40.12. Is the driver of a motorcycle allowed to turn left if he resides there?
UAЧи дозволено водієві мотоцикла повернути ліворуч, якщо він там проживає?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the effect of prohibitory road signs before an intersection and exceptions to general restrictions. Such situations often occur in cities, where, to increase safety and reduce transit traffic, the movement of certain types of vehicles is restricted, but local residents are still allowed access. For the theoretical exam, it is important to be able to read the sign together with supplementary plates and understand when the prohibition applies and when it does not.
The question tests section 33 of the Traffic Rules, in particular prohibitory sign 3.6 "Motorcycles prohibited" and plate 7.3.2 "Direction of action." The combination of the sign with the plate means that the restriction (and all exceptions provided by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) applies specifically to the direction indicated by the arrow. At the same time, the effect of sign 3.6 does not extend to motorcycles belonging to citizens who live or work in the designated area, or who service it, so entry into this zone for such drivers is possible through the intersection closest to their destination.
When analyzing the answer options, it is important to distinguish between a "general prohibition" and an "exception allowance." The option about a complete prohibition would be correct for a transit motorcyclist who has no reason to enter the area covered by the sign, but it does not take into account the exception for residents. That is why the correct option is the one that allows the maneuver in the direction of the sign's action if the trip is related to living in this area, which directly corresponds to the requirements of section 33 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the logic of the exam question for the theoretical test.
Clause 33.3 — 33 "Road Signs", 3 "Prohibitory Signs", sign 3.6 "Motorcycle Traffic Prohibited"
Sign 3.6 "Motorcycle Traffic Prohibited" prohibits the movement of motorcycles. The effect of the sign does not apply to vehicles that serve residents or belong to citizens who live or work in this area, as well as to vehicles serving enterprises located in the designated area. In such cases, vehicles must enter and exit the designated area at the intersection closest to their destination. The area of effect of the sign extends from the place of installation to the nearest intersection beyond it, and in populated areas where there are no intersections, to the end of the populated area. The effect of the sign is not interrupted at exits from adjacent territories or at crossings (junctions) with field, forest, and other unpaved roads, before which no priority signs are installed.
(Application to the question: if the motorcycle driver resides in the area of effect of sign 3.6, the prohibition does not apply to him, so he may turn left to enter this area.)
Clause 33.7 — 33 "Road Signs", 7 "Plates to Road Signs", plate 7.3.2 "Direction of Effect"
Plate 7.3.2 "Direction of Effect" indicates the direction in which the sign installed with it applies.
(Application to the question: if plate 7.3.2 with a left arrow is installed together with sign 3.6, the restriction (and corresponding exceptions) applies specifically to movement/entry in this direction.)
Thus, the correct answer is "Permitted.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the effect of sign 3.6 does not apply to a motorcycle belonging to a citizen residing in the designated area (and plate 7.3.2 only clarifies the direction of this restriction).
In this situation, a prohibitory sign 3.6 "Motorcycles prohibited" is installed before the intersection, together with a direction plate 7.3.2. This means that in the direction indicated by the arrow on the plate (in our case, to the left), motorcycle traffic is generally prohibited.
However, the Rules provide an exception for sign 3.6. Its effect does not apply to motorcycles that belong to or serve citizens who live (or work) in the area where entry is restricted. That is, if the motorcyclist lives on this street or in this block, they have the right to enter there, even despite the prohibition for other motorcycles.
It is important that such a driver must enter and exit through the intersection closest to their destination. In practice, this means: if your home is exactly in the area accessed by turning left, you may make this turn to reach your residence, and not use the prohibition as a "convenient shortcut" for transit traffic.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Allowed," since sign 3.6 does not apply to a motorcyclist who lives in the restricted area, and they have the right to turn left to enter their place of residence.