8.1.21. In which direction are you allowed to proceed in the situation shown?
UAУ якому напрямку Вам дозволено рух в показаній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of intersections and the correct understanding of traffic light signals. In real traffic, it is the traffic light signals at a controlled intersection that determine whether a driver has the right to continue driving, and a mistake in interpreting the permitted directions leads to dangerous maneuvers and typical "shortcuts" on the theoretical exam.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic light signals (clause 8.7.3 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) and basic logic: a green signal of the main section without contour arrows and without additional sections does not restrict directions, that is, it allows movement in any direction unless there are prohibitory signs or markings. It is important to distinguish between "permitted" and "can be performed without violation": the direction of movement is allowed by the traffic light, but for an actual turn or U-turn, the driver is obliged to signal in advance with the turn indicators (clause 9.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) and, when turning left or making a U-turn, to yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians (clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine).
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the fact that the restrictions "only straight" or "straight and right" are incorrect, because for a regular green signal without arrows, the traffic rules do not impose such prohibitions; the option "straight, right, and left" is also incomplete, since in the absence of special restrictions, a U-turn at this same green signal is also included in the list of permitted directions. That is why, within this theoretical exam, the correct understanding is that the green signal opens all directions, and the requirements regarding indicators and yielding regulate the technique and safety of the maneuver, not the very fact of permission for the direction.
Clause 8.7.3 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
The green traffic light signal permits movement.
Clause 8.7.3 e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Black contour arrows on the green (or red) traffic light signal permit movement only in the directions indicated by the arrows.
Clause 9.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Before starting to move, changing lanes, turning or making a U-turn, stopping, and before leaving the road, the driver must give a signal in advance with the appropriate direction indicators, or if they are absent or faulty — by hand, and must stop signaling immediately after completing the maneuver.
Clause 9.1 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Giving a warning signal does not give the driver priority and does not exempt them from taking precautionary measures.
Clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
At a controlled intersection, when the traffic light signal permits movement, the driver, when turning left or making a U-turn, must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction going straight or turning right, as well as to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which the driver is turning.
Thus, the correct answer is "Straight, right, left, or U-turn," considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the green traffic light signal permits movement, and in the absence of contour arrows (additional direction restrictions) — in any direction.
In the given situation, you have approached an intersection where traffic is regulated by a traffic light. This means that the order of passage and the permitted directions are determined specifically by the signal of the traffic light.
According to paragraph 8.7.3 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a green traffic light allows movement. If there are no additional sections with arrows that restrict directions, then the green signal of the main section allows you to continue in any direction that is not prohibited by other means of traffic organization (signs, markings, specific restrictions). In this situation, no such restrictions are shown, so the directions are not limited.
It is important to distinguish between the terms "permitted" and "may." The traffic light permits you to go straight, turn right, turn left, or make a U-turn. However, to actually make a turn or U-turn without violating the rules, the driver must signal in advance using the turn indicators. This is a requirement for performing the maneuver, not a restriction that changes the list of permitted directions according to the traffic light signal.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Straight, right, left, or U-turn," since the green traffic light without additional sections according to paragraph 8.7.3 a) of the Traffic Rules allows movement in all directions, and no other prohibitory signs or markings are specified in the conditions.