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Traffic regulations types of traffic lights. Traffic signals. Traffic Laws. Arrangement order of signal color lights


At first glance, traffic light signals are all very simple and we have all known them since childhood. Red - stop, yellow - get ready, green - go. This is a very simple rule. In this article we will look at this rule deeper within the framework.


Let's find all the pitfalls hidden in traffic lights. The most interesting signals will be those that are located in the additional section of the traffic light and what signals there may be in this section. We will look at Chapter 6 of the Traffic Rules regarding the regulation of traffic through an intersection using traffic lights.

6.1. Traffic lights use green, yellow, red and white-lunar light signals.

Depending on the purpose, traffic light signals can be round, in the form of an arrow(s), a silhouette of a pedestrian or a bicycle, or X-shaped.

Traffic lights with round signals may have one or two additional sections with signals in the form of a green arrow(s), which are located at the level of the green round signal.

We will not consider white-lunar traffic lights, in the form of a silhouette of a pedestrian or a bicycle, and X-shaped ones in this article.

6.2. Round traffic lights have the following meanings:

  • A green signal allows movement;
  • A green flashing signal allows movement and informs that its time is expiring and a prohibitory signal will soon be turned on (digital displays can be used to inform drivers about the time in seconds remaining until the end of the green signal);
  • The yellow signal prohibits movement, except in cases provided for in paragraph 6.14 of the Rules, and warns of an upcoming change of signals;
  • A yellow flashing signal allows movement and informs about the presence of an unregulated intersection or pedestrian crossing, warns of danger;
  • A red signal, including a flashing one, prohibits movement.

The combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement and informs about the upcoming activation of the green signal.

This paragraph of the traffic rules describes round traffic lights. The most common traffic light, which is most often found on the roads.

6.3. Traffic light signals, made in the form of red, yellow and green arrows, have the same meaning as round signals of the corresponding color, but their effect extends only to the direction(s) indicated by the arrows. In this case, the arrow allowing a left turn also allows a U-turn, unless this is prohibited by the corresponding road sign.

The green arrow in the additional section has the same meaning. A switched off signal of an additional section means that movement in the direction regulated by this section is prohibited.

The first thing you should pay attention to is that the signals are made in the form of arrows, i.e. the arrow is a signal. The signal is not round. Traffic light signals with a contour arrow do not fit this definition, and clause 6.3 of the traffic rules is not applicable to them.

The second important point is that traffic light signals made in the form of arrows regulate only indicated directions. For example, if the red arrow to the right is on, then movement is prohibited only to the right; moving straight, turning left and turning around are not regulated by this signal.

The same applies to the green arrow signal, but only if the arrow is in the main section of the traffic light. Determining, for example, in the dark, whether this is the main section of a traffic light or an additional one is very simple - if the section is additional, then some signal in the main section of the traffic light must be on; if there are no other signals besides the arrow, then this means that the arrow is in the main sections.

6.4. If a black contour arrow(s) is applied to the main green traffic light signal, it informs drivers about the presence of an additional section of the traffic light and indicates other permitted directions of movement than the additional section signal.

This paragraph describes the purpose of the contour arrow of a traffic light signal. We see that a contour arrow can only be placed in the main section, and only on a green traffic light signal, and unlike a signal in the form of an arrow, a contour arrow allows movement only in the indicated directions. Traffic in other directions is prohibited.

We could finish our material here, if not for one very common situation in practice. We often come across a traffic light with the following signal:

In front of us is a traffic light with an additional section and a round signal. It would seem that according to paragraph 6.3, moving in the direction regulated by this section is prohibited.

But let's figure it out:

  • According to clause 6.2, a round green signal allows movement in all directions, clause 6.3 regulates traffic light signals made in the form of arrows, in this case clause 6.3 is not applicable.
  • The additional section may not be visible at night, and traffic signals may not have different meanings depending on the time of day.
  • The direction regulated by the additional section is unknown to us, we only know that it is “different” from the signal in the main section, and in the main section we have a green signal that allows movement in all directions,
  • The additional section may not contain a traffic light signal at all, but can be used, for example, for a timer.

Thus, with a given traffic light signal, according to clause 6.2, movement is allowed in all directions, unless otherwise prohibited by signs or markings.

