4.12. At a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian who did not manage to cross the carriageway in one direction (and the traffic signal prohibiting movement has appeared for them) must:
UAНа регульованому пішохідному переході пішохід, який не встиг перейти проїзну частину дороги одного напрямку руху (для нього загорівся сигнал світлофора, що забороняє рух) повинен:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safe pedestrian behavior at a regulated pedestrian crossing and interaction with traffic light signals. The topic directly concerns road safety: incorrect actions during a signal change create a risk of collision, force drivers to brake sharply, and provoke emergency situations. Such situations are often included in the theoretical exam because they occur daily in the city.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the duties of pedestrians at regulated crossings (paragraph 4.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine), as well as understanding the meanings of traffic light signals (in particular, that red prohibits movement). The logic of the rule is simple: if a person started crossing on a permissive signal but did not manage to finish crossing the carriageway in one direction and a prohibitive signal appeared, they should not "push through" further into the flow. The correct action is to stop in a safe waiting area: on a safety island, on the line/strip dividing traffic flows of opposite directions, or, if these are absent, in the middle of the carriageway, and continue moving only at the next permissive signal, after making sure it is safe.
The analysis of the answer options clearly shows what this exam question is testing. The idea of "finishing the crossing regardless of the traffic light signals" contradicts the traffic rules: after the prohibitive signal is activated, further movement across the lane, where vehicles may already have a green light, becomes dangerous. The suggestion to "return back to the sidewalk" is also not the correct norm: turning back into a flow that is starting to move may be even riskier; the Traffic Rules of Ukraine directly establish waiting on the island/dividing line or in the middle of the carriageway with further crossing only on a permissive signal. In practice, this knowledge helps both pedestrians and drivers act predictably, which is key for successfully passing the theoretical exam and for safe behavior on the road.
Clause 4.9
At regulated pedestrian crossings, pedestrians must follow the signals of pedestrian traffic lights, and if there are none — the signals of vehicle traffic lights for the corresponding directions. Pedestrians who did not manage to cross the carriageway of one direction and for whom a prohibiting traffic light signal has turned on must remain on the safety island or on the line separating traffic flows of opposite directions, and if these are absent — in the middle of the carriageway; they may continue crossing only when permitted by the corresponding traffic light signal, having made sure it is safe to proceed.
Clause 8.7.3
Traffic light signals have the following meanings: green signal permits movement; red signal (including flashing) prohibits movement.
Clause 1.10 (term “Safety island”)
Safety island — an element of the road intended for pedestrians to stop on while crossing the carriageway.
Clause 1.10 (term “Carriageway”)
Carriageway — an element of the road intended for the movement of non-rail vehicles.
Clause 1.10 (term “Median strip”)
Median strip — an element of the road, structurally separated or marked by solid road lines, which divides adjacent carriageways and is not intended for the movement or stopping of vehicles.
Thus, the correct answer is: "Remain on the safety island or the line separating traffic flows of opposite directions, or in the middle of the carriageway, and may continue crossing only when permitted by the corresponding traffic light signal, having made sure it is safe to proceed," according to the definitions of the Traffic Rules. Concise summary text.
At a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing, the movement of pedestrians is determined by the traffic light signals. This means: you may only start crossing on the permissive signal, and you must not step onto the roadway on a prohibitive signal.
Imagine the situation: a pedestrian started crossing on the green signal but did not manage to completely cross the roadway of one direction, and the prohibitive signal turned on for them. In this case, the Traffic Rules (paragraph 4.9) stipulate that the pedestrian must not continue moving further "through the flow," because this would mean moving on a prohibitive signal and would create a danger.
The correct and safe action in this situation is to stop at a place that is specially designated or most suitable for waiting: on a safety island, on the line (median strip) that separates opposing traffic flows, or if such elements are absent — in the middle of the roadway. This allows the pedestrian not to end up directly in front of vehicles that have already received permission to move by their traffic light signal.
The pedestrian may continue crossing only when the permissive signal for pedestrians is on again (or, if there are no pedestrian traffic lights at the intersection, when the vehicle traffic light for the corresponding direction allows it). Before taking the next steps, the pedestrian should additionally make sure that it is safe to proceed, since there may be situations on the road when drivers are completing a maneuver or do not stop immediately.
Thus, the correct answer is: "Remain on the safety island or the line that separates traffic flows of opposite directions, or in the middle of the roadway, and may continue crossing only when it is permitted by the corresponding traffic light signal, having ensured that further movement is safe," because at a signal-controlled crossing, the pedestrian is required to act according to the traffic light signals: when it changes to a prohibitive signal, do not continue crossing, but wait in a safe place until the next permissive signal.