8.1.7. Are you allowed to proceed in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено Вам рух у даній ситуації?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about the safe passage of controlled intersections in situations where both a traffic light and a traffic controller are present. Such cases often occur during accidents, roadworks, or changes in traffic organization, so it is important to be able to correctly determine whom to obey on the theoretical exam, even if one of the signals "permits" movement.
The question tests the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the signals of the traffic controller and the priority of signals (points 8.3 and 8.8 a)). The key rule: the requirements of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals. With the gesture "arms extended to the sides," movement is allowed only from the left or right side of the controller (for non-rail vehicles — straight and to the right), and from the chest or back side, movement of all vehicles is prohibited. Therefore, even with a green traffic light, a driver approaching from the chest or back side of the controller must stop and wait for the signal to change.
As a result, options that allow turning right or moving straight and right are incorrect not because of the direction of the maneuver, but because they ignore the priority of the traffic controller. The correct logic for the exam: first determine if there is a controller and what gesture they are showing, then apply point 8.3 about priority, and only then consider the traffic light signals. This knowledge directly affects traffic safety and helps avoid common mistakes at intersections.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs and are mandatory for compliance. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow, take precedence over priority road signs. Drivers and pedestrians must also comply with additional instructions from the controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road sign requirements, or road markings.
Clause 8.8 a)
The signals of the traffic controller are determined by the position of their body, as well as hand gestures, including with a baton or a disc with a red reflector, which have the following meanings: a) arms extended to the sides, lowered, or the right arm bent in front of the chest: • from the left and right sides — trams are allowed to go straight, non-rail vehicles — straight and to the right; pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway behind the back and in front of the chest of the controller; • from the chest and back sides — movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.
In this situation, the vehicle is approaching from the chest or back side of the controller, therefore movement according to their signal is prohibited, even if the traffic light shows "green".
Clause 8.7.3 (additionally: meaning of the green traffic light signal)
Traffic light signals have the following meanings: the green signal allows movement.
That is, the correct answer is "Prohibited.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the controller (clause 8.3) take precedence over the signals of the traffic light, and when the arms are "extended to the sides" from the chest and back sides, the movement of all vehicles is prohibited (clause 8.8 a)).
In this situation, you are approaching a controlled intersection where both a traffic light is operating and a traffic controller is present. Although you see a green traffic light in your direction, the final decision about whether you may proceed must be made taking into account the instructions of the traffic controller.
According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and are mandatory, even if they contradict the traffic light. That is, the green signal in this case is not decisive if the controller gives a different permission or prohibition.
The controller is standing with arms extended to the sides. According to clause 8.8 a) of the Traffic Rules, in this position, movement is prohibited from the front and back of the controller. This means that vehicles located in front of or behind the controller must stop and wait for another signal, regardless of the traffic light indication.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Prohibited," since in case of a contradiction between the green traffic light and the controller's gesture, you must follow the controller's instruction, and movement from the front or back of the controller is prohibited.