Response from the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Let's summarize:

  • The round traffic light signal extends to all directions,
  • The traffic light signal, made in the form of an arrow in the main section, applies only to the indicated direction and does not regulate traffic in other directions,
  • The traffic light signal, made in the form of an arrow in the additional section, applies only to the indicated direction and prohibits movement in other directions,
  • A round traffic light signal with a contour arrow on it applies only to the indicated direction and prohibits movement in other directions.

And this is how the TV show “Main Road” on NTV sees the situation.

Dear you without obstacles!

Traffic lights use green, yellow, red and white-lunar light signals.

Depending on the purpose, traffic light signals can be round, round with contours in the form of an arrow (arrows), with the contours of a pedestrian or bicycle silhouette, and X-shaped.

Round traffic lights have the following meanings:

  • A green signal allows movement;
  • A yellow signal prohibits movement (except when the driver is completing an intersection or pedestrian crossing) and warns of an upcoming change of signals;
  • The red signal prohibits movement.
  • The combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement and informs about the upcoming activation of the green signal.
  • A green flashing signal allows movement and informs that its time is expiring and the prohibiting signal will soon be turned on. Digital displays can be used to inform drivers and pedestrians how many seconds are left before the traffic lights change.
  • A yellow flashing signal allows movement and informs that the traffic light is turned off. In this case, the intersection (pedestrian crossing) is temporarily unregulated.

Other types of traffic lights

Traffic light with
additional sections

Traffic lights with round signals may have one or two additional sections with green arrow signals. These sections are located at the height of the green circular signal.

Traffic lights of red, yellow and green, made in the form of arrows, have the same meaning as round signals, but their effect extends only to the direction that the arrow points.

Movement is only possible in this direction and only when the light is green.

An illuminated green arrow in the additional section of the traffic light allows movement in the direction indicated by this arrow. When the additional section signal is turned off, movement in the direction of the arrow is prohibited.

An arrow permitting a left turn also permits a U-turn, unless this is prohibited by road sign 3.19.

If black contour arrows are placed on the main green traffic light, they inform drivers that the traffic light has an additional section, and indicate only those directions that are allowed when the additional section is turned off.

If there are no contour arrows, it means that this traffic light does not have an additional section, and the main green signal allows traffic in all directions.

For pedestrians
and cyclists

If a traffic light signal is made in the form of a silhouette of a pedestrian (bicycle), then its effect applies only to pedestrians (cyclists).

To inform blind pedestrians about the possibility of crossing the road, the permissive signal of a pedestrian traffic light can be supplemented with an audible signal.

The movement of cyclists can be regulated by a traffic light with reduced round signals of red, yellow and green, complemented by a sign with a picture of a bicycle.

To regulate the movement of vehicles along the roadway lanes, including reversible lanes, traffic lights with a red signal in the form of a cross and a green signal in the form of an arrow pointing downwards are used.

These signals prohibit or allow movement in the lane above which they are located.

Reversible
traffic lights

If there is one reversible lane, the switched off traffic lights located above it mean that entry into this lane is prohibited from both directions.

If there are two reversible lanes, switched off reversible traffic lights mean that vehicles in both directions can move in any lane within their half of the roadway, but cannot enter the lanes intended for oncoming traffic.


for trams

To regulate the movement of trams, as well as other route vehicles moving along the lane allocated for them, traffic lights with four white-moon colored signals located in the shape of the letter “T” can be used.

The lights on at such a traffic light can be connected by lines that will show in which directions the route vehicle is allowed to move. The horizontal line of the top three lights is a prohibition signal.

Drivers of other vehicles do not obey the signals of such traffic lights.

Traffic light on
railway crossing

At railway crossings, traffic lights are used with one or two alternately flashing round red signals, the inclusion of which means that the crossing is closed.

When the red lights are off, the driver can move through the crossing, making sure that there is no approaching train.

Such traffic lights can be supplemented with a round white-moon signal located on top. Its blinking when the red lights are off indicates that the traffic light is working and movement through the crossing is allowed.

A prohibitory traffic light signal at a railway crossing can be supplemented by an audible signal, which serves as an additional warning for pedestrians about the danger associated with the approach of a train.

Signals
traffic controller

The traffic controller signals have the following meanings:

1. Hand raised up.
The movement of any vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited in all directions.

2. Arms extended to the sides or lowered.
Movement is allowed on the left and right sides:

  • by tram - only straight;
  • for trackless vehicles - straight or to the right;
  • Pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway.

