44.12. You are driving a car with malfunctioning turn indicators, but you need to turn right. What should you do?
UAВи рухаєтесь на автомобілі, у якого несправні світлові покажчики поворотів, але Вам необхідно повернути праворуч. Ваші дії:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and proper communication between road users when a vehicle has a technical malfunction. Even if the turn indicators are not working, the driver is required to warn others in advance about the intention to change direction, as this ensures the predictability of maneuvers and reduces the risk of accidents.
The question tests knowledge of Section 9 of the Traffic Rules, "Warning Signals," specifically the use of hand signals in the absence or malfunction of light turn indicators (points 9.1 and 9.3). Such situations are often included in the theoretical exam because a driver must not only know the standard use of indicators but also understand which hand gesture unambiguously replaces the turn signal in real-life conditions.
The correct answer is the option where the left arm is extended to the side and bent upward at a right angle to indicate a right turn: this directly corresponds to the requirements of point 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine in case of faulty indicators. The option with the "right arm bent upward" does not match the established gesture for a right turn, and simply extending the left arm to the side is used to signal a left turn or lane change to the left, so in this context, it would be misunderstood and could create a dangerous situation.
The practical significance of this topic for the student is clear: the gesture must be given in advance, clearly, and stopped before starting the maneuver, remembering that signaling does not grant the right of way. Knowledge of these rules helps to answer exam questions correctly and act confidently on the road when electrical signals are temporarily unavailable.
Clause 9.3 (Traffic Rules of Ukraine, Section 9 "Warning Signals")
"In the absence or malfunction of turn signal lights, signals for starting to move from the right edge of the carriageway, stopping on the left, turning left, making a U-turn, or changing lanes to the left are given by extending the left arm to the side, or the right arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards. Signals for starting to move 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 extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards. In the absence or malfunction of brake signals, such a signal is given by raising the left or right arm upwards."
This clause directly determines which hand gesture is used to signal a right turn if the turn signal lights are malfunctioning.
Clause 9.1 (Traffic Rules of Ukraine, Section 9 "Warning Signals")
"Before starting to move and stopping, changing lanes, turning, or making a U-turn, the driver is required to give a signal using the appropriate turn signal lights, and in their absence or malfunction — by hand."
This clause establishes the obligation to give a signal and directly allows (requires) replacing the light signal with a hand gesture in case of malfunctioning turn signals.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Extend your left arm out the window to the left and bend it upward at a right angle," considering that according to the Traffic Rules, in case of malfunctioning turn signal lights, the right turn signal is given by the left arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards (clause 9.3), and the signal itself is mandatory (clause 9.1).
When the turn indicators are absent or malfunctioning, the driver is still required to warn other road users about their intention to perform a maneuver. In such a situation, instead of the indicator, hand signals are used, as is directly stipulated by paragraph 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
For a right turn, the Traffic Rules specify two possible gestures: either signal with the right arm extended to the side, or signal with the left arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards. In a typical passenger car with left-hand steering, the most practical and expected way for other drivers is to give the signal through the left window, that is, with the left hand.
Therefore, if you need to turn right and the turn indicators are not working, you extend your left arm out the left window, move it to the side, and bend it upwards at a 90-degree angle at the elbow. This gesture is unequivocally perceived as a right turn signal and serves the same function as the right turn indicator.
Thus, the correct answer is "Extend your left arm out the left window and bend it upwards at a right angle," since according to paragraph 9.3 of the Traffic Rules, when the turn indicators are malfunctioning, it is permitted and correct to signal a right turn with the left arm extended to the side and bent upwards at the elbow.