Due to the lack of electricity, traffic controllers are increasingly common on Ukrainian roads. That's why all drivers should know what their movements mean. Find out more about traffic light signals, how to distinguish them and what they mean

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A traffic policeman is a police officer who controls traffic with a special baton and whistle. Meeting a traffic controller on Ukrainian roads in normal times is a rare occurrence. However, now, due to a power shortage, traffic lights may not work, and traffic controllers have to manage the traffic. That is why it is worth knowing the traffic rules to understand their signals if necessary. A detailed analysis of the traffic controller's gestures is provided below.

Traffic rules: traffic controller signals for cars

First and foremost, all drivers should know that traffic controller signals have the highest priority over all other road signs and traffic lights. This means that drivers and pedestrians are obliged to follow the traffic controller's instructions.

To understand the traffic controller's signals, you need to pay attention to the position of his body and hand gestures. The traffic warden usually uses a baton or a disc with a red reflector to give signals.

● The traffic controller is facing the driver, with his arms outstretched to the sides and downward, or his right arm with the baton (red disc) is bent in front of his chest. This means that traffic is prohibited in all directions. It is analogous to a red traffic light.

● The police officer is standing on the driver's right side with his arm extended. This indicates that traffic is prohibited on both sides. This signal also means a red light.

● The case of the police officer with his back to the driver also means that traffic in all directions is prohibited.

● The arm with the baton is extended forward. If the traffic controller is facing the driver, it means that driving straight ahead is prohibited and driving to the right is allowed. This is analogous to a red traffic light with a right arrow.

● The hand with the baton is raised. This is an attention signal similar to the yellow traffic light. It indicates the need to prepare for a change in traffic.

● The traffic controller stands with his left side to the vehicle. Arms are down, outstretched to the sides or bent and pressed to the chest. Straight ahead and to the right are permitted, but pedestrians must be allowed to pass first. The signal is equivalent to a green traffic light, but with a ban on left turns.

● The traffic controller is standing with his or her left side facing the car, but with his or her arm extended forward. This means that driving straight ahead, to the right, left and turning is permitted.

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Remember that compliance with traffic rules is a guarantee of safety on the road not only for the driver, but also for passengers and other road users.

Keep in mind that insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in Ukraine.

Motor Third Party Liability Insurance (MTPL) is a compulsory vehicle insurance in Ukraine that guarantees compensation for damages in the event of an accident. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can buy a CTP insurance policy from a licensed insurer for reliable protection on Ukrainian roads. Packages with a deductible of UAH 3200, UAH 1600 and UAH 0 are available.

Just a reminder. Due to the martial law, drivers should be careful when using dashcams on the territory of Ukraine. Read here to find out whether you can drive with a dashcam and on which road sections you should switch off the device.

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