2006-12-29 14:45:22 · 15 answers · asked by tadpoll 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Well, here's a retort to the 4 Super well thought out, and researched answers above:
HB1054/SB1200 - "Stop Light Bill" - A new state law allows motorcyclists to "proceed when it is safe to do so" through traffic signals which have 'mal-functioning vehicle detection devices'. The legislation was intended to allow bikers to treat traffic signals with defective "ground loop" detectors as four way stops, not "run red lights" as the national press portrayed. An amendment was added which states that, if a signal does not have a defective detection device, you can not use the law as a defense. After passing both the House and Senate by a large margin the Governor signed this into law. It became effective 1 July 2003.
So the definitive answer is quite clearly, Yes. Just make dang sure you wait long enough that it's beyond obvious to any sneaky cop watching, that the light isn't going to trigger for you. Or, if you see them, put the bike on the sidestand, walk over to the side and push the "Walk" button for pedestrians. I've made 1 cop laugh by doing that.
Cheers
EDIT~~~~ Oh, and there are several states with the exact same law. Probably states that the above 4 people live in too....
2006-12-29 14:52:35 · answer #1 · answered by Brian M 6 · 6⤊ 3⤋
brian has it on 'lock'. he's done his research to prove his case, and he's right on the money. most state laws provide that, if the rider has sat thru at least 2 full cycles of the ligh turning, and still doesnt get the green light, as long as it isnt a danger to him or others, he can go thru the light.
i ran into just a situation like that last season. this was on a country road, 1 light. i knew the light was triggered by sensors before it turned red on approach from seeing it cycle for the other side for cagers.
when i got there, even being on top of the sensor, it didnt trip. even putting down the kick stand didnt trigger it. rocking the bike back and forth didnt trigger it. after 5 mins, i went thru the light.
got stopped by a cop that came around the bend on the other side, but after i proved to him 1st hand that the sensor wouldnt pick up my bike to trigger the light, he let me go. it triggered no problem for his cruiser, but would not trigger for my bike.
2006-12-30 05:42:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why would the law apply only to cars and not motorcycles? Regardless of the state, the answer is no. Same applies to bicycles. The only caveat would be if assuming the light is working properly, a legal right turn on red were allowed and the vehicle came to a complete stop first, proceeding once the road was clear.
2006-12-29 14:48:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
In general you can't just run a red light any old time you feel like it. Under certain situations though you can. Brian is correct and deserves the points on this one.
2006-12-30 05:04:11 · answer #4 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A motorcycle might not be considered a car or truck, but it is a licensed vehicle on the road, and is required to obey the laws same as a car or truck.
The answer is: no is is not alright to go through a red light if it is all clear.
2006-12-29 14:55:47 · answer #5 · answered by soulful thinker 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
As a matter of fact, it is legal for a motorcycle to, after stopping at a redlight to go on through. The lights (traffic) are controlled by metal sensors. Many motorcycles are made from aluminum frames and fiberglass.
2006-12-29 16:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by Jennifer N 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The simple answer here is NO
It is NOT all clear if there is a red light there----The rules of the road ARE the same whether you are in a car OR a motorcycle AND this goes for ALL fifty states !!!!
2006-12-29 14:50:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
I know in virginia if your at a redlight and it doenst trun green for 2 cycles. then you can run the red light if its clear. so I would guess its the same with TENN. some times if you jump up and down on your bike it will trigger the light sometimes.
2006-12-29 16:46:32 · answer #8 · answered by Jecht 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
It is legal (ignore the obvious non-motorcyclists and listen to Brian). It's something we bikers do with regularity. When all lights recognize that a motorcycle has stopped at the light, then these laws won't be required.
2006-12-29 15:08:37 · answer #9 · answered by dm_gsxr 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
That is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Not only is it illegal but you will loose big if you get hit. Why take the chance...ever
2007-01-02 07:48:42 · answer #10 · answered by David M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