From the chest and back:

  • the movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.

3. The right arm is extended forward.
Movement is allowed on the left side:

  • by tram - only to the left;
  • for trackless vehicles - in all directions;

From the chest side movement is allowed:

  • by tram - only to the right;
  • for trackless vehicles - only to the right.

No Pedestrians.

From the right side:

  • movement of all vehicles is prohibited;
  • pedestrians can cross the road behind the traffic controller.

From the back:

  • The movement of any vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.

The traffic controller can give hand gestures and other signals that are understandable to drivers and pedestrians.

A request to stop a vehicle is made using a loudspeaker device or a hand gesture directed at the vehicle. The driver must stop at the place indicated to him.

An additional whistle signal is given to attract the attention of traffic participants.

It is important to know!

Drivers and pedestrians must follow the instructions of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic lights, road signs or markings. However, in cases where one does not contradict the other, drivers must comply with the requirements of the traffic controller, signs, and road markings.

Procedure for using traffic lights and traffic controller signals

When there is a prohibiting signal from a traffic light or a traffic controller, the driver must stop in front of the stop line or sign 6.16, and in the absence of a stop line and sign:

  • at an intersection - in front of the roadway being crossed, without interfering with pedestrians;
  • in other places - in front of a traffic light or traffic controller, without interfering with those vehicles and pedestrians whose movement is permitted.

If, when a traffic light suddenly turns yellow after a green one or when the traffic controller raises his hand up, the driver can stop in the indicated places only by applying emergency braking, then he must not stop, but continue driving and clear the intersection of roadways as soon as possible.

Pedestrians who were on the roadway when the prohibiting signal was given must clear it, and if this is not possible, stop on the center line dividing traffic flows in opposite directions and wait for the next permitting signal, which will allow them to complete the crossing of the road.

It is important to know!

If the meanings of traffic light signals contradict the requirements of priority road signs, then drivers must be guided only by the traffic light signals. However, road signs from other groups (prohibiting, prescriptive, etc.) operate in conjunction with a traffic light, and in this case, the driver, moving towards a permitting signal, must comply with the requirements of such signs.

Classic three-section traffic light.

Any of us knows from childhood that a red traffic light prohibits movement, and now both drivers are required to stop at the stop line.

But not everyone knows how a modern “advanced” traffic light works, what signals it may have and how exactly they alternate.

During the traffic police exam you will be asked:

What does the combination of red and yellow traffic lights mean?

The answer should not leave you in doubt - A brief combination of red and yellow signals informs drivers that the green signal will soon turn on.

The red and yellow lights go out, the green lights turn on, and you can move in all directions (unless, of course, signs or markings indicate otherwise).

But don't rush to start moving. The author of these lines has seen so many troubles and tragedies when neighbors along the road blindly followed the green signal. And this is not just advice, it is a requirement of the Rules.

Rules. Section 13. Clause 13.8. When the traffic light turns on, the driver is obliged to give way to vehicles completing their movement through the intersection, and to pedestrians who have not completed crossing the roadway in this direction.

That is, before you start moving, you need to make sure that those who have now turned red have stopped. Someone may simply not have time to stop, but someone is in such a hurry that they are ready to rush through the intersection risking their lives (okay, only their own, but also someone else’s).

Well, finally, the drivers on the road being crossed have stopped at their stop lines, and now they can start driving. We still see green light.

The green one burned, burned and blinked.

And again, during the traffic police exam, someone will definitely get this question:

What does a flashing green traffic light mean?

And again the answer is obvious - The flashing green light informs drivers that its time is expiring and the yellow light will soon turn on.

Is it possible to move when the green light is flashing? Don't doubt it, it's possible. Its duration is expiring, but it has not expired yet!

Another thing is that the green light will not blink for long - it will blink only three times and then go out.

Green will go out, but then yellow will light up. And this is what is said about the lonely yellow signal in the Rules, in paragraph 6.2:

« Yellow signal prohibits movement and warns about the upcoming change of signals.”

And this is where it is important for the driver to understand!– If the lone yellow light is on, then red will be next! That is, you will definitely have to stop!

