8.1.65. Under what condition may the driver of the car make a right turn in this situation?
UAЗа якої умови водій автомобіля може виконати поворот праворуч у даній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerning the safe passage through controlled intersections and the correct interpretation of traffic light signals. In real traffic, mistakes made while turning right at a traffic light often lead to conflicts with cross traffic and with pedestrians at the crosswalk, so this topic is directly related to road safety and accident prevention.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic light signals (item 8.7.3, specifically 8.7.3 e) and a basic understanding of exceptions to the prohibition of movement on red. It refers to a situation where, next to the red signal (for a vertical traffic light), there is a plate with a green arrow to the right: it allows movement in the indicated direction even on a red signal, but only from the far right lane and only after yielding to all road users moving on a permitted signal from other directions.
When analyzing the answer options, it is important to understand the difference between the general rule and the exception. The statement that turning is possible only on green ignores the provision of item 8.7.3 e) about the green arrow plate next to the red signal, and is therefore incomplete. The correct option, on the other hand, takes into account both legal grounds for the maneuver: on green, movement is allowed in the usual manner (item 8.7.3 a), and on red, a right turn is possible if such an arrow is present, but with the mandatory requirement to yield to vehicles and pedestrians who have the right of way (it is also relevant to mention the requirement of item 16.2 regarding pedestrians and cyclists during the turn).
For the theoretical exam, this is a typical attentiveness check: the driver must not "drive on red," but act according to the condition established by the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, and perform the maneuver only when it does not create obstacles or danger. In practice, such a plate increases the intersection's capacity, but the responsibility for a safe right turn and yielding remains with the driver.
Clause 8.7.3 a) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: a) the green signal allows movement.”
This clause checks the knowledge that when the green traffic light is on, the driver has the right to move, including turning right (provided that general safety requirements and maneuvering rules are observed).
Clause 8.7.3 e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“Traffic light signals have the following meanings: e) the 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 are given way. A green arrow on a plate installed at the level of the red traffic light signal with a vertical arrangement of signals allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the far right lane (or the far left lane on one-way roads) provided that priority is given to other road users moving from other directions on a signal that allows movement.”
This clause checks the knowledge that if there is a green arrow on a plate next to the red signal (for a vertical traffic light), the driver may turn right on red, but only from the far right lane and must give way to other road users moving on a permissive signal.
Clause 16.2 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
“When turning right or left, the driver must yield to pedestrians crossing the carriageway onto which he is turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.”
This clause additionally checks that even when a right turn is permitted (on green or on red with an arrow), the driver, when turning, is obliged to yield to pedestrians (and cyclists in the same direction) who have the right of way.
That is, the correct answer is: “In case the green traffic light is on, as well as when the red signal is on, but provided that priority is given to other road users.” This is because, according to the Traffic Rules, the green signal allows movement (clause 8.7.3 a), and the red signal prohibits movement, but a green arrow on a plate at the level of the red signal allows a turn in the indicated direction provided that priority is given to other road users (clause 8.7.3 e), and when turning, pedestrians must be yielded to (clause 16.2).
In this situation, we focus on the traffic light signals and the presence of a special plate with an arrow. The general rule is simple: a green traffic light allows movement, including making a right turn, if the maneuver is not prohibited by signs or road markings and is performed safely.
However, when the light is red, movement is usually prohibited. An exception is provided by paragraph 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: if a plate with a green arrow to the right is installed at the level of the red signal, the driver has the right to move in the direction of this arrow even when the red signal is on. An important condition: movement is allowed only from the far right lane, and only after yielding to other road users.
Practically, this means the following: if you are in the far right lane and see a plate with a green arrow to the right, you may turn right on red, but you are first required to yield to vehicles moving from other directions on their permitted signal, as well as pedestrians crossing the roadway you are turning onto. That is, you make the turn only when you do not create obstacles or danger for those who have the right of way.
Therefore, the correct answer is: "When the green traffic light is on, as well as when the red light is on, but on the condition of yielding to other road users.", since a right turn is allowed in the general manner on green, and on red it is possible as an exception with a plate with a green arrow to the right and only after yielding to other road users.