8.1.59. Black contour arrows on the red and yellow signals do not change the meaning of these signals and indicate:
UAЧорні контурні стрілки на червоному і жовтому сигналах не змінюють значення цих сигналів та інформують:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns the safe passage through controlled intersections and the correct interpretation of traffic light signals. In the theoretical exam, it is often checked whether the driver understands the difference between prohibitive/warning signals and informational elements on them, since a mistake here can lead to entering an intersection in violation of traffic regulations.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules about traffic lights, specifically points 8.7 and 8.7.3 (g). An important nuance: black contour arrows applied to the red or yellow signal do not grant any “privileges” and do not change the meaning of the signal. They serve as a hint for the driver in advance and indicate in which directions movement will be allowed when the green signal lights up, so the driver has time to choose the correct lane and prepare for the maneuver.
If we compare the options, the statement about “the presence of an additional section at the traffic light” does not correspond to the essence of contour arrows: an additional section has a different appearance and separate indication, not just a contour on the main signals. Instead, the correct interpretation is directly stated in point 8.7.3 (g) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: these arrows only inform about the permitted directions of movement when the green signal is on, while on red and yellow, movement remains prohibited or is not allowed in the usual manner regardless of direction.
Clause 8.7
Traffic lights are intended to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, and have light signals of green, yellow, red, and white-moon colors, which are arranged vertically or horizontally. The signals of the traffic light may have a solid or outline arrow (arrows), a pedestrian silhouette, or be X-shaped. At the level of the red signal of a vertically arranged traffic light, a white plate with a green arrow may be installed.
This clause checks the understanding that traffic light signals may have outline (black) or solid arrows, which are elements for informing/regulating movement directions.
Clause 8.7.3 (subclause g))
The signals of the traffic light have the following meanings: g) black outline arrows on the red and yellow signals do not change the meaning of these signals and inform about the permitted directions of movement when the green signal is on.
This subclause directly establishes that outline (black) arrows on the red and yellow signals do not permit movement and do not change the prohibitive/warning meaning of these signals, but only indicate in which directions movement will be allowed when the green signal is on.
Therefore, the correct answer is "About the permitted directions of movement when the green signal is on," given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, black outline arrows on the red and yellow signals do not change the meaning of these signals and only inform about the directions that will be permitted when the green signal is on.
On some traffic lights, you may see black outline arrows on the red and yellow signals. It is important to understand: these arrows do not make the red or yellow signal “softer” and do not give the right to proceed while they are on. Red still prohibits movement, and yellow warns of a change in signals and also does not allow continuing to move in the usual manner.
According to clause 8.7.3 (j) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, black outline arrows on the red and yellow signals have purely informational value: they indicate to the driver in which directions movement will be allowed when the green signal turns on. That is, the arrows “announce” the permitted directions in advance so that the driver can correctly choose a lane and prepare to pass the intersection.
For example, if only a straight arrow is shown on the red and yellow signals, this means that when green appears, you will only be allowed to go straight. Accordingly, turning right, left, or making a U-turn at this traffic light is not permitted, even if it would be “convenient” for the driver. And while the red or yellow is on, movement remains prohibited in any direction.
Therefore, the correct answer is "About the permitted directions of movement at the green signal," since black outline arrows on the red and yellow do not change their prohibitive/warning meaning, but only indicate which directions will be allowed on green.