Now imagine that the yellow light turns on when there are 5 - 10 meters left to the stop line. At a speed of 60 km/h, you can only hold the car by applying emergency braking! And even then, you will have to stop at the intersection (by crossing the stop line and risking getting hit from behind). Novice drivers often do this (sharply brake when the light turns yellow), and if an aggressive “experienced driver” was driving behind, then the novice is guaranteed to be hit from behind in this situation.

Meanwhile, the Rules prohibit sudden braking anywhere and everywhere (except for cases when it is necessary to prevent an accident):

Rules. Section 10. Clause 10.5. The driver is prohibited Brake sharply unless necessary to prevent a traffic accident.

That is, if the driver of a brown car suddenly brakes now, he will violate the requirement of paragraph 10.5 of the Rules. And in the event of an accident, both will be to blame - the driver of the red car is to blame because he did not maintain a safe distance, and the driver of the brown car is to blame because he braked unduly sharply.

The Rules treated this situation with understanding and allowed movement on a yellow traffic light (if it is no longer possible to stop smoothly in front of the stop line):

Rules. Section 6. Clause 6.14. Drivers who cannot stop when the yellow light turns on without resorting to emergency braking are allowed to continue driving.

And you may also be asked about this during the exam: “Are you allowed to continue driving if, when the traffic light turns yellow after the green light, you can only stop before the intersection by applying emergency braking?”

And here the answer should be absolutely clear to you - allowed. It’s simply allowed in any direction you want.

The lone yellow light will not burn for long - literally after a couple of seconds it will change to red, and the cycle will start all over again. But when the signal is red, drivers must definitely stop at the stop line.

Turning on the green signal opens traffic in all directions. But at the same time, no one has canceled the general principle of safety:

– directly possible from all lanes;

– to the right – from the right lane;

- turn left and turn - from the left lane.


1. In all.

2. Only straight or to the right.

1. In all.

2. Only

But now the signs give special instructions. And we remember that signs (or markings) that allow a left turn also allow a U-turn.

But turning around should always be done only from the leftmost lane!


In what directions can the driver of the brown car continue driving?

1. Only straight or left.

2. Directly,

In what directions can the driver of the red car continue driving?

1. Only to the left.

2. To the left or in the opposite direction.

And that's not all about traffic lights. If the traffic is not intense, then it is irrational to keep drivers at stop lines, and the traffic light can be switched to the so-called yellow flashing signal mode.

That is, red and green are not turned on at all, and only yellow is turned on all the time. Moreover, it does not just light up, but blinks at a frequency of once per second. This is how this signal is described in the Rules:

Rules. Section 6. Clause 6.2. Yellow flashing signal allows traffic and informs about the presence of an unregulated intersection or pedestrian crossing.

In this situation, drivers must independently determine the order of passage, guided by the general principle of “interference on the right.”

There is a problem in the traffic police book (shown below), which you often make mistakes when solving. Some of you for some reason choose the third answer. Most likely, because they did not read the question carefully. And the question says “when the traffic light is flashing yellow”! And, consequently, this intersection has become unregulated. And, therefore, we must be guided by priority signs.


You intend to continue straight ahead. What should you do if the traffic light is flashing yellow?

1. Give way only to the tram.

2. Give way only to cars.

3. Wait until the traffic light turns green and continue driving.

Comment on the task

On the main road you are a passenger car, and it is an obstacle for you on the right - you must give way to it.

And the tram is on a secondary road, it will be the last to pass the intersection.

Traffic lights with an additional section (or with two additional sections).

A classic three-section traffic light can be equipped with an additional section (right or left) or two additional sections (right and left).

Such “rationalization” makes it possible to significantly increase the throughput of the intersection; it is only important that drivers correctly understand the signals of such a traffic light.

And, first of all, it is necessary to understand that movement in the direction of the arrow is only allowed when the additional section is turned on.

For example, traffic to the right is now open.

And only to the right and nowhere else!

Anyone who needs to go in other directions must stand and wait for the main green signal to turn on.

The main green signal is turned on, and note that there are black outline arrows on the main green signal.

This was not the case at a three-section traffic light, but for a traffic light with an additional section, the presence of contour arrows on the main green one is a must-have!

Now movement is allowed only in the directions indicated by the contour arrows.

But now traffic is open in all directions.


In what directions can the driver of the brown car continue driving?

1. Straight or left.

2. Just straight ahead.

What should he do if he needs to go to the right?

