They have had a law like that in Tennessee for several years. There are a couple of lights near where I livethat won't change and it's nice to be a able to go when the light refuses to change.

 

Sounds like a decent law.

I've exercise my own version of this law many times. When clear and light won't change, I proceed. I call it the "Law of Kiss my ***, I'm not waiting anymore".

 

I have that option also here where I live...but...we have a high city pd presence and I just know one will round the corner right when I start through the red light....honest officer,i waited the two minutes first..hmm? Not sure they would believe me...my luck

 

When a light does not respond to a bike and you wait a reasonable time without it activating there is a defense to beat any ticket. The defense is the impossibility factor. Just like you have a breakdown and have to pull into a no parking area it is impossible to avoid.

This new Illinois law just makes it less likely to get a ticket in this situation.

By the way any time you encounter a traffic signal that does not detect a bike just call the jurisdiction that maintains the light as they are required to adjust the light to respond.

 

I had to make a left turn on a red turn signal early this morning after waiting

I usually wait 2 cycles through the light and then go if there isn't any traffic.
If there is heavy traffic I'll ease up a bit in the turn lane allowing the car behind me to move into the sensor zone and trip it for us.

 

yep - happens a lot around my town, but still would exercise patience and wait.
The real solution is bigger and better detectors.[/quote]



I have 2 lights close to home that you would wait all day. They will never change. Its a good law, just use your head.

MikeM

 

Don't know what the law is around here but if the light fails to turn after on one cycle I wait for an opening and go. Now that they are starting to get the red light cameras around here I may have to think about trying the magnets.

 

+1!!!!!!!!!

 

I'm in MA, and I discovered once when fighting a speeding ticket in MA court that there is absolutely no leeway with the cops or judges - the law is the law.

It would be futile If I were to fight a non-functioning traffic light ticket.

 

Here's One company solutions

Others available ... I've seen ...

Make Traffic Lights Change With Magnets - Good for Motorcycles, Scooters & Bicycles.
Works for some fast food drive up windows too!
Price Range: $0.45

http://www.magnet4less.com/index.php?cPath=1_128