8.1.1. To drivers of which vehicles is movement allowed in this situation?
UAВодіям яких транспортних засобів дозволено рух у даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety at controlled intersections, where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals. In real conditions, mistakes in interpreting the additional sections of the traffic light often lead to conflicting trajectories and accidents, which is why theoretical exams regularly include tasks to assess understanding of who is allowed to proceed and in which direction.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic lights and their signals, specifically the application of points 8.7.2 and 8.7.3(b) of the Ukrainian Traffic Rules. The key logic is as follows: when the main signal is red, movement is generally prohibited, but a green arrow in the additional section allows movement only in the indicated direction. If the arrow permits a left turn, it also allows a U-turn, provided this is not prohibited by road signs. Therefore, in the described situation, only the driver whose intention matches the direction of the arrow has the right to proceed, while all other directions (straight or right) remain prohibited when the light is red.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to checking whether they "add" any extra permitted directions. Options mentioning movement straight ahead or to the right (for the yellow or red car) contradict the meaning of the red signal and the permission of the additional section, since the arrow does not grant the right to move in other directions. The only correct option is the one where only the left turn maneuver is allowed, as well as a U-turn as a derivative of the permitted left turn (if not prohibited by signs). This is the correct approach that must be learned for successfully passing the theoretical exam and confidently navigating intersections in the city.
Clause 8.7.2
“Traffic lights with vertically arranged signals may have one or two additional sections with signals in the form of a green arrow (arrows), which are located at the level of the green signal.”
(Application: in the situation shown in the image, a traffic light with an additional section with an arrow is used, so the direction of movement is determined precisely by the signals of this section together with the main signal of the traffic light.)
Clause 8.7.3 b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: b) a green arrow (arrows) on a black background allows movement in the indicated direction(s). The same meaning applies to a signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional section of the traffic light. A signal in the form of an arrow that allows a left turn also allows a U-turn, unless it is prohibited by road signs. A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional section(s), illuminated together with the green signal of the traffic light, informs the driver that they have the right of way in the direction(s) indicated by the arrow(s) over vehicles moving from other directions; ... A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional section(s) together with the yellow or red signal of the traffic light informs the driver that movement is permitted in the indicated direction, provided that vehicles moving from other directions are given the right of way.”
(Application: the additional section with a “left” arrow, illuminated together with the main red signal, allows movement only to the left (and a U-turn, if not prohibited by signs), provided that right of way is given to those moving from other directions on the permitted signal.)
Clause 8.7.3 e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: e) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two flashing red signals prohibit movement.”
(Application: all vehicles for which a permitted direction is not indicated in the additional section are prohibited from moving on a red signal.)
That is, the correct answer is “The blue one – to the left or U-turn,” considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, movement on a red signal is prohibited, but a green arrow in the additional section, illuminated together with the red, allows movement only in the direction of the arrow (to the left) and also allows a U-turn, if it is not prohibited by road signs.
In this situation, we have a signal-controlled intersection, meaning the order of movement is determined by the traffic light signals. For the driver, the main thing is which signal is lit on the main section and whether the additional section with the arrow is operating.
The main signal is red, and the additional section has a green arrow to the left. According to clause 8.7.3 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a green arrow (including in the additional section) allows movement only in the direction it indicates. That is, with such an arrow present, the driver is allowed to go only to the left. It is also important that an arrow permitting a left turn simultaneously allows a U-turn, unless there are signs prohibiting a U-turn. In this scenario, no such prohibitions are visible, so a U-turn is also possible.
Since the main signal is red, going straight or to the right during this phase is prohibited. Therefore, drivers of those vehicles intending to go in a direction other than the arrow must stop and wait for a permissive signal for their direction. In the image, only the blue car intends to make a left turn (as indicated by the activated turn signal), so only it falls under the direction permitted by the arrow.
Thus, the correct answer is "The blue one – to the left or U-turn," because when the main section shows red, a green arrow in the additional section allows movement only to the left (and a U-turn, if not prohibited), and among the vehicles shown, only the blue car is performing this maneuver.