9.38. A driver of a moving vehicle has switched on the turn indicator before changing lanes. Is he required to give way to vehicles in the lane he intends to move into?
UAВодій автомобіля, що рухається, перед перестроюванням увімкнув покажчик повороту. Чи повинен він дати дорогу транспортним засобам, на смугу яких він зібрався перестроюватися?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about safe maneuvering in traffic flow and interaction between road users. In real conditions, improper lane changing often becomes the cause of accidents, which is why the traffic rules specifically emphasize: the turn signal only warns of the intention, but does not 'require' others to clear the lane and does not grant priority.
The question tests knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding the use of warning signals and maneuvering rules, in particular paragraphs 9.4 and 10.3. According to paragraph 9.4, signaling with turn indicators does not give the driver priority and does not relieve them of precautionary measures, and according to paragraph 10.3, when changing lanes, you must yield to vehicles already moving in the lane you intend to enter. That is why the correct choice in the theoretical exam is based on a simple principle: first make sure it is safe (mirrors, 'blind spots', distance), and only then change lanes, without forcing others to brake or change their trajectory.
The analysis of answer options comes down to the fact that the statement 'no need to yield because the indicator is on' contradicts paragraph 9.4, since the signal does not grant priority. The option 'no need to yield if you have already started changing lanes' is also incorrect: the very fact of starting the maneuver does not cancel the obligation to yield and does not legitimize creating an obstacle. The exception worth remembering in practice (and which is often mentioned in preparation for the theoretical exam) concerns simultaneous lane changes: in this case, the vehicle on the right has priority, and the driver on the left must yield.
Clause 9.4
The signal with turn indicators or by hand must be given in advance before starting the 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 (the hand signal should be finished directly 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 an advantage and does not relieve him of taking precautionary measures.
Explanation of application: this provision directly answers the part of the question that the activated turn indicator is only a warning and does not create an “advantage” for the driver planning the maneuver.
Clause 10.3
When changing lanes, the driver must give way to vehicles moving in the same direction in the lane into which he intends to move. If vehicles moving in the same direction change lanes simultaneously, the driver on the left must give way to the vehicle on the right.
Explanation of application: this provision establishes the obligation to “give way” when changing lanes to vehicles already moving in the lane into which the driver intends to move (regardless of the signal given).
That is, the correct answer is: "Must give way, since giving a warning signal with turn indicators does not give the driver an advantage and does not relieve him of taking precautionary measures," given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, giving a signal (clause 9.4) does not grant priority, and when changing lanes the driver is obliged to give way to vehicles in the lane into which he is moving (clause 10.3).
Before changing lanes, the driver is required to warn other road users about their intention. For this purpose, they must turn on the turn signal in advance. However, it is important to understand: this signal only informs others, it does not “require” them to vacate the lane.
Clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules directly establishes the principle: signaling a turn does not give the driver priority in traffic and does not relieve them of the obligation to act cautiously. In other words, a turned-on indicator does not mean you can immediately start the maneuver without checking the situation.
Next, the rule of clause 10.3 of the Traffic Rules applies: when changing lanes, the driver must yield to vehicles already moving in the lane they intend to enter. In practice, this means the driver must assess the situation in the mirrors and in the “blind spots,” make sure they will not force another car to brake or change direction, and only then change lanes safely.
For example, you are driving in the middle lane and want to move to the right. You have turned on the right indicator, but a car is approaching from behind in the right lane. Even with the signal on, you are required to let it pass and perform the maneuver only when it will not create an obstacle for that car. Exceptionally, if two cars are changing into the same lane at the same time, the one on the right has priority, and the driver on the left must yield.
Therefore, the correct answer is: "Must yield, because turning on the indicator does not give the driver priority and does not relieve them of taking precautions," since the turn signal only warns of the intention, and the obligation to yield to vehicles in the target lane is directly established by the lane change rules.