8.1.39. When driving through this intersection, drivers must be guided by:
UAПроїжджаючи дане перехрестя, водії повинні керуватися:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to correctly determine what regulates traffic at an intersection when both a traffic light and priority signs are present. The topic is directly related to road safety: a mistake in choosing the 'main' means of regulation leads to conflict situations, dangerous maneuvers, and accidents, especially during heavy city traffic.
According to the traffic rules, this question belongs to the section on traffic regulation (clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine) and passing intersections (clause 16.1). The logic is simple: if the traffic light is operating in normal mode (not flashing yellow), the intersection is regulated, and it is the traffic light signals that determine the order of movement. Priority signs in such a situation are not used to establish 'who goes first,' because the order is already set by the traffic light regulation.
Analysis of the options in the theoretical exam format: relying only on priority signs is incorrect, since traffic light signals (except for flashing yellow) take precedence over them. The 'both' option is also misleading: you cannot follow them as equal at the same time, because there is a hierarchy of regulatory means. In practice, priority signs 'come into play' only when the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode (and there is no traffic controller), that is, when the intersection becomes unregulated.
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 comply with additional instructions from the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road sign requirements, and road markings.
Clause 16.1
An intersection where the order of passage is determined by traffic light signals or a traffic controller is considered regulated. At such an intersection, priority signs do not apply. If the traffic light is turned off or operating in flashing yellow mode and there is no traffic controller, the intersection is considered unregulated and drivers must follow the rules for passing unregulated intersections and the relevant road signs installed at the intersection.
That is, the correct answer is "By the traffic light signals," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, traffic light signals (except for the flashing yellow) take precedence over priority signs, and an intersection with a functioning traffic light is considered regulated and priority signs do not apply there.
When approaching an intersection, the driver must first determine whether it is regulated. If the order of passage is set by traffic light signals (and it is operating in normal mode, not in flashing yellow), such an intersection is considered regulated.
The image shows both a traffic light and priority signs at the same time. In this situation, it is important to remember the requirement of paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: traffic light signals (except for flashing yellow) take precedence over priority signs. That is, the signs "Main road," "Yield," and "No entry without stopping" do not determine the order of movement while the traffic light is operating and displaying normal signals.
In practice, this means that the driver acts according to the traffic light: green allows movement in permitted directions, yellow warns of a signal change, and red prohibits movement. Priority signs at this moment are not used to determine who goes first, as the order is already set by the traffic light.
Only if the traffic light is off or operating in flashing yellow mode (and there is no traffic controller), does the intersection become unregulated, and then the driver follows the rules for unregulated intersections and priority signs. But in the question's condition, the traffic light is working, so it is the one that applies.
Therefore, the correct answer is "By the traffic light signals," since at a regulated intersection, a working traffic light (except for flashing yellow) takes precedence over priority signs and determines the order of passage.