9.27. You are driving a car with malfunctioning direction indicators, but you need to turn left. What should you do?
UAВи рухаєтесь на автомобілі, у якого несправні світлові покажчики поворотів, але Вам необхідно повернути ліворуч. Ваші дії:
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety and the proper way to inform other road users about the driver's intentions when standard light signals are unavailable. In real-life situations, a malfunction of the turn indicators does not exempt you from the obligation to signal your maneuver, since timely and clear signaling ensures predictable movement and helps avoid accidents, especially before turning or changing lanes.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding warning signals, specifically the requirements of point 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about giving hand signals in the absence or malfunction of light turn indicators. For maneuvers involving a left turn (as well as a U-turn or moving left), the basic and most obvious signal for other drivers is the left arm extended to the side. This rule is often checked in the theoretical exam because it is mandatory and practically important.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the correct "translation" of the light signal into a hand signal: the right arm extended to the side corresponds in meaning to the right turn signal, so it is not suitable for a left turn. The gesture with the left arm bent upward at the elbow is also used as an alternative signal, but in the traffic rules it is associated with a different direction (as a substitute for the right turn signal), so in this exam question it would be incorrect. It is practically important to remember that the hand signal should be given in advance, held long enough to be perceived, and stopped immediately before the maneuver so that both hands can safely control the vehicle.
Clause 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
"In the absence or malfunction of turn signal lights, signals for starting to move from the right edge of the carriageway, stopping on the left, turning left, making a U-turn, or changing lanes to the left are given with the left arm extended to the side, or with the right arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards. Signals for starting to move from the left edge of the carriageway, stopping on the right, turning right, or changing lanes to the right are given with the right arm extended to the side, or with the left arm extended to the side and bent at the elbow at a right angle upwards. In the absence or malfunction of brake signals, such a signal is given with the left or right arm raised upwards."
Explanation of application: since the turn signal lights are malfunctioning, the driver is required to give a warning signal by hand; for turning left, the main method is the left arm extended to the side.
That is, the correct answer is "Extend your left arm out the window to the side," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, in case of malfunctioning turn signals, the left turn signal is given with the left arm extended to the side.
If, while driving a car, your turn signal lights are not working, you are still required to warn other road users in advance about your intention to perform a maneuver. In such a situation, the Rules allow you to replace the light signal with a hand signal.
According to paragraph 9.3 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, in the absence or malfunction of turn indicators, a left turn signal is given by hand. There is a clear method for turning left: the driver gives the signal with their left arm extended sideways through the window. This is understandable for other drivers and directly complies with the requirements of the Rules.
In practice, it looks like this: you take the necessary position on the roadway in advance, before starting the maneuver you extend your left arm to the side and hold the signal long enough for other road users to notice it and correctly assess your intentions. After this, immediately before making the turn, you stop signaling with your hand so you can safely hold the steering wheel during the maneuver.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Extend your left arm out the window to the side," because when the turn indicators are not working, paragraph 9.3 of the Traffic Rules requires you to give a left turn signal with your arm extended to the side.