4.22. At uncontrolled intersections, do pedestrians have the right to cross the road if there is no marked pedestrian crossing?
UAНа нерегульованих перехрестях пішоходи мають право переходити дорогу, якщо не має позначеного пішохідного переходу?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety and the predictability of their actions at points where traffic flows intersect. At uncontrolled intersections, where there is no traffic light or traffic controller, it is especially important for drivers to understand exactly where a pedestrian has the right to cross the carriageway, and for pedestrians—to know how to act legally and safely according to the traffic rules.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding pedestrian duties and the procedure for crossing the carriageway (points 4.7–4.8), as well as basic definitions from point 1.10 (such as "pedestrian crossing," "intersection," and "uncontrolled intersection"). According to point 4.7, if there is no marked pedestrian crossing at the intersection, pedestrians are allowed to cross the road within the intersection along the lines of the imaginary extension of sidewalks or roadsides. That is why the answer "Yes" is correct: the right to cross is preserved, but it is tied to the boundaries of the intersection and the logic of the "extension" of the sidewalk. The answer "No" is incorrect, as it contradicts the direct provision of the Traffic Rules, which allows crossing at intersections in the absence of markings or signs.
For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember the practical approach: in the absence of a "zebra" at an uncontrolled intersection, crossing is not done "where convenient," but where the sidewalk or roadside would conditionally pass across the road. And if there is neither a crossing nor an intersection within visible range, then point 4.8 applies: under certain conditions (up to three lanes in both directions, without a dividing strip or barrier), crossing is allowed at a right angle at a place with good visibility. This knowledge helps avoid common mistakes on the exam and in real traffic.
Clause 4.7
Pedestrians must cross the carriageway at pedestrian crossings, including underground and overground ones, and if there are none — at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or road shoulders.
Explanation of application: if there is no marked pedestrian crossing (markings/signs) at the intersection, pedestrians are allowed to cross the road within the intersection along the imaginary lines extending the sidewalks or road shoulders.
Clause 1.10 (term "Pedestrian crossing")
Pedestrian crossing — a section of the carriageway or an engineering structure intended for pedestrian movement across the road.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundaries of which are the imaginary lines between the beginnings of the curves of the carriageway edges of each road.
Clause 1.10 (term "Unregulated intersection")
Unregulated intersection — an intersection where traffic is not controlled by a traffic light or a traffic controller.
Clause 4.8
If there is no crossing or intersection within sight, and the road has no more than three traffic lanes for both directions, no median strip and no barriers, pedestrians may cross it at a right angle to the edge of the carriageway in places where the road is clearly visible in both directions.
That is, the correct answer is "Yes.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, in the absence of a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians have the right to cross the carriageway at intersections along the lines of sidewalks or road shoulders.
According to the general rule, a pedestrian must cross the roadway at specially designated places: at pedestrian crossings, including underground or overground ones. This is how the Traffic Rules ensure predictability of movement and reduce the risk of being hit.
However, in practice, there are uncontrolled intersections where there is neither a 'zebra' marking, nor appropriate road signs, nor a traffic light. In such a situation, the pedestrian's right to cross the road does not disappear. The rules allow crossing specifically at the intersection, guided by the lines of the imaginary continuation of sidewalks (or road shoulders), that is, crossing 'as a continuation' of the sidewalk across the roadway.
For example, you approach a typical T-shaped intersection in a residential area, and there is no marked pedestrian crossing. You have the right to cross at the intersection, keeping to the direction that corresponds to the continuation of the sidewalk, and not randomly in the middle of the block. This is the option provided by the Traffic Rules for crossing when there is no specially designated crossing at the intersection.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Yes.", since at an uncontrolled intersection, in the absence of a marked pedestrian crossing, the Traffic Rules allow pedestrians to cross the road within the intersection along the lines of the continuation of sidewalks or road shoulders.