the correct answer is "Yes," given that according to the definition in Traffic Rules clause 4.13, pedestrians are directly obliged to refrain from crossing the carriageway (or must immediately leave it) when a vehicle with activated red and/or blue flashing beacons and/or a special sound signal is approaching.
Imagine you are approaching a crosswalk or just about to cross the road at a permitted location. At that moment, you notice a vehicle approaching with its flashing beacons on. Such signals mean that the vehicle is performing an urgent task, and other road users must ensure it can pass safely and without hindrance.
Clause 4.13 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine sets a clear requirement for pedestrians: if a vehicle is approaching with a red and/or blue flashing beacon on and/or with a special sound signal, the pedestrian must not begin to cross, and if already on the roadway — must leave it as quickly as possible. Importantly, even one of these warning signals is enough for this requirement to take effect.
Note: this rule concerns the very fact of such a vehicle approaching, not whether there is a pedestrian crossing nearby or whether you have a "permitted" signal. That is, even when a pedestrian formally has the right of way, the appearance of a vehicle with beacons changes the situation: priority is given to the special vehicle, and the pedestrian must wait until it passes to avoid creating danger or obstruction.
For example, if you have stepped onto the "zebra" and hear a siren or see blue (and/or red) beacons behind or ahead, the correct action is not to continue crossing at a "I'll make it" pace, but to assess the direction of movement and quickly vacate the roadway so that the special vehicle can pass without risk.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", since when a vehicle with blue and/or red flashing beacons and/or a special sound signal is approaching, pedestrians must refrain from crossing the roadway or immediately leave it.