8.1.9. In which directions is movement permitted in this situation?
UAУ яких напрямках дозволено рух у даній ситуації?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the ability to safely pass an intersection when traffic is regulated not by a traffic light, but by the gestures of a traffic controller. In real-life situations, correctly interpreting the controller’s signals helps avoid conflicts, violations, and accidents, since decisions at intersections must be made quickly and without mistakes.
The question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules regarding traffic regulation (topic 8), specifically the application of points 8.3 and 8.8 a). According to point 8.3, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic lights, road signs, and markings, so during the theoretical exam it is important first to determine from which side you are approaching the controller and which gesture they are showing. According to point 8.8 a), in the position "arms extended to the sides/lowered/right arm bent in front of the chest," non-rail vehicles approaching from the left or right side are allowed to move in only two directions: straight ahead and to the right; turning left and making a U-turn in this situation are prohibited.
If you choose the option "straight ahead," it will be incomplete, because the traffic rules also allow a right turn. The option "straight ahead or left" contradicts point 8.8 a), since a left turn is not permitted with this controller signal. The answer "to the right" also narrows the allowed directions, because moving straight ahead is not prohibited. That is why the correct answer is the option that includes both permitted directions for non-rail vehicles in this phase of regulation.
Clause 8.3
The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic light signals and the requirements of road signs and markings. In case of a conflict between the signals of the controller and the signals of the traffic light (signs, markings), road users must follow the signals of the controller.
Application: in an intersection situation, the directions of movement are determined specifically by the gesture of the controller, even if the traffic light is operating simultaneously or signs are installed.
Clause 8.8 a)
The controller's arms are extended to the sides, lowered, or the right arm is bent in front of the chest: from the left and right sides, trams are allowed to move straight, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move straight and to the right; pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway behind the controller and in front of the controller's chest; from the chest and back sides, vehicle movement is prohibited.
Application: when a vehicle approaches the controller from the left or right side (with the gesture "arms to the sides/lowered/right arm in front of the chest"), non-rail vehicles are allowed to go only straight or to the right.
That is, the correct answer is "Straight or to the right," given that according to the Traffic Rules, the signals of the controller are a priority (clause 8.3), and in the position of the controller specified in clause 8.8 a), from the left and right sides, non-rail vehicles are allowed to move only straight or to the right.
In this situation, traffic at the intersection is controlled by a traffic controller. According to clause 8.3 of the Traffic Rules, the signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic lights and road signs, so the direction of movement is determined specifically by their position.
The traffic controller is giving a signal with arms extended to the sides (a similar position is also considered when the arms are lowered or when the right arm is bent in front of the chest). According to clause 8.8 a) of the Traffic Rules, for non-rail vehicles approaching the traffic controller from the left or right side, in this position, movement is allowed only straight ahead or to the right. Turning left and making a U-turn are prohibited in this case.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Straight ahead or to the right," since according to the signal of the traffic controller with arms extended to the sides, for vehicles from our direction, movement is allowed only straight ahead or to the right, and this signal takes precedence over other means of regulation.