The “Ride on Red” Law: Enhancing Road Safety

The “Ride on Red” law, formally known as Act 101, became law in Pennsylvania in July 2016 and went into effect in September of that same year. This legislation was created to solve a common problem drivers face when they encounter a red light that is broken or unresponsive. The law offers a practical solution to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. 

Originally, the law focused mainly on motorcycles and bicycles. Because these vehicles are smaller and lighter, they often fail to trigger the weight sensors at traffic lights, leaving riders stuck at red lights. Realizing that this issue affects more than just two-wheeled vehicles, the law was expanded to cover all vehicles, including horse-drawn buggies. The push for this legislation came from the growing frustration of drivers—especially those in smaller vehicles—who found themselves waiting indefinitely at traffic lights. This problem is especially common in rural areas and late at night when there aren’t enough heavy vehicles to trigger the sensors.

Representative Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) championed this bill, responding to concerns from motorcycle groups. Seeing that this was a widespread issue, Bloom proposed changes to prioritize safety while offering a sensible fix. It is crucial to understand that this law is not an excuse to ignore traffic signals recklessly. If you find yourself in a situation involving traffic violations, consulting a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer might be necessary to understand your rights.

How the Process Works

It is important to know exactly what to do if you come across a traffic signal that isn’t working correctly. Here is a simple guide:

• Green or Yellow Light: Drive with caution and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Red or Unlighted Light: Treat the signal like a stop sign. Come to a full stop, check for any oncoming traffic, and only move forward when it is safe. Think of it as yielding the right of way, just as you would at a standard stop sign.

There is no specific time limit set by the law for how long you must wait. The rule is to stop completely and give the light a chance to cycle to green. If the light skips your turn, you are allowed to proceed. The most important thing is to treat the malfunctioning light as a stop sign to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

It is worth mentioning that this law does not apply to lights that simply have long timers. It is specifically for lights that are not functioning as they should. If you are unsure about traffic laws, a Philadelphia federal attorney can provide guidance.

In the past, drivers could proceed through a broken traffic light, but recent updates to the law addressed lights that use vehicle sensors. These sensors often failed to detect lighter vehicles, causing the light to stay red indefinitely. To fix this, the law now allows cautious drivers to go through the intersection after waiting a reasonable amount of time.

For anyone interested in reading the full text of the law, it can be found in the Pennsylvania Code, Title 75, Section 3112.

If you do encounter a broken traffic signal, remember the steps: come to a complete stop, be careful, and only proceed if the light is clearly not working. It is also a good idea to report the issue to city hall or the local police department so it can be fixed. Hire a Philadelphia federal crimes lawyer.   

Logue Law Group

At Logue Law Group, we are committed to defending your rights in Philadelphia and the surrounding regions, including Pennsylvania and Ohio. To book a free initial consultation with an experienced Philadelphia federal attorney, please call us at 844.PITT.DUI. You can also reach out to us online. Our team is ready to help you whenever you need us.