1. You'll have to go to the next intersection.

2. You need to stand at the stop line and wait for the right arrow to turn on.

Comment on the task

Now the traffic light allows you to turn left and make a U-turn. But only those in the left lane can do this. The driver of a brown car can only drive straight ahead at such traffic lights.

Traffic lights designed to regulate traffic in certain directions.

Creative thought does not stand still, and traffic organizers were not satisfied with the fact that they proposed adding additional sections to the traditional traffic light. If necessary, you can provide a classic three-section traffic light with additional functions without equipping it with additional sections.

You approach an intersection and see instead of one traffic light there are three (according to the number of lanes in your direction).

It should be assumed that the effect of each traffic light extends only to the lane above which it hangs. And since the red signal is on everywhere, it means traffic from all lanes is prohibited.

Students. But why do red arrows light up instead of the usual round signal?

Teacher. This is done so that drivers approaching the intersection can change lanes in advance.

And the same arrows will light up on the yellow signal, informing drivers about the directions in which they will be allowed to move from this lane when the green signal turns on.

Now traffic is allowed from all lanes.

BUT!

It is necessary to adhere to the instructions dictated by the arrows on traffic lights.


In what directions can the driver of the brown car continue driving?

1. Only to the left.

2. To the left or in the opposite direction.

In what directions can the driver of the blue car continue driving?

1. Straight or left.

2. Straight, left or in the opposite direction.

In what directions can the driver of the red car continue driving?

1. Only to the right.

2. The driver of a red car must stop at the stop line and wait for the green signal.

Traffic light with a flashing yellow signal.

The most dangerous intersections in the driver's path are an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing and an uncontrolled intersection. At these intersections, drivers must independently determine the order of passage, guided by the relevant requirements of the Rules.

Traffic safety can be significantly improved if simple traffic lights with one yellow flashing signal are installed at such intersections. The continuous flashing of the yellow signal informs the driver in advance that he is approaching an unregulated intersection or pedestrian crossing.

There was no traffic light at this intersection. We hung it here using the Photoshop graphic editor.

But if he were actually here, this accident most likely would not have happened.

And these two-way traffic lights with a flashing yellow signal are not at all superfluous at an unregulated pedestrian crossing.

Reversible traffic lights.

Until recently, roads with reversible traffic were almost exotic in our country (although they have always been in the Rules).

And today you can often see such a warning.

And here it is - a section of the road with reverse traffic.

The roadway has appropriate markings (double broken lines with long strokes), and reversible traffic lights hang above the lanes designated for reversible traffic.

Now we have green arrows on at all traffic lights, and while they are on, these three lanes are given over to traffic in our direction.

On this section of the road, only one lane is allocated for reversible traffic. And now at the reverse traffic light we see a red cross. And, therefore, now the reversible lane is given to drivers in the opposite direction.

In our country, right-hand traffic is accepted and, in principle, everyone understands that when clearing the reverse lane, you need to change lanes to the right.

However, the Rules also provide for a three-section reversible traffic light - the yellow arrow, firstly, informs about the upcoming signal change, and, secondly, shows drivers where to change lanes, freeing up the reversible lane.

Now is the time for the driver of the blue jeep to turn on the right turn signals and immediately change lanes to the right. At the next reversible traffic light, a red cross will already be on.

Traffic lights for regulating traffic through railway crossings.

To regulate the movement of traffic through railway crossings, the Rules provide for three types of traffic lights.

This can be either one red light flashing once per second.

Or two alternately flashing red signals.

Or, along with two red signals, a white-lunar signal can also be installed, which, if turned on, also blinks at a frequency of once per second.

Now let's see what the Rules say about this:

Rules. Section 6. Clause 6.9. A round white-lunar flashing signal located at a railroad crossing allows vehicles to move through the crossing. When the flashing white-lunar and red signals are turned off, movement is permitted if there is no train (locomotive, handcar) approaching the crossing within sight.

That is, if one red signal is flashing or two red signals are flashing alternately, movement through the crossing is prohibited.

If the white-moon signal is flashing, movement through the crossing is permitted.

If nothing is flashing, movement through the crossing is also allowed. BUT! Not just allowed. First, the driver must make sure that there is no approaching train (within visibility!). And if there is one, then movement through the crossing is prohibited.

