10.66. Is the driver of the red car allowed to proceed straight ahead in this situation?
UAЧи дозволено водієві червоного автомобіля рухатись прямо у даному випадку?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests the driver's ability to correctly choose the lane and direction of movement before an intersection, guided by road signs. Such situations are directly related to road safety: choosing the wrong lane leads to dangerous last-moment lane changes, conflicts with neighboring vehicles, and delays in traffic flow, especially near public transport stops and pedestrian crossings.
The task assesses knowledge of the sections of the Traffic Rules regarding road signs and the positioning of vehicles on the carriageway. The key element is sign 5.16 "Directions of movement by lanes" (section 33), which determines the permitted directions from each lane, as well as the general requirement to comply with road signs (paragraph 8.3.1). In this situation, the middle lane allows movement straight ahead, so continuing straight complies with the requirements of sign 5.16, even if the right lane also leads straight.
The "allowed" option is correct because the driver is moving in a direction that is directly provided for the occupied lane by sign 5.16, and therefore complies with the requirements of the traffic rules. The "prohibited" option would only be relevant if the sign allowed only a turn from the middle lane (for example, only to the left), or if the direction of movement was restricted by road markings or other signs that contradicted straight movement. In practice, this knowledge is critically important for the theoretical exam and for real driving: the driver must plan the lane in advance (section 10 "Maneuvering", paragraph 10.4) and at the same time remember the general principle of moving closer to the right edge (paragraph 11.5), but without violating the requirements of signs and markings.
Clause 8.3.1 — 8 "Traffic Regulation", 3 "Road Signs"
Road signs establish a certain order of movement; road users are required to comply with the requirements of road signs.
Clause 33.5 — 33 "Road Signs", 5 "Information and Direction Signs", sign 5.16 "Directions of Movement by Lanes"
Sign 5.16 "Directions of Movement by Lanes" indicates the permitted directions of movement for each lane at an intersection (or other road section). The driver must move in the direction permitted from the lane they occupy.
Clause 11.5 — 11 "Positioning of Vehicles on the Carriageway"
On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, drivers must position their vehicles as close as possible to the right edge of the carriageway, except when overtaking, passing, bypassing an obstacle, when other lanes are occupied, or when preparing for a left turn or U-turn.
Clause 10.4 — 10 "Maneuvering"
Before turning right, left, or making a U-turn, the driver must in advance take the appropriate extreme position on the carriageway designated for movement in that direction, unless otherwise provided by road signs or road markings.
Thus, the correct answer is "Permitted.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, sign 5.16 allows movement straight ahead from the occupied (middle) lane, and the requirements of the signs are mandatory for compliance.
An informational-direction sign 5.16 “Directions of movement by lanes” is installed before the intersection. This sign determines from which lane and in which direction it is allowed to move through the intersection, and the driver is required to comply with its requirements by choosing the lane according to the desired direction.
From the content of the sign, it is clear that there are three lanes in this section. The right lane is intended for moving straight ahead. The middle lane allows movement straight ahead or to the left. The left lane is intended for turning left and for making a U-turn. Therefore, if the red car is in the middle lane, moving straight ahead from this lane is permitted by the rules.
Additionally, it is important to understand that the presence of a public transport stop ahead or possible obstacles may affect the advisability of choosing a lane, but does not cancel the permitted direction of movement established by sign 5.16. In our situation, the decisive factor is that the middle lane provides for movement straight ahead.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Permitted," since sign 5.16 allows movement straight ahead through the intersection from the middle lane.