Ignoring red lights in VA -- now legal

[DrD]

Forgive me if this was previously posted and I missed it.

As July 1st (I am a bit behind on my reading), motorcycle riders can proceed through red lights after two minutes, or waiting for two cycles of the light.  Not sure about this.  

[zer0netgain]

Common practice.

Makes no sense to ticket someone who goes through a red light because it doesn't sense their vehicle and won't change for them.

Never saw the problem.  Most states say a malfunctioning stop light is to be regarded as a stop sign.  Failure to detect a vehicle waiting for it to change is a malfunction.

[Cablebandit]

Yup, just treat it as a malfunctioning signal.  However, always look to see if there is a cop around because you may get pulled over regardless.


And you just know the light's going to change about 5 seconds after you run it.  

[RenegadeVT]

yup, I agree it is a good idea.  The light leaving my office complex does not pick up motorcycles, so everytime I work late I have to run the red light.  Nice to see a state recognize this problem.

[Rogue]

CA has a vehicle code that allows it.  It specifies that as having a malfunctioning traffic signal and allows traffic to cross the intersection when it is safe.  It is a dangerous move though if you are not paying very close attention.  I've done it before on dumb signals.

[Skee]

Yup, just treat it as a malfunctioning signal.  However, always look to see if there is a cop around because you may get pulled over regardless.


And you just know the light's going to change about 5 seconds after you run it.  

Yup - I got ticketed for this years back.  Waited good bit longer than just a little while.  
Late at night; nothing in sight.  Was barely through the intersection when Leo lit me up.
He was waiting for an offender.  Paid the fine.  What could I do?
But I made sure someone heard about what I perceived to be an injustice.
Then I found out the cop would have rescinded the ticket if I had told him that I was good friends with local councilman, instead of publicly complaining about the cop's behavior to the local council.  Seemed fair to me.

There was pending legislation in PA to allow a motorcycle to proceed through a red light under certain conditions when it did not change, but it did not pass.  I wrote my local Congressperson, but they said they could not support it because it represented a softening of safety standards.

So I still run them when I have to...

[Cablebandit]

This seems to be a big deal when teaching the MSF course.  I'm not to tell the student to treat it like a malfunctioning signal.   Of course every state has different rules so I guess there isn't a one size fits all answer as far as they are concerned.  They should remove it from the course material.

[DrD]

This seems to be a big deal when teaching the MSF course.  I'm not to tell the student to treat it like a malfunctioning signal.   Of course every state has different rules so I guess there isn't a one size fits all answer as far as they are concerned.  They should remove it from the course material.

Good point.  Some beginners don't need something else to think about.  

[Skee]

This seems to be a big deal when teaching the MSF course.  I'm not to tell the student to treat it like a malfunctioning signal.   Of course every state has different rules so I guess there isn't a one size fits all answer as far as they are concerned.  They should remove it from the course material.

Yeah, actually, as part of the lecture I got, the cop told me that there was no justification for going through a red light in PA.

I wouldn't worry about your students; they'll figure this one out for themselves.

In order to make a left at the one I regularly encounter, I make a right-on-red and then make a U-B into the opposite lane.
I'm sure my Congressperson will tell me that this is a whole lot safer than just turning left through a red light.
And it's legal; least as far as I know, and I get some perverse pleasure out of it.
Keep in mind, there's no traffic in sight, except maybe for the Leo hiding in the drug store parking lot.

[Cablebandit]

Have you called PennDot to come out and re-calibrate it?  If that doesn't work bug them to put the newer camera sensor there.

[cbsnbiker]

This seems to be a big deal when teaching the MSF course.  I'm not to tell the student to treat it like a malfunctioning signal.   Of course every state has different rules so I guess there isn't a one size fits all answer as far as they are concerned.  They should remove it from the course material.

Huh? I've had no instruction either way. I just treat it as a discussion topic for the students.

[Brad1445]

yawn, no news here do what you need to.

[Snowbird]

Have you called PennDot to come out and re-calibrate it?

Yeah, call 1 800 FIX ROAD. Let me know if the phone is answered.... ever.  

[Andrew]

WOW Guess I had it wrong, I thought we were just to slow down and proceed if clear

Who knew we were actually suppose to to stop? Learned something new today