"Ride on Red" Law Goes Into Effect in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's 'Ride on Red' law is now in effect. The bill was passed earlier this year and modified an existing law that allowed motorcyclists to go through an intersection even if they faced a red light if they had been waiting at the light for several minutes. Typically, the underground sensors wouldn't pick up motorcycles because they're too light.  The old law also affected broken traffic lights. Motorists could be allowed to treat lights which were actually malfunctioning as stop signs.

"What this recent provision did was to add some specific language to that provision that says if this happens in cases where there's a kind of loop sensor under the pavement or other technology, that it's not working properly," said PennDot Communications Director Rich Kirkpatrick.

Now, traffic lights don't actually have to be malfunctioning in order for a driver to go through an intersection, even if the driver is facing a red light. If a driver has been waiting two or so minutes and the light has yet to change, a driver can pass through. With caution, of course.

I can see where this type of law, although seems logical and good, could cause some problems in motorcycle accident cases and other motor vehicle and truck accident cases.  I can see drivers going through red lights without looking properly and causing collisions.  We will see if this change in the law will increase intersection accidents.

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident or an accident involving an intersection or a malfunctioning red light, please feel free to call the lawyers at Hoffman, Sternberg & Karpf, LLC. at (215) 953-8955.