60.4. In which direction is the tram allowed to move in this situation?
UAУ якому напрямку дозволено рух трамвая в даній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe passage through regulated intersections, where both a traffic light and a traffic controller may operate simultaneously. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand the priorities of signals, as a mistake in interpreting the controller's gestures directly affects traffic safety, especially for trams, which move on rails and have separate rules regarding directions.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the signals of the traffic controller and their precedence over other means of traffic organization. According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the instructions of the traffic controller are mandatory and take priority over traffic light signals and signs. And according to clause 8.8 (a), when the controller's arms are extended to the sides (or lowered, or the right arm is bent in front of the chest), from the left or right side of the controller, the tram is allowed to move only straight ahead, while non-rail vehicles in this situation may also be allowed to turn right.
Therefore, the option to turn right is incorrect specifically for the tram, even if the tracks or the traffic light “suggest” otherwise: the controller's signal has priority, and it restricts the direction for the tram. The option “straight or right” is also incorrect, as it mixes the permissions for non-rail vehicles with the rule for the tram. In practice, this knowledge helps to quickly assess the situation at the intersection and avoid violations, which often occur due to attempts to rely on the traffic light instead of the controller.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of 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.
In this situation, it is specifically the signal of the traffic controller that determines the permitted direction of tram movement, regardless of the traffic light signals or signs.
Clause 8.8 (a)
The signals of the traffic controller are the position of his body, as well as hand gestures, including with a baton or a disc with a red reflector, which have the following meanings:
a) arms extended to the sides, lowered, or the right arm bent in front of the chest:
• from the left and right sides — the tram is allowed to go straight, non-rail vehicles — straight and to the right; pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway behind the back and in front of the chest of the traffic controller;
• from the chest and back sides — movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.
Thus, when the tram is on the left or right side of the traffic controller with this signal, it is allowed to go only straight.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Straight ahead.", considering that according to clauses 8.3 and 8.8 (a) of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence, and from the left/right side of the controller, the tram is allowed to move only straight ahead.
In this situation, we have a controlled intersection where both a traffic light and a traffic controller are present. According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, if a traffic controller is present, drivers must follow only their signals, even if they do not coincide with the traffic lights or signs. Therefore, to determine the permitted direction of tram movement, we rely solely on the position of the traffic controller.
Next, we assess the signal given according to clause 8.8 a of the Traffic Rules. When the traffic controller's arms are extended to the sides (or lowered, or the right arm is bent in front of the chest), different movement orders are established for vehicles located to the left or right of the controller: the tram is allowed to move only straight ahead. This is a separate rule specifically for trams, and it differs from the permissions for non-rail vehicles.
Thus, even if the tram driver thinks it is possible to turn along the tracks or follow the traffic light, they do not have the right to do so, because the controller's signal determines: from their left or right side, the tram may only go straight ahead.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Straight ahead," since according to the controller's signal (clauses 8.3 and 8.8 a of the Traffic Rules), a tram on the left or right side of the controller is allowed to move only straight ahead.