8.1.35. Are you allowed to proceed straight in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам рух прямо в даній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe passage through a controlled intersection where both a traffic light and a traffic controller are operating simultaneously. In such situations, the driver must quickly determine which signal takes precedence to avoid trajectory conflicts with trams and other road users. The topic is directly related to road safety and the correct fulfillment of the requirements of persons regulating traffic.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding regulation (points 8.3 and 8.8), that is, the priority of the controller's signals over the traffic light and the meaning of the gesture "right arm extended forward." For a non-rail vehicle approaching from the left side of the controller, this signal allows movement in all directions, including straight ahead. At the same time, for a tram under the same condition, only a left turn is permitted, so if it indicates an intention to turn right, it does not have the right to perform such a maneuver.
That is why the option where straight movement is prohibited is incorrect: the controller's signal does not restrict non-rail vehicles from moving straight from the required side. Also incorrect is the option "you may proceed, but must yield to the tram," since in this case the tram does not have a permitted direction of movement, and there is no obligation to give it priority. This is a typical trap for the theoretical exam: it is important not only to "remember the tram's priority," but to correctly apply the controller's signals and understand when rail vehicles are actually allowed to move.
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 compliance. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, take precedence over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must also comply with additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, and markings.
In this task, it is this clause that determines that you must be guided by the gesture of the traffic controller, not the traffic light signals.
Clause 8.8 b)
The signals of the traffic controller are the position of his body, as well as gestures with his hands, including with a baton or a disc with a red reflector, which are used in 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 roadway behind the controller;
• from the front — all vehicles are allowed to turn right only;
• from the right side and from behind — movement of all vehicles is prohibited; pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway behind the controller.
In this situation, the car (non-rail vehicle), being on the left side of the controller with the "right arm extended forward," has the right to go straight, while the tram is only allowed to turn left; therefore, if the tram intends to turn right (as indicated by the turn signal), such movement is prohibited by this signal.
That is, the correct answer is "Only you are allowed, tram movement is prohibited," given that, according to the Traffic Rules, the controller's signals have priority (clause 8.3), and with the signal "right arm extended forward" from the left side, the tram is allowed only to turn left, while the non-rail vehicle is allowed to move in all directions, including straight (clause 8.8 b)).
At this intersection, both the traffic light and the traffic controller are operating simultaneously. In such a situation, we must primarily follow the signals of the traffic controller, because according to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules, they take precedence over traffic light signals and road signs.
The traffic controller is giving the signal: right arm extended forward. Next, we determine from which side we are approaching the controller. For a non-rail vehicle (a passenger car) approaching from the left side of the controller with this signal, movement is allowed in all directions, including straight ahead. Therefore, you are permitted to go straight.
For a tram, a different rule applies for this same signal: a tram approaching from the left side of the controller is only allowed to turn left (drivers often remember this as the tram moving "in the direction of the arms"). In the image, the tram indicates an intention to turn right (the right turn signal is on), but this direction is prohibited for it according to the controller's signal. Therefore, the tram must stop and wait for another signal, and you do not need to yield to it, since it does not have the right to perform the intended maneuver.
Thus, the correct answer is "Only you are allowed, tram movement is prohibited," because at a controlled intersection the signals of the traffic controller apply, and with the "right arm extended forward" position you are allowed to go straight, while the tram is only allowed to turn left, so its right turn is prohibited.