Question from Stopfire:
An intersection where Chernovola and Rybalko streets cross. I was fined for not giving way to a pedestrian, although at the moment of starting the turn the person was still on the sidewalk.
Is such a situation considered a violation, and how should a driver act to avoid provoking an accident and at the same time give priority to a pedestrian when turning, in such cases:
a) when a car turns left at an intersection
b) when a car turns right at an intersection
c) how to behave during a U-turn. Who has priority — the one performing the U-turn, or the driver who turns right on the green arrow of the additional traffic light section, exiting from an adjacent secondary road?
By the way, on the same day when this incident happened, I was called late in the evening and told that a mistake had occurred — supposedly, the fine was set too high. If the fine is issued incorrectly (475 hryvnias), what should the driver do? Is it possible not to pay such an amount at all?
Answer from driving school experts:
a) and b) when turning both left and right, drivers must act according to point 16.2 of the traffic rules: “At controlled and uncontrolled intersections, a driver turning right or left must give way to pedestrians crossing the roadway onto which he is turning, as well as to cyclists moving straight in the same direction.”
c) priority belongs to the one performing the U-turn, because the driver turning on the additional section must follow point 16.9 of the traffic rules: “When moving in the direction of the arrow included in the additional section simultaneously with the yellow or red traffic light signal, the driver must give way to vehicles moving from other directions.”
As for the erroneous fine. The driver has the right to file a lawsuit against the traffic police officer, and the court will most likely cancel the protocol! However, for the offense itself, the court may impose a fine in a smaller amount provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Summary:
The traffic rules oblige drivers to let pedestrians pass. If you turn left, this situation is difficult to assess unambiguously. After all, you need to simultaneously complete the maneuver at the intersection to avoid creating an emergency situation, and give way to the pedestrian. When turning right, it will be much harder to prove that you tried to avoid an accident.
When making a U-turn, you have priority over those who turn right on the enabled additional traffic light section (with the main red signal) or on the green arrow.
If you are sure that the fine was issued incorrectly, you can appeal it in court.
If you are unclear about signs or markings on Ukrainian roads, send your questions with the city and address to [email protected]
