8.1.69. In which case is it prohibited to enter the reversible lane?
UAУ якому випадку заборонено в'їжджати на реверсивну смугу?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safety on sections with reversible lane control, where the direction on a specific lane can change depending on traffic intensity. A mistake when entering such a lane creates a risk of a head-on collision, so the theoretical test often includes rules that clearly define when the lane is open and when it is closed.
The question checks knowledge of the section "Traffic Control Signals," specifically clause 8.7.4 of the Traffic Rules regarding reversible traffic lights and their signals. The logic is simple: movement on a reversible lane is determined not "as it seems by the road markings," but only by the signal of the reversible traffic light above the specific lane (usually marked with line 1.9).
The analysis of the options is as follows: if a red X-shaped signal is lit above the lane, this is a direct prohibition to drive on this lane, so entry is not allowed. If the reversible traffic light is turned off, the Traffic Rules also directly prohibit entry onto the lane marked with 1.9, because the driver does not have confirmation that the direction is permitted for them. Therefore, the correct answer combines both conditions: the prohibition applies both when there is a red "X" and when the traffic light is off.
In practice, this means: if you see a reversible lane, you assess only the signal above it; if there is no green downward arrow signal or the traffic light is not working, you stay in the rightmost lanes and do not cross into the reversible lane. This understanding helps to answer exam questions correctly and act safely in real situations when the reversible mode changes.
Clause 8.7.4
To regulate the movement of vehicles on streets, roads, or on lanes of the carriageway where the direction of movement can be changed to the opposite, reversible traffic lights with a red X-shaped signal and a green signal in the form of a downward-pointing arrow are used. These signals prohibit or allow movement on the lane above which they are located. The main signals of the reversible traffic light may be supplemented by a yellow signal in the form of an arrow slanting diagonally down to the right, the activation of which prohibits movement on the lane marked on both sides by road marking 1.9, and informs about the change of the reversible traffic light signal and the need to change to the right-hand lane. When the signals of the reversible traffic light located above the lane marked on both sides by road marking 1.9 are off, entry to this lane is prohibited.
Application to the question: entry to the reversible lane is prohibited if a red X-shaped signal is on above it, as well as if the signals of the reversible traffic light are off.
Clause 34.1 — 34 "Road markings", 1 "Horizontal markings", marking 1.9
Indicates the boundaries of lanes where reversible regulation is carried out; separates traffic flows of opposite directions (when reversible traffic lights are off) on roads where reversible regulation is implemented. On the section of road between reversible traffic lights, the line may be crossed if it is to the right of the driver. When green signals are on in the reversible traffic lights, the line may be crossed from either side if it separates lanes where movement is allowed in one direction. When the reversible traffic lights are off, the driver must immediately move to the right of this line. The line that is to the left, when the reversible traffic lights are off, must not be crossed.
Application to the question: marking 1.9 confirms that when the reversible traffic lights are off, the driver does not have the right to continue/make movement in the reversible regulation zone, in particular to cross line 1.9 from the "left" side, and must move to the right; this is consistent with the direct prohibition of entry to such a lane when the signals of the reversible traffic light are off (clause 8.7.4).
That is, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, entry to the reversible lane is prohibited both when the red X-shaped signal of the reversible traffic light is on and when the signals of the reversible traffic light above this lane are off.
A reversible lane is a lane where the direction of traffic can change. Therefore, entry onto it is always determined not "as usual by the road markings," but by the signals of the reversible traffic light located above this lane. The boundaries of such a lane are usually marked with marking 1.9, so the driver can clearly see that this is a reversible section.
Clause 8.7.4 of the Traffic Rules establishes a simple rule: each lane is governed by the signal above it. If the reversible traffic light displays a red X-shaped signal, driving on the lane is prohibited. This means that at this moment, the lane is being used for traffic in the opposite direction or is closed for your direction, and entering it creates the danger of a head-on collision.
The second situation when entry is also prohibited is when the reversible traffic light above the lane is turned off. In this case, the Traffic Rules do not allow you to "drive at your own discretion": if the signals are not working, the driver does not have confirmation that the lane is open for their direction, so entry onto the reversible lane is prohibited.
For example: you are approaching a lane separated by marking 1.9. If you see a red cross above it, you do not change into this lane, even if it is currently free. If the traffic light above the lane is not lit at all, the action is the same: stay to the right and do not enter the reversible lane.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Answers 1 and 2," since entry onto the reversible lane is prohibited both when the red X-shaped signal is on and when the reversible traffic light above the lane is turned off.