9.40. When must a driver stop signaling with the direction indicator while performing a maneuver?
UAКоли водієві необхідно припинити подавання сигналу світловим покажчиком повороту, виконуючи маневр?
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This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns safe communication between road users during maneuvering. A correctly given and timely switched off turn signal helps other drivers and pedestrians anticipate your actions and avoid dangerous situations, especially at intersections, when changing lanes, or when leaving the roadside. A mistake in the timing of turning off the turn signal often misleads others and increases the risk of an accident, which is why this topic is regularly tested in the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of the "Signals" section of the traffic rules, specifically the requirements of paragraph 9.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding the use and cessation of turn signals. The rule is clear: the signal is turned on in advance before starting the maneuver (taking into account speed and distance), and is turned off immediately after the maneuver is completed. It is important to distinguish the method of signaling: for a hand signal, there is an exception (it is stopped before the maneuver begins), but in this task, it is specifically about the light indicator.
The analysis of the answer options comes down to the logic of paragraph 9.4. The option "immediately before starting" is incorrect for the turn signal, because during the maneuver itself, others may not receive the actual warning. The option "during execution" is incorrect as a formulation of the moment of cessation: the signal should indeed work during the maneuver, but it must be turned off not "in the process," but immediately after the action is completed. That is why the correct option is the one that refers to turning off the signal immediately after the maneuver is completed: this prevents false expectations among other road users and complies with the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine.
Clause 9.4
A 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 (a 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 priority and does not release them from taking precautionary measures.
This clause directly establishes the moment to stop signaling specifically with turn indicators: immediately (at once) after completing the maneuver.
That is, the correct answer is "Immediately after completing the maneuver," given that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the signal with turn indicators must be stopped immediately after completing the maneuver, so as not to mislead other road users.
During any maneuver (turning, changing lanes, pulling out from a stop), the driver is required not only to warn other road users in advance with a turn signal, but also to correctly determine the moment when this signal should be turned off. This is important so that other drivers and pedestrians clearly understand your intentions.
Clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine establishes the rule: the turn signal must be given before starting the maneuver and must be stopped immediately after the maneuver is completed. The logic is simple: while you are actually performing the action (for example, turning or changing lanes), the signal should indicate to others that your vehicle is still maneuvering. Once the action is completed, there is no longer any need for a warning.
If you leave the indicator on after completing the maneuver, it can mislead others. For example, you have already finished turning and are driving straight, but the "turn signal" keeps blinking—others may expect another turn or lane change, act on this false assumption, and create a dangerous situation.
Note that this question is specifically about the light turn signal. For hand signals, there is a separate feature: it is stopped immediately before starting the maneuver so as not to impair control. But when using turn indicators, the rule is unambiguous: turn them off after completing the maneuver.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Immediately after completing the maneuver," because according to clause 9.4 of the Traffic Rules, the turn signal should be used while performing the maneuver and turned off immediately once the maneuver is finished, so as not to mislead other road users.