8.1.51. Are you allowed to proceed in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам рух у цій ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's attentiveness to traffic light signals and the ability to act safely at controlled intersections with pedestrian crossings. Such situations are typical in the theoretical exam, as mistakes in interpreting signals or ignoring pedestrians directly create a risk of traffic accidents.
The task belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic light signals and the procedure for driving at intersections. The key rule here is clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: the combination of red and yellow signals unequivocally prohibits movement and only warns about the upcoming green signal. That is, it is not a "proceed with caution" permission, but a requirement to stop before the stop line or traffic light and wait for the permissive signal.
The first answer option is misleading because it suggests continuing to move, although the combination of red and yellow directly prohibits any vehicle movement. Instead, the correct logic corresponds to both clause 8.7.3 (e) and the practice of passing controlled crossings: even after the green light appears, the driver must make sure that pedestrians have finished crossing (taking into account the requirements of clause 18.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine), and only then begin to move. This rule helps to avoid collisions at the moment signals change, when some road users may still be on the crossing.
Clause 8.7.3 e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: e) the combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement and informs about the upcoming activation of the green signal.”
Brief application: in case of simultaneous activation of the red and yellow signals, the driver is prohibited from moving — you must remain before the stop line/before the traffic light and wait for the green signal.
Clause 18.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“At regulated pedestrian crossings and intersections, drivers must yield to pedestrians who are finishing crossing the roadway, as well as to pedestrians who started crossing the roadway on a permissive signal.”
Brief application: even after the permissive (green) signal is activated, the driver is obliged not to start or continue moving if pedestrians are still finishing crossing the roadway.
That is, the correct answer is: “Prohibited, you must wait for the green signal to turn on and for pedestrians to finish crossing the roadway,” given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement, and at a regulated crossing, the driver is obliged to yield to pedestrians who are finishing crossing.
In this situation, you have approached a signal-controlled intersection where traffic is regulated by traffic light signals. Both the red and yellow signals are illuminated simultaneously, and a pedestrian is still on the pedestrian crossing.
According to clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the combination of red and yellow signals means movement is prohibited and warns of the imminent activation of the green signal. That is, this is not “almost allowed,” but a clear requirement to stop and wait for the permissive signal.
Even when the green light comes on after this, you may only start moving once you have made sure that pedestrians have finished crossing and the roadway at the crossing is clear. The green signal permits movement, but does not cancel the obligation to allow pedestrians to finish crossing if they are already on the crossing.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited, you must wait for the green signal and for pedestrians to finish crossing the roadway," since the combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement, and you may only start moving after the green light and the pedestrian crossing is clear.