36.3. Driving onto a railway level crossing at a prohibitive traffic light signal when the barrier is closed results in:
UAВ'їзд водіїв на залізничний переїзд на заборонний сигнал світлофора при закритому шлагбаумі тягне за собою:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety in one of the most high-risk situations for a driver: crossing railway crossings. Ignoring prohibitive signals at a crossing creates a direct threat of collision with a train, so the traffic rules provide not only a clear prohibition but also strict administrative liability, which is often tested in the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of Section 20 "Movement through railway crossings" (points 20.1–20.2) and Section 8 regarding traffic light signals (point 8.7.3). According to the PDR, the driver is required to follow the railway crossing traffic light and the position of the barrier and must stop if movement is prohibited: when the barrier is closed or closing, and when there is a prohibitive (red, including flashing) signal. Therefore, entering under these conditions is a violation of the rules for crossing railway crossings, for which the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (Article 123) provides for a fine or deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle, depending on the circumstances.
The analysis of the answer options in this exam question is straightforward: the sanction in the form of a fine or deprivation of the right to drive directly follows from the provisions of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses regarding violations of railway crossing rules, so this option complies with the law. The option about free confiscation of the vehicle does not correspond to the prescribed forms of penalties for such a violation. An oral warning from the crossing attendant is also not a legal liability and does not replace administrative punishment for entering the crossing when movement is prohibited.
Clause 20.1 (Section 20 "Movement through railway crossings")
When approaching a railway crossing, the driver must comply with the requirements of road signs, road markings, traffic light signals, the position of the barrier, and the instructions of the crossing attendant, and stop before the crossing if movement through it is prohibited.
Application: when the railway crossing traffic light shows a prohibitive signal and/or the barrier is closed, the driver is obliged to stop and not enter the crossing.
Clause 20.2 (Section 20 "Movement through railway crossings")
Entry onto a railway crossing is prohibited if: the barrier is closed or is beginning to close; a prohibitive traffic light signal is on (regardless of the position of the barrier); a train (locomotive, railcar) is approaching the crossing within visible range; there is a traffic jam beyond the crossing that would force the driver to stop on the crossing; the crossing attendant gives a signal prohibiting movement.
Application: this provision directly covers the situation in the question — entry onto the crossing when the traffic light shows a prohibitive signal and the barrier is closed (or closing) is prohibited.
Clause 8.7.3 (a) (Section 8 "Traffic regulation", traffic light signals)
A red traffic light signal (including a flashing one) or two red flashing signals prohibit movement.
Application: a railway crossing traffic light with a prohibitive (red/two red) signal means movement is prohibited, including entry onto the railway crossing.
Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses, Article 123 (Part 2)
Entry onto a railway crossing by a person driving a vehicle in cases where movement through the crossing is prohibited shall result in a fine or deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period from six months to one year (with or without paid confiscation of the vehicle from its owner) or administrative arrest for a period from seven to ten days (with or without paid confiscation of the vehicle from its owner).
Application: this provision establishes liability for entering a crossing on a prohibitive traffic light signal when the barrier is closed.
Thus, the correct answer is "Imposition of a fine or deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle," given that, according to the Traffic Rules, entry onto a railway crossing when the traffic light shows a prohibitive signal and/or the barrier is closed is directly prohibited, and the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (Art. 123) provides for a fine or deprivation of the right to drive for this.
When a driver approaches a railway crossing, they are required to follow the signals of the crossing traffic light and the position of the barrier. If the traffic light shows a prohibitive signal and the barrier is closed or closing, this means one thing: crossing the railway is prohibited, and entering it is a direct violation of the rules for passing railway crossings.
The legislator classifies such a violation as one of the most dangerous, since the driver is essentially ignoring a warning about the possible movement of a train. In practice, this looks as follows: the driver, without waiting for permission, drives around or approaches the barrier closely and enters the tracks under a red signal. This very fact is the basis for administrative liability.
Responsibility for entering a railway crossing in cases where crossing is prohibited is established by the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (Article 123). The sanction provides not only for a monetary fine, but also for a more severe consequence: by decision of the authorized body, the driver may be deprived of the right to drive vehicles for a specified period. That is, the law directly allows for two main types of punishment depending on the circumstances.
Thus, the correct answer is "Imposition of a fine or deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle," since entering a railway crossing when the traffic light shows a prohibitive signal and the barrier is closed is crossing at a prohibited time, for which Article 123 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses provides for a fine or deprivation of the right to drive.