9.39. When must a driver stop giving a hand signal?
UAКоли водієві необхідно припинити подавання сигналу рукою?
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This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety and proper communication between road users. Hand signals are used when there are no or malfunctioning turn indicators (as well as for certain types of vehicles, such as bicycles). It is important not only to give advance warning, but also to do so in a way that does not cause the driver to lose control during the maneuver itself.
The question tests knowledge of the section of the traffic rules regarding warning signals, specifically the requirements of clause 9.4 of the PDR of Ukraine. It explicitly states that the hand signal must be finished before starting the action: this allows the driver to return their hand to the steering wheel and safely perform a turn, U-turn, or lane change. That is why the option stating that the hand signal should be stopped immediately before starting the maneuver corresponds to the rule.
Other options in the theoretical exam may seem logical at first glance. Stopping the signal immediately after completing the maneuver is correct for light indicators, but for hand signals, the rules set a different requirement due to the need to control the vehicle with both hands during the action. Similarly, giving a hand signal during the maneuver impairs control and contradicts the practical safety logic embedded in clause 9.4.
Clause 9.4
Signals 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 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 relieve him of taking precautionary measures.
This clause directly establishes a special requirement specifically for the hand signal: it must be finished before starting the maneuver (so that the driver can safely control the vehicle while performing the maneuver).
That is, the correct answer is "Immediately before starting the maneuver," given that according to the definition in Clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules, it directly requires stopping the hand signal immediately before starting the maneuver.
The Traffic Rules provide that a driver may signal a maneuver not only with turn indicators, but also with a hand signal (for example, when the light indicators are absent or malfunctioning). Such signals are intended to inform other road users of your intention in advance, so that they have time to properly assess the situation.
Clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules establishes an important detail specifically for hand signals: it must be given in advance, but stopped immediately before starting the maneuver. The logic here is practical and related to driving safety: before turning, making a U-turn, or changing lanes, the driver needs to put both hands back on the steering wheel (or the handlebars of a bicycle/motorcycle) and fully control the direction of movement. If you continue to keep your hand in the signaling position during the maneuver itself, controllability decreases and the risk of error increases.
For example, if you are riding a bicycle and intend to turn right, you signal your intention with your hand in advance so that drivers behind and beside you understand your actions. But before you actually start turning the handlebars, you need to return your hand to the handlebars, and it is at this moment that the hand signal ends.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immediately before starting the maneuver," because according to clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules, the hand signal is ended before the maneuver so that the driver can safely control the vehicle while performing it.