40.16. When must a motorcycle driver stop giving a hand signal?
UAКоли водієві мотоцикла необхідно припинити подавання сигналу рукою?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns maneuvering safety and communication between road users. For a motorcyclist, signals are especially important: other drivers must understand the intention to turn, change lanes, or make a U-turn in advance, while the rider must maintain maximum control over the motorcycle at the crucial moment. That is why the traffic rules specifically regulate when and how to give and stop hand signals.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding warning signals, specifically the requirements of clause 9.4. A common nuance on the theoretical exam is that turn indicators can be kept on during the maneuver and switched off after it is completed, but a hand signal follows a different logic, since the rider removes a hand from the handlebars. Clause 9.4 directly requires that the hand signal be stopped before starting the maneuver, so that the rider can return the hand to the handlebars and perform the action steadily and safely.
If you choose the option to stop the signal immediately after completing the maneuver, this is the general rule for light indicators, but not for hand signals on a motorcycle. The answer about stopping during the maneuver also contradicts the requirement to return the hand to the handlebars before starting to turn or change lanes. The correct logic being tested by this question: warn others in advance, but finish the hand signal immediately before starting to change the direction of movement.
Clause 9.4
Signals with turn indicators or by hand must be given in advance before starting the maneuver (taking into account the speed of movement), and must be stopped immediately after it is completed. Hand signals must be finished immediately before starting the maneuver.
Application: since a motorcycle driver may give a signal not with turn indicators, but by hand, the Traffic Rules directly establish a special requirement — to stop giving such a hand signal exactly before starting the maneuver (in order to return the hand to the handlebar for safe execution of the action).
That is, the correct answer is "Immediately before starting the maneuver," given that according to the definition in Clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules, it is directly required to finish giving a hand signal immediately before starting the maneuver.
When a motorcycle rider is unable to use turn indicators, they may signal their intentions to other road users with a hand signal. According to clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules, such a signal must be given in advance so that other drivers have time to notice it and understand your intentions.
At the same time, a hand signal has a particular feature: to give it, the rider must remove a hand from the handlebars. Therefore, the rules require that the hand signal be stopped not after, but before starting the maneuver. This is necessary so that immediately before turning, changing lanes, or making a U-turn, both hands are on the handlebars, keeping the motorcycle stable and safe.
For example, if you are about to turn left and are signaling with your left hand, you do so in advance. But as soon as you approach the turning point and are ready to begin changing direction, you must return your hand to the handlebars, and only after that start the turn. In this way, other road users are already warned, and you maintain full control of the motorcycle during the maneuver.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immediately before starting the maneuver," since according to clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules, a hand signal is given in advance, but must be stopped before the maneuver so you can return your hand to the handlebars and safely perform the action.