9.37. Does switching on the turn indicator give the driver the right of way?
UAЧи дає водієві перевагу в русі ввімкнення покажчика повороту?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns road safety during maneuvers: turns, U-turns, lane changes, exiting the shoulder, and any change of direction. For the theoretical exam, it is important to understand that vehicle light signals are primarily warning signals; that is, they inform other road users of the driver's intention, but do not 'legalize' the maneuver or make the driver the main priority in the traffic flow.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding the use of warning signals and performing maneuvers. According to clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, signaling with turn indicators does not grant right of way and does not exempt the driver from taking precautionary measures, and clause 10.1 further emphasizes the obligation to ensure the safety of the maneuver and the absence of obstacles for others. Therefore, the statement that an activated indicator 'always' gives right of way is incorrect, as is the option that right of way appears at least during lane changes: the signal only notifies of intention, and the right to perform the maneuver is determined by the traffic situation, priorities, signs, road markings, and the mutual positioning of vehicles.
In practice, this knowledge helps avoid typical accidents when a driver, after turning on the indicator, tries to 'squeeze' into a lane or turn without yielding to those who have priority according to intersection rules or general norms. The correct logic for any maneuver according to the traffic rules: signal in advance, assess the speed and distance of others, make sure it is safe, and perform the action without creating danger or obstacles.
Clause 9.4
"A signal with turn indicators or by hand must be given in advance before starting a maneuver (taking into account the speed of movement), but not less than 50–100 m in populated areas and 150–200 m outside them, and must be stopped immediately after its completion (a hand signal should be finished immediately before starting the maneuver). It is prohibited to give a signal if it may be unclear to other road users. Giving a warning signal does not give the driver priority and does not release them from taking precautionary measures."
This clause directly establishes that turning on the turn indicator is a warning signal and by itself does not create "priority in movement" and does not cancel the obligation to act cautiously.
Clause 10.1
"Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in the direction of movement, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users."
This clause emphasizes that any maneuver (including one signaled by the turn indicator) is allowed only after ensuring safety and the absence of obstacles/danger for others.
Thus, the correct answer is: "Does not give the driver priority and does not release them from taking precautionary measures," given that, according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, giving a warning signal (clause 9.4) does not grant priority, and the obligation to ensure the safety of the maneuver is directly established (clause 10.1).
The turn indicator is needed to timely warn other road users about your intention to change direction: to turn, make a U-turn, change lanes, pull out from the shoulder, etc. In other words, it is an informational signal, not a 'permissive' one.
Clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine explicitly states that giving such a signal does not make the driver 'main' in the traffic flow. Even if you switched on the indicator correctly and in advance, it is only a notification to others, not a demand for them to immediately yield the road to you.
Therefore, before any maneuver, the driver is obliged to make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles for others. For example, if you want to change to an adjacent lane and have switched on the left indicator, but someone is moving in that lane nearby or is quickly approaching from behind, you do not have the right to 'squeeze in', referring to the activated signal. First, assess the situation, the available gap, possible risks, and only then perform the maneuver.
Similarly, at an intersection: a switched-on turn indicator does not cancel the obligation to yield to those who have the right of way according to the rules for passing intersections, signs, or road markings. The signal only helps others understand your actions, but does not change the order of movement.
Thus, the correct answer is: 'Does not give the driver priority and does not relieve them from taking precautionary measures,' since according to the Traffic Rules, the turn indicator is a warning signal that only informs about the intention to maneuver, but does not grant priority and does not cancel the obligation to act safely.