8.1.11. Are you allowed to proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow on the additional traffic light section?
UAЧи дозволено Вам рух у напрямку, вказаному стрілкою в додатковій секції світлофора?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety when passing intersections where several means of regulation operate simultaneously: a traffic light with an additional section and a traffic controller. In practice, such situations occur near large intersections or during complicated traffic, and a mistake in prioritizing signals can lead to conflicting trajectories and traffic accidents.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic regulation, specifically the priority of signals (clause 8.3) and the meaning of the controller's gestures (clause 8.8 a). The key principle for the theoretical exam: the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and even over the requirements of signs and markings, so you should primarily focus on the position of the controller's body and arms.
In this situation, the option "Allowed" is incorrect, because the green arrow in the additional section of the traffic light by itself does not give the right to proceed if the controller sets a different order of movement. The correct option is "Prohibited," since with the gesture "arms extended to the sides," non-rail vehicles from the left and right sides of the controller are allowed to move only straight or to the right, and the direction indicated by the additional section arrow (left/U-turn) is not among the permitted ones. It is important to remember this rule for confidently passing the theoretical exam and making the right decisions at a real intersection.
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 comply with additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road sign requirements, and road markings."
Clause 8.8 a)
"The signals of the traffic controller are the position of their body, as well as hand gestures, including with a baton or a disc with a red reflector, which are used in the following meaning: 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 move 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."
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller (clause 8.3) take precedence over traffic light signals, and according to the gesture of the traffic controller "arms extended to the sides" non-rail vehicles are only allowed to go straight and to the right (clause 8.8 a)), therefore movement in the direction of the arrow of the additional section (left/U-turn) is not allowed.
At the intersection, both a traffic light with an additional section and a traffic controller are operating simultaneously. In such a situation, the driver must first determine which signals to follow. According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over the signals of the traffic light and are mandatory to follow, even if they contradict the indications of the traffic light.
Next, let’s evaluate the specific signal of the traffic controller. According to clause 8.8 (a) of the Traffic Rules, when the traffic controller stands with arms extended to the sides (or lowered), for non-rail vehicles approaching from the left and right sides of the controller, movement is allowed only straight ahead or to the right. Turning left in this position for such vehicles is not provided for, therefore it is prohibited.
The green arrow in the additional section of the traffic light indeed indicates a permitted direction (left/turnaround), but it applies only when traffic is regulated solely by the traffic light. Since a traffic controller is operating at the intersection, their signal "overrides" the arrow of the additional section, and the requirements of the controller, not the traffic light, must be followed.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," because in the presence of a traffic controller (clause 8.3), their signals apply, and when the arms are extended to the sides (clause 8.8 a), non-rail vehicles are allowed to go only straight or to the right, but not to the left as indicated by the arrow in the additional section.