8.1.52. Is the driver of a car allowed to proceed in the direction of the arrow illuminated in the additional section of the traffic light?
UAЧи дозволено водієві автомобіля рух у напрямку стрілки, ввімкненої в додатковій секції світлофора?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the understanding of traffic light signals with an additional section and the safe passage through intersections. In real-life situations, this often occurs when turning right (or left), where the main signal prohibits movement, but a green arrow is illuminated in the additional section. This is where drivers most often make mistakes, perceiving the arrow as 'full permission,' forgetting about the priority of other road users and pedestrians, which directly affects road safety.
In the theoretical exam, this question is included in the topic of the Traffic Rules section on traffic regulation by traffic lights, specifically the application of clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine. The rule explains that a green arrow in the additional section, illuminated together with a red or yellow signal, allows movement only in the direction of the arrow, but on the condition of yielding to vehicles moving from other directions, as well as pedestrians. Additionally, the logic of the driver's correct action during a turn is reinforced by clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: when making a turn, it is necessary to yield to pedestrians (and cyclists) crossing the roadway in the direction of the turn.
The analysis of answer options boils down to one key difference: whether there is a complete prohibition or permission with conditions. The statement about a complete prohibition is incorrect, because the additional section with an arrow creates an exception for a specific direction even when the main signal is red. The option mentioning only the obligation to yield to vehicles is incomplete, since the traffic rules in this situation also require yielding to pedestrians (and, if necessary, cyclists) during the turn. Therefore, the correct formulation is the one that simultaneously covers both vehicles from other directions and pedestrians as a mandatory condition for safely performing the maneuver.
Clause 8.7.3 e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Traffic light signals have the following meanings: e) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two flashing red signals prohibit movement. A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in an additional section together with a yellow or red traffic light signal informs the driver that movement is allowed in the indicated direction, provided that vehicles moving from other directions and pedestrians are given unimpeded passage.
This clause checks the knowledge that an illuminated green arrow in the additional section allows movement in its direction even when the main signal is red, but only after yielding to other road users who have the right of way.
Clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
When turning right or left, the driver must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which he is turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.
This clause clarifies the driver's obligation to yield to pedestrians (and cyclists) when turning, which is part of the correct answer in the situation with the arrow in the additional section.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Allowed provided that vehicles moving from other directions and pedestrians are given unimpeded passage," given that, according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a green arrow in the additional section allows movement in the indicated direction at a red signal, but only with the mandatory yielding to vehicles from other directions and pedestrians when turning.
In this situation, the intersection is regulated, since traffic at it is controlled by a traffic light. The main signal of the traffic light shows red, which means that movement is generally prohibited. However, at the same time, an additional section with a green arrow to the right is illuminated.
According to clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a green arrow in the additional section, illuminated together with the red (or yellow) signal, does not cancel the red for all directions, but makes an exception only for the direction indicated by the arrow. That is, the driver may go specifically to the right, even when the main signal is red.
At the same time, this permission is conditional. The same provision 8.7.3 (e) directly states that movement in the direction of the arrow is allowed only after the driver has yielded without hindrance to vehicles that have the right of way and are moving from other directions on a permissive signal. In practice, this means: before turning right, you must make sure that you do not create an obstacle for those moving through the intersection on their own green.
Pedestrians should be considered separately. When making a right turn, the driver crosses a pedestrian crossing (or a pedestrian area) in the direction of the turn, so he is obliged to yield to them if they are crossing the roadway. This corresponds to the general requirement to yield to pedestrians in such situations, and also aligns with the rules regarding pedestrian priority when crossing.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Allowed provided that vehicles moving from other directions, as well as pedestrians, are yielded to without hindrance," since the green arrow in the additional section on red allows movement only in the indicated direction, but with the obligation to yield to vehicles from other directions and to pedestrians.