40.21. You are riding a motorcycle that has no brake signals or they are malfunctioning, and you need to stop. What should you do?
UAВи рухаєтесь на мотоциклі, у якого відсутні або несправні сигнали гальмування, і Вам необхідно зупинитися. Ваші дії:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and communication between road users when the standard light signals on a vehicle are not functioning. For a motorcyclist, it is especially important to warn drivers behind in advance about the intention to stop, since the absence or malfunction of brake lights increases the risk of a rear-end collision. That is why the traffic rules provide for clear hand signals as a substitute for light signals.
The question tests knowledge of Section 9 "Warning Signals," specifically points 9.2 and 9.3, which explain how to act when indicators and brake signals are faulty or missing. Within the theoretical exam, it is important not to confuse turn signals with the stop signal: for stopping, a universal gesture is used — the left or right hand raised upward, which is directly stipulated in point 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine as a mandatory substitute for brake lights.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that gestures with an outstretched arm to the side and a bent elbow at a right angle upward are used to indicate turns (left or right), not stopping, so they do not meet the requirements in this case. The correct action is precisely raising the left or right hand upward: this signal is clearly perceived by other drivers as a warning of stopping/braking when brake lights are faulty and helps avoid dangerous situations in traffic.
Clause 9.3 (Section 9 “Warning Signals”)
Hand signals are given as follows: for a left turn — the left arm extended to the side or the right arm extended upward, bent at the elbow at a right angle; for a right turn — the right arm extended to the side or the left arm extended upward, bent at the elbow at a right angle; for stopping — the left or right arm raised upward. In the absence or malfunction of brake signals, such a signal is given by raising the left or right arm upward.
Application: if the motorcycle lacks or has faulty brake lights, the driver is required to give a stop signal by raising the left or right arm upward.
Clause 9.2 (Section 9 “Warning Signals”)
Warning signals are given by the light indicators of the corresponding direction, and if they are absent or faulty — by hand; the brake signal is given by activating the brake lights, and in their absence or malfunction — by hand.
Application: this clause establishes the general rule that in the event of malfunction/absence of the corresponding light signals, warning signals (including braking) are given by hand.
That is, the correct answer is “Raise your left or right arm upward,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the stop signal in the absence or malfunction of brake signals is given by raising the arm upward.
When you are riding a motorcycle and planning to stop, other road users must understand your intention in advance. Usually, a brake signal (stop light) is used for this purpose so that drivers behind you can react in time and reduce their speed.
If the stop lights on the motorcycle are absent or faulty, you cannot rely on a light warning. In such a situation, the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (paragraph 9.3) require you to give a stop signal with your hand to replace the faulty or missing light signal.
In practice, this looks as follows: before you begin braking to stop, you raise your left or right hand upwards. For example, while moving in traffic, you raise your hand upwards in advance to indicate your intention to stop, after which you gradually reduce your speed and come to a stop. Such a gesture is clearly visible to drivers behind you and serves as a warning of your stop.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Raise your left or right hand upwards," since according to paragraph 9.3 of the Traffic Rules, if the brake signals are absent or faulty, you must indicate your stop by raising your hand upwards.