In conclusion, we note that GOST allows the use of conventional traffic lights at railway crossings.

Four-section traffic light with moon-white signals.

The use of such traffic lights makes it possible to organize conflict-free movement of route vehicles at intersections. We are talking about trams, as well as buses and trolleybuses, if they move along a lane specially allocated for them.

Now at the traffic light all four white-lunar signals are on and, therefore, the tram (bus, trolleybus) can move in all directions.

If the bottom signal and the top left signal are on, the tram (bus, trolleybus) is allowed to move to the left.

If the lower signal and the middle upper signal are on, the tram (bus, trolleybus) is allowed to move straight.

If the bottom signal and the top right signal are on, the tram (bus, trolleybus) is allowed to move to the right.

If the bottom signal is not on, then the tram (bus, trolleybus) is turned on “brick” - entry into the intersection is prohibited.

Now the tram is allowed to go straight or to the left, and we are allowed to go straight or to the right.

Indeed, a conflict-free movement.

Now the tram is allowed to go straight or to the right, and we will stand at the stop line.

And again, no conflict.

But now the tram will be stationary, but we can go in all directions.

And again, no conflict.

6.1. Traffic lights use green, yellow, red and white-lunar light signals.

Depending on the purpose, traffic light signals can be round, in the form of an arrow(s), a silhouette of a pedestrian or a bicycle, or X-shaped.

Traffic lights with round signals may have one or two additional sections with signals in the form of a green arrow(s), which are located at the level of the green round signal.

6.2. Round traffic lights have the following meanings:

  • GREEN SIGNAL allows movement;
  • GREEN FLASHING SIGNAL allows movement and informs that its validity period is expiring and a prohibitory signal will soon be turned on (digital displays can be used to inform drivers about the time in seconds remaining until the end of the green signal);
  • YELLOW SIGNAL prohibits movement, except for the cases provided for in paragraph 6.14 of the Rules, and warns about the upcoming change of signals;
  • YELLOW FLASHING SIGNAL allows traffic and informs about the presence of an uncontrolled intersection or pedestrian crossing, warns about danger;
  • RED SIGNAL, including flashing, prohibits movement.

The combination of red and yellow signals prohibits movement and informs about the upcoming activation of the green signal.

6.3. Traffic light signals, made in the form of red, yellow and green arrows, have the same meaning as round signals of the corresponding color, but their effect extends only to the direction(s) indicated by the arrows. In this case, the arrow allowing a left turn also allows a U-turn, unless this is prohibited by the corresponding road sign.

The green arrow in the additional section has the same meaning. A switched off signal of an additional section or a switched on red light signal of its outline means that movement in the direction regulated by this section is prohibited.

6.4. If a black contour arrow(s) is applied to the main green traffic light signal, it informs drivers about the presence of an additional section of the traffic light and indicates other permitted directions of movement than the additional section signal.

6.5. If a traffic light signal is made in the form of a silhouette of a pedestrian and (or) a bicycle, then its effect applies only to pedestrians (cyclists). In this case, the green signal allows, and the red signal prohibits, the movement of pedestrians (cyclists).

To regulate the movement of cyclists, a traffic light with round signals of reduced size, complemented by a white rectangular plate measuring 200 x 200 mm with a black bicycle image, can also be used.

6.6. To inform blind pedestrians about the possibility of crossing the roadway, traffic light signals can be supplemented with an audible signal.

6.7. To regulate the movement of vehicles along lanes of the roadway, in particular along those in which the direction of movement can change to the opposite, reversible traffic lights with a red X-shaped signal and a green signal in the form of an arrow pointing downwards are used. These signals respectively prohibit or allow movement in the lane above which they are located.

The main signals of a reversible traffic light can be supplemented by a yellow signal in the form of an arrow, tilted diagonally down to the right or left, the inclusion of which informs about the upcoming change of signal and the need to change lanes to which the arrow points.

When the signals of the reversing traffic light, which is located above the lane marked on both sides by markings 1.9, are turned off, entry into this lane is prohibited.

6.8. To regulate the movement of trams, as well as other route vehicles moving along the lane allocated for them, single-color traffic lights with four round white-moon colored signals located in the shape of the letter “T” can be used. Movement is permitted only when the lower signal and one or more upper ones are turned on simultaneously, of which the left one allows movement to the left, the middle one allows movement straight, and the right one allows movement to the right. If only the top three signals are on, then movement is prohibited.

