40.3. When passing this intersection, drivers must be guided by:
UAПроїжджаючи це перехрестя, водії повинні керуватися:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to correctly determine what to follow at an intersection when different traffic control devices are present simultaneously. For road safety, it is critically important to understand the hierarchy of signals and signs, as mistakes in prioritization lead to dangerous conflicts and accidents, especially when passing through intersections.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic regulation and traffic light signals and priority signs (point 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine). It tests knowledge of a key rule: if the traffic light is working and displaying signals (and it is not a flashing yellow), drivers are required to follow its instructions, even if priority signs are installed nearby. That is, the intersection is effectively regulated, and the order of passage is determined by the traffic light signals.
The analysis of options in the theoretical exam comes down to a simple principle: 'priority signs' are relevant when there is no working traffic light or when the traffic light operates in flashing yellow mode; in the opposite case, they do not determine the order of movement. Therefore, the statement that you should follow only the signs is incorrect, and the option 'both' is also incorrect, because the Traffic Rules establish the superiority of traffic light signals over priority signs. In practice, this means: at a prohibitive signal, the driver stops regardless of the 'main road', and at a permissive signal, proceeds according to the rules of a regulated intersection.
Clause 8.3
“The signals of a traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs and are mandatory for compliance. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, take precedence over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with additional instructions from the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, and road markings.”
Brief application: if both priority signs are installed at an intersection and a traffic light is operating (not a flashing yellow), drivers must be guided by the traffic light signals, as they take precedence over priority signs.
Therefore, the correct answer is “By the traffic light signals,” given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, traffic light signals (except for the flashing yellow) take precedence over priority road signs.
At this intersection, both priority signs and traffic lights are installed at the same time, and from the context of the question, it is clear that the traffic light is operating (signals are on). In such a situation, the driver must determine what is the main factor for organizing traffic.
According to paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, traffic light signals (except for the flashing yellow) take precedence over priority signs. That is, even if a sign indicates who has the 'right of way,' but the traffic light gives a different permission or prohibition, the driver is required to act according to the traffic light signal.
Practically, this means the following: if the traffic light shows a prohibitive signal to the driver, they must stop regardless of whether there is a 'Main Road' sign in front of them. Conversely, if the traffic light allows movement, the driver passes through the intersection according to the rules for a controlled intersection, without determining the order solely by priority signs.
Therefore, the correct answer is "By the traffic light signals," since when the traffic light is working, its signals (except for the flashing yellow) have priority over priority signs.