40.4. What should you, as a moped driver, be guided by when passing this intersection?
UAЧим Ви як водій мопеда повинні керуватися під час проїзду цього перехрестя?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to correctly determine which signals have the highest priority at an intersection when there is a working traffic light, installed priority signs, and a traffic controller present at the same time. Such a situation directly affects road safety, as a mistake in choosing the “main” source of information can lead to entering on a prohibited signal or creating an obstacle for other participants.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the regulation of road traffic (signals of the traffic controller, traffic lights, and road signs) and the rules for passing intersections. Clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules establishes the hierarchy: signals from the traffic controller are mandatory and take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs, and clause 16.1 clarifies that an intersection where the order of movement is determined by a traffic light or a traffic controller is considered regulated. Therefore, during the theoretical exam, it is important to clearly remember: the appearance of a traffic controller “cancels” for the driver (including a moped driver) the priority of the traffic light and signs in terms of the order of passage.
The analysis of answer options in similar tasks always comes down to priorities: you can rely only on the traffic light in the absence of a traffic controller; it is appropriate to follow priority signs when there is neither a traffic controller nor a working traffic light (or the traffic light is in yellow flashing mode); the “give way to the right” rule is mainly applied at equal, unregulated intersections. In a real trip, this means that the moped driver must follow the instructions of the traffic controller even when they contradict the signals of the traffic light or signs, which is the key logic of this exam question.
Clause 8.3
The signals of a traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and road signs and are mandatory for execution. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, take precedence over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, and markings.
Application: in the presence of a traffic controller at an intersection, the driver (including a moped driver) must primarily follow their signals, even if the traffic light is operating and priority signs are installed at the same time.
Clause 16.1
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller is considered regulated.
Application: in the given situation, the intersection is regulated, so the order of passage is determined by the signals of the traffic controller (as the one having priority according to clause 8.3).
Clause 1.10 (term "Moped")
Moped — a two-wheeled vehicle with an engine capacity of up to 50 cc or an electric motor with a power of up to 4 kW.
Application: clarifies that the driver in the question is the driver of a vehicle of the "moped" category, who is a full participant in road traffic and is obliged to comply with the signals of the traffic controller.
Clause 1.10 (term "Intersection")
Intersection — a place where roads cross, adjoin, or branch at the same level, the boundary of which is the imaginary lines between the beginning of the rounding of the edges of the carriageway of each road. The place where an exit from an adjacent territory adjoins the road is not considered an intersection.
Application: confirms that the situation takes place precisely at an intersection, where the rules for passing intersections and the definition of a "regulated intersection" apply.
That is, the correct answer is "By the signals of the traffic controller," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller have priority over traffic light signals and road signs and are mandatory for execution.
When approaching this intersection on a moped, you see that there are simultaneously priority road signs, working traffic lights, and a traffic controller giving signals. In such a situation, it is important to correctly determine whose instructions have the highest authority for all road users.
According to paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the signals of the traffic controller are mandatory for compliance and take precedence over traffic light signals and road sign requirements. That is, even if the traffic light shows one signal and the signs suggest a different order of passage, the final decision regarding permission to move, direction, and order is determined by the traffic controller.
Practically, this means the following: if the traffic controller allows movement, you may proceed even if the traffic light for your direction shows a prohibitive signal. Conversely, if the traffic controller prohibits movement, you must stop, even when the traffic light is green and the signs give you priority.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The signals of the traffic controller," since according to paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules, their signals have the highest priority at the intersection and are mandatory for compliance.