8.1.10. Are you allowed to turn right in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам повернути праворуч у даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely navigate regulated intersections when both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present at the intersection. Such situations often occur during traffic jams, accidents, or mass events, and mistakes in prioritizing signals can lead to conflicts with pedestrians and create a hazardous situation.
Within the topics of "Controller Signals" and "Intersection Crossing," the traffic rules require drivers to first and foremost follow the instructions of the controller, as they take precedence over traffic light signals (Clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules). The gesture "arms extended to the sides (or lowered)" for non-rail vehicles from the left and right sides of the controller allows movement straight ahead and to the right (Clause 8.8 a), so the right turn maneuver itself is possible. However, when turning, the driver is obliged to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning (Clause 16.2), even if you are allowed to proceed.
The analysis of the options in this theoretical exam boils down to three typical mistakes. The option "prohibited" is incorrect because it ignores the priority of the controller's signals and the permitted direction of movement from the respective side. The option "allowed without yielding to pedestrians" is dangerous and contradicts the requirements of Clause 16.2: pedestrians at the crossing have priority during your turn. The only correct conclusion for this exam question is: the maneuver is allowed, but only with the mandatory yielding to pedestrians crossing at the crosswalk.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and road sign requirements and are mandatory for compliance. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, take precedence over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must also comply with additional instructions from the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road sign requirements, and road markings.
Application: in a situation where both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present, the direction of movement is determined specifically by the controller's signals (they are prioritized).
Clause 8.8 a)
The signals of the traffic controller include the position of their 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 — trams are allowed to go straight, non-rail vehicles are allowed to go straight and to the right; pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway behind the back and in front of the chest of the controller;
• from the chest and back — movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.
Application: from the permitted side of the controller, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is allowed to go straight or turn right; at the same time, pedestrians may be allowed to cross the corresponding roadway.
Clause 16.2
At regulated and unregulated intersections, a driver turning right or left must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.
Application: even when a right turn is permitted by the controller's signal, the driver is required to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning.
Clause 16.1
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a controller is considered regulated.
Application: at such an intersection, the rules for passing a regulated intersection apply, in particular the obligation to comply with the controller's signals and the requirement to yield to pedestrians when turning.
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed, yielding to pedestrians," given that the controller's signals allow a right turn, but while turning, the driver is required to yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which they are turning.
In this situation, we are at a controlled intersection: both a traffic light is operating and there is a traffic controller at the intersection. According to the Traffic Rules, in such a case, you must first follow the signals of the traffic controller, as they take precedence over the traffic light signals (clause 8.3).
The traffic controller is standing with arms extended to the sides (or lowered). For non-rail vehicles, this means that from the left and right sides of the controller, it is permitted to go straight and turn right (clause 8.8 a). That is, we are allowed to make a right turn regardless of the traffic light signal, because we follow the controller's signal.
Next, it is necessary to assess the conflict with pedestrians. Pedestrians are crossing the roadway onto which we are turning, and they are allowed to move by the controller’s signal. According to the rules, a driver who is turning right (or left) at an intersection must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which he is turning. Therefore, the turn is possible only after the pedestrians have finished crossing and the path is clear.
Thus, the correct answer is "Allowed, yielding to pedestrians," since at a controlled intersection the controller’s signals have priority, he allows a right turn, but the driver is required to yield to pedestrians at the crossing.