40.30. You are riding a motorcycle that has no turn indicators or they are malfunctioning, and you need to turn right. What should you do?
UAВи рухаєтесь на мотоциклі, у якого відсутні або несправні світлові покажчики поворотів, і Вам необхідно повернути праворуч. Ваші дії:
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safe communication between road users when a motorcycle cannot provide a light turn signal. Such situations occur not only due to malfunction, but also because some models lack turn indicators, so the ability to give hand signals correctly directly affects how predictable your actions are for drivers behind and to the side, thereby reducing the risk of an accident during a maneuver.
The question tests Section 9 "Warning Signals" of the traffic rules, specifically the requirement to give a turn signal (item 9.2) and knowledge of specific gestures in case of absence or malfunction of indicators (item 9.3). For a right turn, the traffic rules allow two equivalent signals: either the right arm extended to the side, or the left arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards. This is the correct logic for answering the theoretical exam: it is important not to confuse that the "left arm bent upwards" means a right turn, while the "right arm bent upwards" indicates a different direction of maneuver.
The analysis of the options in the ticket comes down to the accuracy of the gesture: an option suggesting only the "right arm to the side and bent upwards" is incorrect, because this is not the signal that item 9.3 refers to for a right turn. An option mentioning the "left arm to the side" without the raised forearm is also not suitable for a right turn, as such a gesture corresponds to a different maneuver. The correct option covers both methods permitted by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, and in practice, motorcyclists often find it more convenient to use the left arm (forearm upwards), since the right hand is usually holding the throttle.
Clause 9.2 (Section 9 "Warning Signals")
The signal for turning or changing lanes is given by the corresponding turn indicators, and in case of their absence or malfunction — by hand.
This clause checks the obligation to signal the intention to turn/change lanes and directly allows (and requires) the use of hand signals if the turn indicators are absent or malfunctioning.
Clause 9.3 (Section 9 "Warning Signals")
In the absence or malfunction of turn indicators, signals for starting movement from the left edge of the carriageway, stopping on the right, turning right, or changing lanes to the right are given by extending the right arm to the side, or the left arm to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards.
In the absence or malfunction of turn indicators, signals for starting movement from the right edge of the carriageway, stopping on the left, turning left, or changing lanes to the left are given by extending the left arm to the side, or the right arm to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards.
This clause checks knowledge of the specific gesture that indicates a right turn in the absence/malfunction of turn indicators.
That is, the correct answer is "Extend your right arm to the side or your left arm to the side and bend it at the elbow at a right angle upwards," given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, in the absence or malfunction of turn indicators, a right turn is indicated by one of these hand signals (clauses 9.2, 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine).
When a motorcycle lacks or has faulty turn indicators, you are still required to give other road users a timely and clear warning of your intention to turn. In such cases, according to clause 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, hand signals are used instead of the turn indicator.
For a right turn, the rules allow two equally valid ways to signal. The first: extend your right arm to the side. The second: extend your left arm to the side and bend it at the elbow at a right angle upwards. Both options are considered correct ways to signal your intention to turn right, provided the signal is given in advance and is clear to others.
In practice, it is often more convenient for motorcyclists to signal with their left hand, because the right hand usually holds the throttle. That is why, in the situation of turning right, the most typical gesture for a motorcyclist is: left arm out to the side, forearm raised upwards at a 90-degree angle. It is important not to confuse: "left elbow up" corresponds specifically to a right turn; the other option, "elbow up" but with the right arm, would indicate a different direction.
Therefore, the correct answer is - "Extend your right arm to the side or your left arm to the side and bend it at the elbow at a right angle upwards," since according to clause 9.3 of the Traffic Rules, in case of faulty or absent turn indicators, a right turn is indicated by one of these two hand signals.