47.5. What is the safest way to pass an intersection if, as you approach it, you see a green flashing traffic light signal?
UAЯк найбезпечніше проїхати перехрестя, якщо при наближенні до нього Ви бачите зелений миготливий сигнал світлофора?
Question without image
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe passage of intersections and the correct driver response to changing traffic light signals. In real traffic, the moment when the green light starts flashing often provokes mistakes: drivers either try to "rush through" or brake sharply. Both extremes increase the risk of an accident, so the topic is directly related to road safety and anticipating the traffic situation.
It tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules about traffic light signals (specifically points 8.7.3 and 8.10) and understanding the exception regarding the yellow signal without emergency braking, as well as the logic of point 16.8 about completing the passage of an intersection if you have already entered on a permissive signal. The flashing green remains permissive, but it warns that the permission will soon end and a prohibitive signal will appear, so the driver must act in advance and without abrupt maneuvers.
The analysis of the options shows a typical pitfall of the theoretical exam. The intention to increase speed to "make it" is dangerous: it encourages entering on yellow/red, worsens vehicle control, and increases the consequences of a possible mistake. Continuing at the same speed and then braking if necessary before the stop line is also risky, as it often results in emergency braking and creates danger for vehicles behind. The safest tactic, which is also expected by the traffic rules in this exam question, is to reduce speed in advance, maintain a safe distance, and be ready to stop before the stop line or the "Stop" sign without sudden braking if a prohibitive signal appears.
Clause 8.7.3 (traffic light signals, green flashing)
The green flashing signal allows movement, but warns that the duration of the permissive signal is ending and a prohibitive signal (usually yellow) will soon be activated.
Clause 8.7.3 (traffic light signals, yellow signal and the exception "without emergency braking")
The yellow traffic light signal prohibits movement and warns of the upcoming change of signals.
Movement on a yellow signal is allowed only if the driver cannot stop the vehicle at the place specified by the Rules without resorting to emergency braking.
Clause 8.10 (where the driver must stop at a prohibitive signal)
In the case of a prohibitive signal from a traffic light (or traffic controller), the driver must stop before road marking 1.12 (stop line) or road sign 5.69 "Stopping place", and if they are absent — at the place specified by the Rules before the intersection of carriageways/pedestrian crossing, without creating obstacles for other road users.
Clause 16.8 (leaving the intersection if entered on a permissive signal)
"A driver who entered the intersection of carriageways in accordance with a permissive traffic light signal must leave in the intended direction regardless of the signals at the exit. However, if there are road markings 1.12 (stop line) or road sign 5.69 "Stopping place" in front of the traffic lights along the driver's route, he must follow the signals of each traffic light."
Clause 34.1.12 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.12 (stop line)
Marking 1.12 (stop line) indicates the place where the driver must stop at a prohibitive traffic light (or traffic controller) signal and in other cases provided by the Rules.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road signs", 5 "Information and direction signs", sign 5.69 "Stopping place"
Sign 5.69 "Stopping place" indicates the place where the driver must stop at a prohibitive traffic light (or traffic controller) signal.
That is, the correct answer is: "Reduce speed in advance so that, if necessary, you can stop before the 'stop line' when the prohibitive traffic light signal is activated, without resorting to emergency braking," taking into account that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the green flashing signal only warns of the imminent end of the permission to move, and the subsequent activation of the prohibitive signal requires stopping at the established place (stop line/stopping place), and the Rules separately emphasize the inadmissibility of creating a situation where stopping is possible only by emergency braking.
When approaching an intersection and you see a green flashing signal, it means that movement is still allowed, but the green phase is about to end and a prohibiting signal will soon appear (first yellow, then red). In other words, this is not an “additional green,” but a warning: at this moment, the important thing is not to rush through at any cost, but to safely assess whether you can complete crossing without violating the rules.
In such a situation, the safest tactic is the same: avoid making sudden decisions in advance. If you see that there is still some distance to the stop line (or to the place where you need to stop before the traffic light), and the green is already flashing, it is better to reduce your speed in advance. This gives you extra time and distance to calmly stop before the stop line if a prohibiting signal appears, without “slamming on the brakes” and without risking your car or the drivers behind you.
Example: You are driving at 50 km/h, there are still 30–40 meters to the intersection, and the green starts flashing. If you continue at the same speed or start accelerating, there is a high risk that the yellow (which in standard situations prohibits movement) will light up as you enter, and you will have to either brake sharply or cross at the edge of a violation. Instead, gradually reducing your speed allows you either to finish crossing on the permitted signal or to safely stop before the stop line.
Another situation: if the green flashing signal catches you very close to the entry line of the intersection and you actually no longer have the ability to stop safely, then you may continue moving, because you are entering the intersection on a permissive signal. Then, clause 16.8 of the Traffic Rules applies: a driver who entered the intersection on a permissive signal must leave in the intended direction regardless of the signals at the exit (except in cases where there is a stop line/stop location before the next traffic light, in which case you must follow the signals of each traffic light). But the key point here is different: a flashing green is not a reason to “step on the gas,” it is a reason to prepare for a possible stop.
Therefore, the correct answer is: “Reduce speed in advance so that, if necessary, you can stop before the ‘stop line’ when a prohibiting traffic light signal appears, without resorting to emergency braking,” because a flashing green warns of an imminent change to a prohibiting signal, and reducing speed in advance allows you to safely stop before the stop line or, if you are already too close, to continue moving without risk or sudden maneuvers.