Pennsylvania’s ride on red law has been here since September 18, 2016. While many traffic lights require the detection of a vehicle by way of various methods, a single motorcycle often fails to trigger these methods, leaving the rider stranded in a precarious situation. While many solutions have been proposed, including placing magnets underneath the Motorcycle, putting the kickstand down on the induction loop line, and other approaches to try and trick the light into changing, these often questionable and dubious methods are no longer necessary within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because of Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Ride on Red Law.
When Can you Ride on Red?
Since September 18, 2016, Pennsylvania has amended its new traffic law to allow motorists (usually motorcyclists) to proceed through a traffic light that fails to detect them, provided that they first assess the traffic signal as malfunctioning. This practical solution is part of Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Ride on Red Law.
The traffic signal must be clearly faulty, such as if it goes through multiple cycles without displaying a green light. You may proceed with caution through the malfunctioning traffic light safely and without any undue interruption to the ordinary flow of oncoming traffic or other traffic control devices that may be in effect at the location of the malfunctioning traffic light.
Don’t Abuse the Law
A traffic light must never be treated like a stop sign, and this is especially true for motorcyclists. Every traffic control device conveys crucial information to the rider. Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Ride on Red Law can be advantageous in rural regions and at night when traffic at intersections is light.
It is our duty as riders to assess malfunctioning traffic control devices as hazards and treat them with the utmost caution they deserve. Always remember to check every direction on the roadways before you proceed safely through a malfunctioning traffic light.
