8.1.67. What do two red alternately flashing signals of this traffic light mean?
UAЩо означають два червоні поперемінно миготливі сигнали даного світлофора?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the understanding of traffic light signals in high-risk situations, where a mistake can lead to a traffic accident. Most often, such signals are used before railway crossings, drawbridges, or at locations where special vehicles exit, so knowing their meaning is critically important for safety and for successfully passing the theoretical exam.
The question belongs to Section 8 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, Regulation of Road Traffic, specifically to clause 8.7.3 (e). This clause directly establishes that a red signal, including a flashing one, as well as two red alternately flashing signals, unequivocally prohibit movement. That is, drivers and pedestrians must stop and not proceed toward the danger zone, regardless of whether a train is visible or not and regardless of the position of the barrier.
The analysis of the answer options in the ticket comes down to the clear wording of the Traffic Rules: the correct statement is the one about the prohibition of movement, as it fully corresponds to norm 8.7.3 (e). The option stating that movement is "not prohibited, but a train is approaching" is incorrect, since the traffic rules do not allow for "passing if you have time"—the signal itself already means prohibition. The wording about the need to "be especially attentive" is also not suitable, because attentiveness does not replace the legal action required of the driver: with two red flashing signals, you must stop and wait for a permissive signal.
Clause 8.7 (general provisions on traffic lights)
«Traffic lights are intended to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, 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 outlined arrow (arrows), a pedestrian silhouette, or be X-shaped.»
This clause defines that it is specifically traffic lights (including those with special signal arrangements) that are used to regulate traffic, and their signals have meanings established by the Traffic Rules.
Clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
«The signals of the traffic light have the following meanings: (e) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two flashing red signals prohibit movement.»
This clause directly establishes the meaning of two alternately flashing red signals: regardless of the location where such a traffic light is used, movement is prohibited.
That is, the correct answer is "Movement is prohibited.", given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, two flashing red signals of a traffic light (as well as a red one, including flashing) prohibit movement.
This question concerns a special traffic signal used in high-risk areas, particularly before railway crossings. Its signals have a clear meaning and are intended to unambiguously prohibit or permit movement.
According to clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, a red traffic signal, including a flashing one, as well as two red alternately flashing signals, indicate a prohibition of movement. That is, in this case, it does not matter what exactly is ahead (a crossing, a bridge, or another dangerous section) — the very combination of two red flashing signals is a direct prohibition.
In practice, such two red lights usually flash alternately before a railway crossing and warn that movement through the dangerous area is not allowed. The driver must stop before the stop line, road sign, or, if there are none, before the traffic light in such a way as not to enter the danger zone.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Movement is prohibited," since two red alternately flashing signals, according to clause 8.7.3 (e) of the Traffic Rules, directly prohibit movement.