Ride on Red Law

Pennsylvania’s “Ride on Red” law, officially titled Act 101, became effective in September 2016 after being signed into law that July. This legislation permits drivers to proceed through a red light that is either unresponsive or malfunctioning. However, it is crucial that drivers use significant caution and sound judgment when doing so.

Originally, this law was designed with motorcycles and bicycles in mind. These smaller, lighter vehicles often fail to trigger the weight-based sensors used in some traffic signals, leaving riders stuck at red lights indefinitely. The law has since been broadened to cover all vehicles, including cars and even horse-drawn buggies. The push for this law came from a growing number of drivers, especially those in smaller vehicles, who faced long waits at traffic signals. This issue is particularly common in rural areas and during late-night hours when there are fewer large vehicles to activate the sensors. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been charged after navigating a tricky intersection, consulting with a Wellsburg criminal lawyer can provide clarity on your rights.

Representative Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland) was a key figure in getting this law passed. He took action after being approached by motorcycle organizations that raised concerns about faulty traffic signals. Recognizing that this was a widespread issue, Representative Bloom advocated for a practical and safe solution. It’s important to understand that the law is not a free pass to ignore traffic signals recklessly.

How Does This Work?

If you encounter a traffic light that isn’t working correctly, whether it’s completely dark or just blinking, you should follow these steps:

• Green or Yellow Light: If the light is green or yellow, you can proceed through the intersection, but you should still exercise caution.
• Red or Unlighted Light: If the signal is red or not lit at all, you must treat it like a stop sign. This means you need to come to a complete stop, check carefully for any oncoming cross-traffic, and only proceed when it is safe to do so, following the same right-of-way rules as you would at any other stop sign.

It is critical to note that the law doesn’t specify a set amount of time you must wait before proceeding. The essential steps are to stop completely and wait for the light to complete a full cycle. If the signal skips your turn and doesn’t provide a green light, you may then proceed cautiously. In essence, a malfunctioning red light should be handled just like a stop sign. Seeking advice from a Wellsburg DUI attorney can be beneficial if your case involves complex traffic laws.

This law does not apply to lights that are functioning correctly but are on a longer timer than you might expect.

Previously, it was generally understood that you could proceed through a completely inoperable traffic light. The significant change with this recent legislation is that it now includes lights that use vehicle-detection technology, such as induction loop sensors. The problem was that lighter vehicles often didn’t trigger these sensors, leaving the light red indefinitely. Now, after waiting a reasonable amount of time, a driver can safely and legally move through the intersection. Understanding these nuances is important, and a dedicated criminal lawyer can help dissect the specifics of your situation.

For anyone who wishes to read the law in its entirety, the text can be found in the Pennsylvania Code, Title 75, Section 3112.

So, the next time you’re faced with a malfunctioning traffic signal, remember the proper procedure: come to a full stop, use caution, and only proceed if the light is truly not working. It’s also a good practice to report the faulty signal to your local city hall or police department. If a traffic stop leads to more serious charges, a Wellsburg DUI attorney can offer crucial legal guidance.

The Logue Law Group

Serving Wellsburg and the surrounding regions, including West Virginia and Ohio, the Logue Law Group is committed to protecting your legal rights. To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group, please call us at 844.PITT.DUI. You can also contact us online.

Our dedicated Wellsburg DUI attorney is available to help you any time, day or night.