8.1.3. Are you allowed to turn right in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам повернути праворуч у даній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safety of passing intersections and the ability to correctly obey traffic control signals. In real-life situations, a driver often sees both a traffic light and a traffic controller at the same time, so the key task for safe maneuvering is to quickly determine whose signal takes precedence and what actions are permitted for you in your direction.
The question tests the section of the traffic rules regarding the signals of a traffic controller and the order of their priority at a controlled intersection (points 8.3, 8.8 a), as well as understanding the concept of a “controlled intersection” (point 16.1). According to point 8.3, the signals of a traffic controller have priority over traffic lights and signs, so during the theoretical exam it is important to immediately focus on the gestures and body position of the controller, even if the traffic light shows something different.
The analysis of the answer options is based on point 8.8 a): when the controller’s arms are extended to the sides (or lowered), for drivers who are facing the controller’s chest or back, movement is prohibited in any direction. That is why the option “allowed, yielding to pedestrians” is incorrect: the obligation to yield to pedestrians is relevant only when movement is generally permitted, but here the maneuver is prohibited by the controller’s signal itself. The correct conclusion for this exam question: stop and wait for the permitting signal from the controller.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs and are mandatory for execution. 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.
Brief application: in the presence of a traffic controller, the driver is guided primarily by their signals, even if the traffic light shows otherwise.
Clause 8.8 a)
The signals of the traffic controller are determined by 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 go 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 controller; • from the chest and back sides — movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.
Brief application: if the driver is on the chest (or back) side of the controller with this signal, any movement, including a right turn, is prohibited.
Clause 16.1
An intersection where traffic is regulated by a traffic light or a controller is considered regulated.
Brief application: at a regulated intersection, the execution of maneuvers is determined by the signals of the controller/traffic light, and in the presence of a controller — primarily by their signals (according to clause 8.3).
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that the signals of the traffic controller are mandatory and take precedence (clause 8.3), and from the chest (or back) side of the controller with the signal described in clause 8.8 a), movement of all vehicles is prohibited, including a right turn.
In this situation, you are approaching an intersection where both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present on the roadway. Such an intersection is considered regulated, so first of all, it is necessary to determine whose instructions take precedence.
According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller take priority over traffic light signals and road signs. Therefore, even if the traffic light shows a permissive signal, the driver is required to act as instructed by the traffic controller.
Next, let's assess the position of the traffic controller. According to clause 8.8 (a) of the Traffic Rules, when the controller's arms are extended to the sides (or lowered), for those who are facing the controller's chest or back, movement is prohibited in all directions. This rule is often simply explained as: “chest and back” for the driver are like a “wall,” meaning you cannot go straight, right, or left.
Therefore, even if you only intend to turn right, you are not allowed to do so at this moment, because you are facing the controller's chest, and this signal prohibits movement. The correct action is to stop and wait for a permissive signal from the controller.
Thus, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since at a regulated intersection, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence, and from the chest side with this arm position, movement, including to the right, is prohibited.