6.9. A round white-lunar flashing signal located at a railroad crossing allows vehicles to move through the crossing. When the flashing white-lunar and red signals are turned off, movement is permitted if there is no train (locomotive, handcar) approaching the crossing within sight.

6.10. The traffic controller signals have the following meanings:

  • HANDS ARE EXTENDED TO THE SIDE OR LOWERED:

    from the left and right sides, the tram is allowed to move straight, trackless vehicles straight and to the right, pedestrians are allowed to cross the roadway;

    from the chest and back, the movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited.

  • RIGHT ARMS EXTRACTED FORWARD:

    from the left side, trams are allowed to move to the left, and trackless vehicles in all directions;

    from the chest side, all vehicles are allowed to move only to the right;

    from the right side and back, the movement of all vehicles is prohibited;

    Pedestrians are allowed to cross the road behind the traffic controller.

  • ARM RAISED UP:

    the movement of all vehicles and pedestrians is prohibited in all directions, except as provided for in paragraph 6.14 of the Rules.

The traffic controller can give hand gestures and other signals that are understandable to drivers and pedestrians.

For better visibility of signals, the traffic controller can use a rod or disk with a red signal (retroreflector).

6.11. A request to stop a vehicle is made using a loudspeaker device or a hand gesture directed at the vehicle. The driver must stop at the place indicated to him.

6.12. An additional whistle signal is given to attract the attention of traffic participants.

Pedestrians who were on the roadway when the signal was given must clear it, and if this is not possible, stop on the line dividing traffic flows in opposite directions.

6.15. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with the signals and orders of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic light signals, road signs or markings.

If the meanings of traffic light signals contradict the requirements of priority road signs, drivers must be guided by the traffic light signals.

6.16. At railway crossings, simultaneously with the red flashing traffic light, an audible signal may be sounded, additionally informing traffic participants that movement through the crossing is prohibited.

Not all points of the traffic rules are equally clear to a novice driver. The rules for driving through intersections with an additional traffic light section cause a lot of difficulties. We will analyze them both in general and with specific examples.

Traffic light with additional section

Traffic lights with additional sections must be distinguished from directional traffic lights. The arrows on the latter indicate a ban, permission to move in a certain lane or group of lanes. Each arrow is responsible only for movement in “its” lane. An additional section at a traffic light is responsible for turning from the main lane to the right or left. Such traffic lights are needed to relieve congestion at busy intersections: they tell the driver when he can move on. For experienced car owners, such a device is an excellent assistant.

Driving rules depend on the combination of illuminated sections. We have in front of us a traffic light with round signal windows. At the green signal level, such a device has either one or two additional sections.

We are interested in three situations:

  1. The additional window is disabled.
  2. The additional window lights up along with the green traffic light.
  3. The additional window lights up along with a red prohibiting signal.

From traffic rules

Let's consider the important traffic rules for us in this situation:

  • Arrows of red, yellow, green colors are equivalent to the corresponding round sections. They are only responsible for movement in the directions indicated on them.
  • An arrow indicating a left turn also allows you to make a U-turn, unless this is prohibited by a specific situation.
  • If the green arrow is on together with the red or yellow main signal, then when turning you need to give way to vehicles moving in priority.
  • If a tram moves to the arrow signal allowing movement when the main section is lit red or yellow, it must also give way to other road users.

Additional section prohibits movement

Let's start looking at the rules for driving through traffic lights with an additional section.

If the side window is not lit or glows red, then movement in the direction indicated by the arrow on it is prohibited! In this case, it does not matter what color the main display lights up, or in which direction the additional section points. If it is turned off, then this is a sign

Additional green arrow and green signal

Here we have two states of affairs:

  • A traffic light with one side arrow - right or left.
  • A traffic light with two side arrows - both right and left.

The right arrow is responsible for turning right, the left arrow, respectively, for turning left.

