Is there a statute in Massachusetts that requires drivers to stop at a red light?

Question

Boston Police tickets for moving violations reference a statute that only applies to flashing red light and stop sign intersections, neither of which applies to a "steady circular red" indication.

MGL c.89 s.9, cited by Boston Police citation books as "red light violation." There seems to be no other statute.

If they cite people under the wrong statute, aren't all of those citations void?

Answer 1

You missed MGL C. 85 S.2, which adopts the Uniform Manual of Traffic Control Devices as well as such other regulations as the State Highway Department adopts. Now maybe you could get a ticket dismissed for citing the wrong section, though I suspect that some judges would amend the information to conform to the facts, convict on the traffic count, and impose the maximum sentence, which usually includes 30 days in the pokey.

But you go ahead down th'ar, general. Won't be nuttin' left o' you but a greasy spot.

Answer 2

Here is the full citing for Chapter 89: Section 9.

I see nothing talking about a solid red light, only the blinking one you were talking about, the stop sign, and a yield sign.

Answer 3

YEA BUT COMMON SENSE RED IS STOP JUST DO IT

IF YOU DON'T BECAUSE THIS LOOP YOU LOOKING FOR

AND THEN WHEN YOU DO AND OTHER GUY THAT IS ARGUING THE SAME LOOP
IS COMING FROM THE OTHER WAY?

WELL THEN EVEN IF BOTH OF YOU RUN THE LIGHT ON THE SAME WRONG STATUE
THE CONSEQUENCE COULD BE GREATER

SO WHAT I SAY BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY.

Answer 4

how absurd. All red lights blink, some just blink very slowly with yellow and green lights blinking in sync. it's all very pretty, just like Christmas.

Answer 5

Don't know