8.1.46. Which vehicles are allowed to proceed in this situation?
UAЯким автомобілям дозволено рух у даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely pass an intersection when both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present on the road. In such situations, mistakes most often occur due to an “automatic” reliance on the traffic light signal, although the traffic rules require first assessing who is actually regulating the traffic and which signals have priority. This directly affects safety and the results of the theoretical exam, because the topics of passing intersections and regulation signals are fundamental.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules on traffic regulation and signals (clauses 8.3 and 8.8 b). According to clause 8.3, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and sign requirements, meaning that even if the yellow signal is on, the decision about the possibility of movement is made according to the controller’s gesture. Next, clause 8.8 b applies: when the controller’s right arm is extended forward, for vehicles approaching from his left side, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move in all directions. That is why both cars that are on the left side of the controller and moving straight have the right to continue driving.
If we analyze the answer options, the statement that only one of the cars may go is incorrect, since the controller’s gesture does not prohibit movement for either of them in this direction of approach. The option about a complete ban on movement is also incorrect, because the prohibition applies to other directions relative to the controller (for example, from the back or right side in this gesture), and not to those approaching from the left side. In practice, it is important to remember: when a controller appears at an intersection, he “overrides” the traffic light, and the driver must act according to the controller’s signals, additionally considering the occupied lane and intended direction of movement.
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 instructions from the controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs, or markings.
In this situation, there is a traffic controller at the intersection, so drivers are required to follow his signals first and foremost (regardless of the traffic light signal).
Clause 8.8 (b)
The signals of the traffic controller are determined by the position of his body, as well as hand gestures, including with a baton or a disc with a red reflector, which have 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 chest side — all vehicles are allowed to turn only to the right.
In the depicted situation, both cars are on the left side of the controller, so for non-rail vehicles, movement is allowed (including straight ahead).
That is, the correct answer is "Both cars.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the controller are a priority (clause 8.3), and with the signal "right arm extended forward" from the left side of the controller, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move in all directions (clause 8.8 (b)).
In this situation, there is both a traffic light and a traffic controller at the intersection. According to paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, if traffic is being regulated by a controller, drivers must follow the controller’s signals, even if they do not match the traffic light signals. Therefore, the yellow traffic light signal here does not determine who may proceed, but merely serves as a background: the controller has priority.
Next, we assess the controller’s signal. According to paragraph 8.8 (b) of the Traffic Rules, when the controller’s right arm is extended forward, vehicles located to the left of the controller are allowed to move in all directions (taking into account the occupied lane and intended direction of travel).
In the illustration, both the blue and white cars have approached from the left side of the controller. Neither car is signaling a turn, meaning they intend to go straight. Since the controller’s gesture allows movement for their direction of approach, there are no restrictions on them proceeding straight.
Thus, the correct answer is "Both vehicles.", since at the intersection the controller’s signals have priority (paragraph 8.3 of the Traffic Rules), and with the controller’s right arm extended forward, vehicles on the controller’s left are allowed to proceed, so both cars may continue straight (paragraph 8.8 (b) of the Traffic Rules).