8.1.50. Is the driver of the grey car allowed to enter the reversible lane as shown in the illustration?
UAЧи дозволено водієві сірого автомобіля в'їхати на реверсивну смугу так, як показано на малюнку?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning safety on roads with reversible lanes, where the direction may change depending on the time of day and traffic load. Such sections require maximum attention, as a mistake when entering a reversible lane can lead to a head-on collision. That is why the traffic rules specifically regulate when and under what conditions it is permitted to occupy a lane with reversible traffic.
The question tests knowledge of Section 8 "Traffic Regulation" (clause 8.7.4 about reversible traffic lights) and Section 11 "Positioning of Vehicles on the Road" (clause 11.12 about the procedure for changing lanes onto a reversible lane). According to clause 8.7.4, the mode of the lane is determined by the signals of the reversible traffic light above it: a green downward arrow allows movement, while a red X-shaped signal prohibits it. Clause 11.12 clarifies a key condition for a driver turning onto a road with a reversible lane: changing onto it is allowed only after passing the reversible traffic light with a permissive signal, not "in advance" before the control point.
Therefore, the option that allows entering the reversible lane along the shown trajectory is incorrect: the driver actually occupies the lane before confirming with the permissive signal that it is open for his direction. The correct answer reflects the requirements of the traffic rules: such a maneuver is prohibited, and this is often checked in the theoretical exam so that the driver clearly understands the procedure on sections with reversible regulation.
Clause 8.7.4 (Section 8 "Traffic Regulation", reversible traffic lights)
"To regulate the movement of vehicles on streets, roads, or on lanes of the carriageway where the direction of movement can be changed to the opposite, reversible traffic lights with a red X-shaped signal and a green signal in the form of a downward arrow are used. These signals prohibit or allow movement on the lane above which they are located."
Brief application: entry/movement on the reversible lane is determined precisely by the signals of the reversible traffic light above this lane; until a permissive signal (green arrow down) is received, movement on the lane is not allowed if another signal (in particular, a red 'X') is above it.
Clause 11.12 (Section 11 "Positioning of vehicles on the road", reversible traffic lane)
"A driver who is turning onto a road that has a reversible traffic lane may change into it only after passing a reversible traffic light with a signal that allows movement, and if this does not contradict clauses 11.2, 11.5, 11.6 of these Rules."
Brief application: if a driver is turning/entering a road with a reversible lane, they have the right to occupy (change into) the reversible lane only after passing a reversible traffic light with a permissive signal; entering the lane 'before the traffic light' is a violation.
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, entry (changing into) the reversible traffic lane is allowed only after passing the reversible traffic light with a permissive signal, and in the situation shown, the driver enters the reversible lane before such passing.
On a road with a reversible lane, the direction of traffic on this lane can change. Therefore, the right to enter it is determined not by the “general” rules for lane selection, but by the signals of the reversible traffic light, which is installed directly above this lane.
According to clause 8.7.4 of the Traffic Rules, the reversible traffic light gives special signals: a green arrow pointing down means that movement on the lane under the traffic light is allowed, while a red cross means that movement on this lane is prohibited (since it may be used by oncoming traffic or be closed).
Next, an important point from clause 11.12 of the Traffic Rules: if a driver turns onto a road with a reversible lane, they have the right to change into it only after passing the reversible traffic light with a permissive signal. That is, you first need to pass the control point (traffic light), make sure the lane is “open” for your direction, and only then cross the marking and occupy the reversible lane.
In the situation shown, the grey car enters the reversible lane before passing the reversible traffic light. In fact, the driver enters a lane whose mode has not yet been confirmed by a permissive signal for their direction, which directly contradicts the requirement to change to the reversible lane only after passing the traffic light with permission.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since entry into the reversible lane is allowed only after passing the reversible traffic light with a permissive signal, and in the diagram the driver enters it before the traffic light.