8.1.56. In which direction are you permitted to proceed in this situation?
UAУ якому напрямку Вам дозволено рух у даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of the rules for passing regulated intersections and the correct interpretation of traffic light signals. Such situations directly affect road safety, as the driver must not only understand where they are allowed to go, but also when they are required to yield to other road users.
The topic of the question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic light signals, specifically paragraph 8.7.3 b). When the main traffic light signal is red, movement is generally prohibited, but an illuminated green arrow in the additional section is an exception and allows movement only in the direction it indicates. An important nuance for the theoretical exam: an arrow that allows a left turn also permits a U-turn, unless it is prohibited by signs or road markings. At the same time, there is no priority: you may proceed only after yielding to vehicles from other directions that are moving on a permissive signal.
Because of this, the option where only a left turn is allowed is incomplete, as it does not take into account the rule permitting a U-turn on a "left" signal. And an answer that includes going straight contradicts the requirements: an additional section with a green arrow on a red main signal does not allow movement in any other directions. This understanding of the logic of traffic light signals is most often tested in the format of exam questions on the theoretical test.
Clause 8.7.3 b) (traffic light signals — green signal in the form of an arrow, including in an additional section)
“A green arrow (arrows) on a black background allows movement in the indicated direction(s). The same meaning applies to a green arrow (arrows) signal in the additional section of the traffic light. A signal in the form of an arrow that allows a left turn also allows a U-turn, unless it is prohibited by road signs. … A green arrow (arrows) signal in the additional section(s) 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 are given the right of way.”
In this situation, the additional section with the left arrow is activated together with the main red signal, so movement is allowed only in the direction of the arrow (to the left), and this signal also allows a U-turn (if not prohibited by signs), but with the obligation to yield to vehicles from other directions moving on a permissive signal.
Clause 8.7.3 e) (traffic light signals — red signal)
“The red signal, including a flashing one, or two flashing red signals prohibit movement.”
In this situation, the main red signal prohibits movement in all directions, except for the exception that is directly permitted by the illuminated green arrow in the additional section (clause 8.7.3 b).
Thus, the correct answer is "To the left or U-turn," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, a green arrow in the additional section allows movement in the indicated direction, and a “left” arrow additionally allows a U-turn (if not prohibited), even when the main traffic light signal is red (with the obligation to yield to vehicles from other directions).
In this situation, you have approached an intersection where traffic is regulated by a traffic light. The main traffic light is showing a red signal, which generally prohibits movement, but at the same time, an additional section with a green arrow to the left is illuminated.
According to clause 8.7.3 (b) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a green arrow in an additional section allows movement precisely in the direction it indicates, even if the main traffic light signal is red. That is, in this case, you are allowed to perform a maneuver to the left.
An important nuance: if the arrow allows a left turn, it also allows a U-turn, provided that the U-turn is not prohibited by signs or road markings. There are no indications of such a prohibition in the image, so a U-turn is also permitted.
At the same time, it should be remembered that when the green arrow in the additional section is illuminated together with the red signal, you do not have the right of way. Movement is allowed only after you yield to vehicles moving from other directions on a permissive signal and make sure the maneuver is safe.
Therefore, the correct answer is "To the left or U-turn," since the green arrow in the additional section allows movement to the left, and a left turn simultaneously allows a U-turn in the absence of a prohibition and provided that you yield to other road users.