8.1.43. How should you act in this situation?
UAЯк Ви повинні вчинити в даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to act correctly at a controlled intersection when several means of traffic organization are operating simultaneously. Such situations are directly related to road safety: a mistake in signal priority can lead to trajectory conflicts, sudden braking, and accidents, even if it seems that movement is "allowed" by the green light.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules about the signals of the traffic controller and traffic lights (points 8.3 and 8.8 b)). It tests a key rule for the theoretical exam: the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and road signs, so the driver is obliged to follow his command. The gesture "hand raised up" means a prohibition of movement in all directions, that is, the need to stop and wait for the next signal.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to correctly determining the priority. Continuing to move only on the green traffic light signal is a mistake, as it ignores the requirement of point 8.3 regarding the priority of the traffic controller's signals. The option "to be guided by both the traffic controller and the traffic light" sounds logical, but in reality creates dangerous uncertainty: when signals contradict each other, there is only one reference point — the traffic controller. That is why in such a situation the correct action is to stop at his signal (taking into account the exception from point 8.11: if stopping is possible only by emergency braking, it is allowed to continue moving, ensuring safety).
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 the additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, and markings.
Brief application: even with a green traffic light signal, the driver must comply with the signal of the traffic controller if it is given.
Clause 8.8 (c)
The signals of the traffic controller are the position of his body, as well as hand gestures, including with a baton or a disk with a red reflector, which are used in the following sense: (c) hand raised up — movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited in all directions.
Brief application: the traffic controller's hand raised up means movement is prohibited in all directions, so the driver must stop.
Clause 8.11
Drivers who, when the yellow signal is turned on or the traffic controller raises his hand up, cannot stop the vehicle at the place specified in clause 8.10 of these Rules without resorting to emergency braking, are allowed to continue moving provided road safety is ensured.
Brief application: an exception to the obligation to stop — only when stopping without emergency braking is impossible; otherwise, you must stop.
That is, the correct answer is "Following the signal of the traffic controller, stop," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals, and the gesture "hand raised up" prohibits movement in all directions.
In this situation at the intersection, two means of regulation are operating simultaneously: the traffic light shows a green signal, but there is a traffic controller on the roadway giving a gesture. When there is a traffic controller at the intersection, the driver must assess the situation not only according to the traffic light, but primarily according to the controller's signals.
According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs. That is, even if the traffic light allows movement, but the controller gives a different signal, it is the controller's requirement that must be followed.
Next, we determine the meaning of the specific gesture. According to clause 8.8 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, when the controller raises a hand upward, this means a prohibition of movement for all vehicles and pedestrians in all directions. In practice, this is a command to stop and wait for the next signal, even if the light is green.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Following the controller's signal, stop," since the controller's signals have priority over the traffic light, and a raised hand means a prohibition of movement in all directions.