40.27. In which cases must you as a motorcycle driver give signals with direction indicators?
UAУ яких випадках Ви як водій мотоцикла повинні подавати сигнали світловими покажчиками повороту?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns maneuvering safety and timely warning of other road users. For a motorcycle, this is especially critical, as it is less visible in traffic, and any sudden change in speed or direction increases the risk of an accident. Activating the turn indicators is one of the warning signals and gives drivers and pedestrians time to properly react to your actions.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules about warning signals, specifically the requirements of point 9.2. For the theoretical exam, it is important to remember that the obligation to signal with turn indicators arises not only before turning, but every time before starting to move, before stopping, before changing lanes, as well as before turning or making a U-turn. That is, the rule always applies and does not depend on where you are driving: in a populated area or outside it, and even if it seems that there is no one around.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that limiting it only to populated areas is incorrect, because point 9.2 does not establish any "territorial" restriction. The option that mentions only changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn is incomplete, as it misses two mandatory cases: starting to move and stopping. That is why the correct approach in this exam question is "in all the listed situations," which fully complies with the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine and the logic of safe motorcycle operation.
Clause 9.2
The driver must give signals with the direction indicators in the appropriate direction: a) before starting to move and stopping; b) before changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn.
Brief application: this clause directly establishes the obligation (including for the motorcycle driver) to give signals with the direction indicators every time before starting to move, stopping, any lane change, turning, or making a U-turn.
Clause 9.1
Warning signals are: a) signals given by direction indicators or by hand; d) switching on the dipped headlights during daylight hours; e) switching on the hazard warning lights, brake lights, reversing light, identification sign of a road train; f) switching on the orange flashing beacon.
Brief application: the clause defines that signals with direction indicators are considered warning signals, and therefore are used to timely warn other road users about the intention to perform the corresponding maneuver.
Thus, the correct answer is "Always before starting to move, stopping, changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to give signals with the direction indicators in all cases listed in clause 9.2.
When you are riding a motorcycle, you, like any driver, are required to warn other road users of your intentions in advance. Turn signals in the Traffic Rules are classified as warning signals, meaning they are not used “at your discretion,” but so that other drivers and pedestrians can anticipate your actions and respond to them safely.
According to paragraph 9.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, turn signals must be used in clearly defined situations: before starting to move and before stopping, as well as before changing direction or lane. That is, the obligation to turn on the indicator arises every time you are about to start moving, stop, change lanes, turn, or make a U-turn.
In practice, this looks as follows: before pulling out from the shoulder or from a parking spot, you turn on the indicator in the direction you intend to go; before stopping at the right edge — the right indicator; before moving into an adjacent lane — the indicator in the appropriate direction; before turning at an intersection or making a U-turn — also the corresponding indicator. Importantly, this rule always applies: both in populated areas and outside them, and even if it seems to you that there is no one nearby — because other participants may appear suddenly or may be out of sight.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Always before starting to move, stopping, changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn," since paragraph 9.2 of the Traffic Rules requires the driver in all these cases to give advance signals with the appropriate turn indicators.