There are also two situations in which the rules for passing a traffic light with an additional section to the right or to the left are not completely clear. They depend on the ability to turn in both directions. Let's look at each in more detail:

  • Right additional arrow and main green enable signal. You are allowed to turn right. In this case, you need to give way only to pedestrians moving along the roadway you are about to enter. But since the work of traffic lights for pedestrians and drivers is coordinated, then, most likely, a prohibitory red light will be on for them while you are driving.
  • Left additional arrow and main red prohibition signal. Let's now look at the rules for driving through a traffic light with an additional "left" section. In this state of affairs, you are allowed to turn left. There should be no obstacles on the way; you don’t need to give way. In our right-hand drive country, the left side will be more unloading. Other traffic participants have no right to drive in the direction of your turn according to traffic regulations. But at the same time, remember the exception - if a vehicle moves straight ahead or to the right in the oncoming traffic, you must give way to it.

Additional green arrow and red signal

If you see a green additional arrow to the right or left in front of you, but the traffic light is red, then this means one thing: you can make a turn in the indicated direction, but at the same time give way to traffic participants traveling in other directions.

When passing the additional traffic light section, here are the following:

  • Give way (do not interfere with traffic). This means that you should not start, continue or resume driving if this requires drivers of other vehicles to reduce speed or change direction. In other words, if as a result of your maneuver someone was forced to slow down and change the trajectory of their car, then you violated the traffic rules.
  • The rules do not stipulate that you must give a clear path to transport approaching from exactly where - approaching from the right, from the left, from the oncoming lane. Therefore, the green additional section and the red signal are most easily regarded as a “Give way” sign (2.4).

This situation is regulated by clause 13.5 of the Traffic Regulations.

The combination of the green additional section and the main red signal only shows you the possibility of moving in a given direction. The priority right of passage here is not yours, but that of the driver in front of whom two green lights are on - an additional and a main one.

Traffic light with an additional section: rules for driving straight ahead

It is possible to move straight ahead, seeing a traffic light with additional arrows in front of you:

  • If the main traffic light is green.
  • If the main green signal is on and the additional arrow is on green along with it.

In the case when the main signal is red prohibiting, and the arrow glows green, you naturally cannot move. These are the simple rules for driving straight to a traffic light with an additional section.

Additional section without arrow marking

The rules for driving through a traffic light with an additional section do not always describe the following situation: the current device has side windows, but the arrows on them do not light up. What to do in this case?

So, you approach an intersection, the main green light comes on, and the side section is inactive at this time (that is, it does not glow either red or green). In this case, you simply calmly perform the maneuver you need.

Traffic police mistakes

Many novice drivers, who are not thoroughly familiar with the rules for driving through traffic lights with an additional section, become victims of unscrupulous road inspectors.

A typical situation is as follows: a traffic light with an additional section is installed at an intersection. But the window is “wrong” - it also glows red and green, but there is no contour arrow on it indicating in which direction movement is allowed. The driver, seeing that the main light is green, decides that a turn is now possible, and hurries to make the maneuver, not paying attention to the incomprehensible additional window. At this moment, road inspectors stop him.

The charge is as follows: driving on a prohibiting road. But at this moment the traffic policeman will be wrong - demand that a protocol be drawn up. Since only traffic lights with an additional section with an outline arrow indicating which direction at the intersection is prohibited or allowed to move are mandatory for the driver. He should not solve the “wrong” sections that glow with solid light.

Traffic lights with green arrow

Continuing the topic, we cannot help but consider another type of traffic lights that appeared quite recently. This is a regular three-color device, where a sign with a graphically depicted green arrow is attached at the level of the prohibitive red section. This innovation is regulated by clause 20.1 and clause 58.4 of the Traffic Regulations.

Let's look at them in more detail:

  • At the red signal level there is a sign with a green arrow to the right. In this case, you need to stop the car at the red signal. You are then allowed, after making sure that the maneuver is safe, to carefully continue moving in the direction of the arrow. In this case, you can move only from the far right lane, without creating obstacles for other vehicles, whose movement in this case is a priority. Give way to all pedestrians walking towards the permitting signal before the maneuver.
  • At the red signal level there is a sign with a green arrow to the left(One Way). You should also stop the vehicle before turning on the red signal, and then, taking precautions, it is possible to maneuver to the left. Driving is possible only after stopping and only from the leftmost lane. Before the maneuver, it is necessary to allow pedestrians and other vehicles, whose movement is now a priority, to pass.

Here we have looked at all the features and nuances of driving at a traffic light with additional sections. Such devices do not complicate, but rather facilitate movement, only at first causing confusion in the driver’s head.