8.1.24. Which road users are permitted to proceed in this situation?
UAЯким учасникам дорожнього руху дозволено рух у даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safety at intersections and the correct response to traffic controller signals. In real-life situations, the gestures of the traffic controller are often used for the temporary stopping of traffic flows and the safe change of movement directions, so a mistake in interpreting them can lead to trajectory conflicts, traffic accidents, or hitting a pedestrian.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding the signals of the traffic controller, specifically item 8.8 (sub-item "v") and the general principle of signal priority (item 8.2). When the traffic controller raises their hand upward, it means a complete prohibition of movement for all participants in all directions, and the position of their body at that moment does not matter. In the theoretical exam, it is important to remember that this gesture is an "intermediate" signal before changing to other commands and effectively stops all movement.
That is why the options where movement is allowed only for vehicles, only for pedestrians, or for both at the same time, contradict the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: no one has the right to start moving, enter the intersection, or step onto the crosswalk. The only exception concerns those who are already at the intersection or on the pedestrian crossing at the moment the signal is given: they must complete their maneuver and clear the intersection, but this is not permission for others to start moving.
Clause 8.8 (subclause "v") of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
"Signals of the traffic controller. 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: ... v) hand raised up: movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited in all directions."
This clause directly checks the knowledge that when the traffic controller's hand is raised up, movement is prohibited for all road users in all directions (that is, no one has the right to start moving/enter an intersection or step onto a crosswalk at this moment).
Clause 8.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
"Signals of the traffic controller have priority over traffic light signals, road signs, and road markings."
This clause explains why, in a situation involving a traffic controller, you must follow their signal (even if other means of traffic control might allow movement).
Therefore, the correct answer is "No one," given that by definition of the Traffic Rules, the traffic controller's hand raised up prohibits movement of all vehicles and pedestrians in all directions, and their signals have priority over other means of regulation.
In this situation, the key factor is the gesture of the traffic controller, not the direction in which they are facing. According to clause 8.8 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, when the controller raises their hand upward, this indicates a general prohibition of movement.
This signal is used as an intermediate one before changing to other gestures, in order to stop traffic flows and ensure a safe switch of directions. Therefore, drivers are prohibited from entering the intersection, and pedestrians are prohibited from stepping onto the roadway in any direction.
At the same time, participants who are already at the intersection or on the pedestrian crossing at the moment this signal is given must complete their maneuver and clear the intersection or finish crossing. However, this is not a “permission to move” for those who have not yet started moving or are only planning to enter or cross.
Thus, the correct answer is "No one," since the controller’s raised hand upward according to clause 8.8 (c) means a prohibition of movement for all vehicles and pedestrians in all directions.