8.1.32. For this signal of the traffic controller, the tram is allowed to move:
UAНа даний сигнал регулювальника трамваю дозволено рух:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe passage through intersections in situations where traffic is regulated by a traffic controller. Such tasks often appear on the theoretical exam, as the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic lights and road signs, and a misunderstanding of them can lead to trajectory conflicts and traffic accidents.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the signals of the traffic controller, specifically clause 8.8 b) (right arm extended forward). For trams, the key point is from which side they approach the traffic controller: if the tram is on the left side, the rules provide for only one permitted direction of movement. That is why the correct answer here is the option where the tram is allowed to move only to the left.
Options involving movement straight ahead or to the right, as well as combinations of two directions, are incorrect, because for rail vehicles in this signal, the Traffic Rules do not allow a choice of several trajectories: the tram moves "according to the arms" in one clearly defined direction so as not to intersect with the flows of other road users. In practice, knowledge of this rule helps to quickly assess your position relative to the traffic controller and act safely and predictably for other drivers and pedestrians.
Clause 8.8 b) (traffic controller signals: "right arm extended forward")
"Traffic controller signals. The signals of the traffic controller are the position of their body, as well as gestures with their arms, including with a baton or a disc with a red reflector, which are used with the following meanings:
b) right arm extended forward:
• from the left side — trams are allowed to turn left, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move in all directions; pedestrians are allowed to cross the carriageway behind the controller;
• from the front (chest side) — all vehicles are allowed to turn only right;
• from the right side and from the back — movement of all vehicles is prohibited; pedestrians are allowed to cross the carriageway behind the controller."
According to this clause, if the tram is on the left side of the controller when the gesture "right arm extended forward" is given, it is allowed to move only to the left.
That is, the correct answer is "To the left.", considering that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, when the controller's signal is "right arm extended forward" from the left side, the tram is allowed to move only to the left.
When traffic at an intersection is controlled by a traffic controller, the tram driver must follow the controller’s signals, not the traffic lights or signs. Therefore, first we determine on which side of the controller the tram is located and what position the controller’s arm is in.
According to clause 8.8 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, when the controller’s right arm is extended forward, the meaning of the signal depends on which side the vehicle is approaching from. If the tram is on the left side of the controller, the tram is allowed to move in only one direction — to the left. This is the key distinction for rail vehicles: they are not given multiple trajectory options so as not to create intersections with other traffic flows.
Thus, with such a signal from the controller, the tram cannot go straight or perform other maneuvers, since the rules specify a single permitted direction of movement from this side. This ensures coordination and safety at the intersection.
Therefore, the correct answer is "To the left," because according to clause 8.8 (b), when the right arm is extended forward, for a tram on the left side of the controller, only a left turn is permitted.