8.1.36. Which vehicles are allowed to proceed at this traffic controller's signal?
UAЯким автомобілям дозволено рух на даний жест регулювальника?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely cross an intersection when both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present. Mistakes most often occur in such situations because drivers sometimes rely only on the traffic light and forget about the priority of the controller's gestures, which directly affects road safety and the avoidance of conflicting trajectories.
According to the traffic rules (item 8.3), the signals of the controller take precedence over the signals of traffic lights, signs, and markings, so it is these signals that must be followed both in the theoretical exam and in real-life situations. Further, item 8.8(b) applies: when the controller's right arm is extended forward, non-rail vehicles located to the left of the controller are allowed to move in all directions, taking into account their position on the roadway. That is why the correct answer is the option that allows movement for all the vehicles shown.
Other options, where permission is limited to only two or one vehicle, are incorrect because they contradict the content of item 8.8(b) for non-rail vehicles on the left side of the controller: the gesture does not 'select' specific colors or individual vehicles, but establishes a general rule for the direction of approach. In practice, it is important to remember: even when movement is allowed for all, maneuvers must be performed in compliance with markings/lanes, and when turning, drivers must additionally watch for pedestrians, who at this moment may also be allowed to cross behind the controller.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller have priority over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs and are mandatory for compliance. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, have priority over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, and markings.
In this situation, even if a traffic light is operating, drivers must follow the signal of the traffic controller.
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 meaning: 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 chest side — all vehicles are allowed to turn only to the 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.
Since the shown vehicles are non-rail vehicles and are located on the left side of the controller when the gesture "right arm extended forward" is given, they are allowed to move in all directions (taking into account their position on the carriageway).
Therefore, the correct answer is "All.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, from the left side of the controller with the right arm extended forward, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move in all directions, and the signals of the controller have priority over the traffic light signals.
At the intersection, both a traffic light and a traffic controller are present. In such a situation, we primarily follow the signals of the traffic controller, because according to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules, their gestures take precedence over traffic light signals, signs, and road markings, and are mandatory for compliance.
Next, we determine the meaning of the specific gesture. According to clause 8.8 (b) of the Traffic Rules, when the traffic controller's right arm is extended forward, vehicles located to their left, specifically non-rail vehicles (that is, cars), are allowed to move in any direction, taking into account their position on the roadway.
Since all the vehicles shown in the image are non-rail vehicles and are positioned to the left of the traffic controller, each of them has the right to start moving and perform their maneuver in the permitted direction. For example, a car turning right must additionally yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway behind the controller, but this does not cancel the permission to move.
Therefore, the correct answer is "All of them," because when the gesture is "right arm extended forward," non-rail vehicles to the left of the controller are allowed to move in all directions, and the controller's signals take priority over the traffic light.