Because motorcycles weigh less than standard vehicles, they may not trigger the traffic control signal to change from red to green. South Carolinaโs motorcycle red light law recognizes this possibility and allows bikers to run a red light if specific conditions are met. For instance, one of those conditions is that the light remains red for one-hundred-twenty seconds (two minutes).
The motorcycle accident lawyers at Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm advocate for motorcyclistsโ right to use the roadway and exercise their rights under South Carolina law. If you were in a collision, our legal team can help you prepare and file a strong claim with your insurance provider or the appropriate court. We understand how important it is for you to access complete and fair compensation so you have the resources you need to heal and get back on your feet.
Can Motorcycles Run Red Lights?
Technically, motorcyclists may sometimes run a red light under specific circumstances. South Carolinaโs Dead Red law allows motorcyclists to proceed through a red light if they have come to a complete stop, waited an entire two minutes without the light changing from red, and determined that it is safe to proceed. Motorcyclists should exercise their rights under this law carefully, ensuring they do not unintentionally break the rules or put themselves in danger.
What Is South Carolinaโs Dead Red Light Law?
South Carolinaโs Dead Red law โ found in South Carolina Code Section 56-5-970 โ allows a motorcyclist to proceed through a red light under specific circumstances. For example, the motorcyclist must come to a complete stop at the red traffic light. They also need to be stopped and wait for the light to turn from red to green for at least one hundred twenty seconds (or two minutes). If the light does not turn from red to green in that timeframe, the driver may treat the red light like a stop sign. Then, they can proceed if it is safe to do so.
Why Was the Dead Red Light Law Introduced for Motorcyclists?
South Carolinaโs lawmakers introduced the Dead Red laws because they recognized that a motorcycle’s compact weight and size may not be enough to trigger the traffic signalโs sensors.
Because of this, motorcyclists may have to wait an incredibly long time before the signal turns green and they can move. In some cases, they may have to wait until other cars appear at the intersection, too.
The Dead Red laws allow motorcyclists to proceed through a red light if it is safe and other requirements are met. That way, motorcyclists do not have to be held up at a traffic light because their vehicle cannot trigger the signal to change.
How Does the Dead Red Law Work?
The Dead Red Law may allow a motorcyclist to treat a red light like a stop sign if certain conditions are present. For example, the light needs to be stuck on red for at least one hundred twenty seconds. Moreover, the person must have come to and stayed at a complete stop at the light for that entire time. Likewise, the person must check both ways before moving through the light when it is red. Finally, the motorcyclist must follow all posted traffic signs and laws as applicable.
Safety Considerations When Applying the Dead Red Light Law
When exercising your rights under the dead red light law, make sure that you are doing so carefully. For example, make sure the light remains red for at least two minutes. Additionally, check both ways around, behind, and ahead of you to ensure no cars, people, or bicyclists are approaching. Likewise, follow other posted or unposted traffic safety laws that may apply in your situation.
Legal Consequences of Misinterpreting the Dead Red Law
You may get in trouble for running a red light if you misinterpret the law. In this situation, you may have to use outside evidence โ such as traffic camera footage โ to prove that you believe you had waited the full two minutes before going through the red light. Additionally, you can use this evidence to try to argue for a lesser sentence because your noncompliance was due to an honest mistake, not because of recklessness.
How To Prove Compliance if Accused of Violating the Law
If you are accused of violating the law, you may be able to use traffic camera footage to show that you waited two minutes for the light to turn green, but it did not. You may also be able to call on witnesses โ like pedestrians or bicyclists โ who were there and saw the light stay red for two minutes.
Tips for Motorcyclists Dealing With Malfunctioning Traffic Signals
Motorcyclists stuck at a dead traffic light may take a few steps to help this process along. They can ensure their vehicle is on or near the white line, where the sensor might be for the traffic light. If motorcyclists wait an entire two minutes and the light is red the whole time, they may be able to treat the traffic light like a stop sign.
When To Consult a Lawyer for Dead Red Light-Related Incidents
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, talking to an attorney early on may be a good idea.
They can help you understand your rights โ including your rights under South Carolinaโs Dead Red law โ and how to protect yourself from liability. Additionally, your lawyer can file a legal claim on your behalf with your insurance provider or, if applicable, the appropriate court of law.
Finally, they can help you estimate and fight for a comprehensive compensation package.
Get in Touch With Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm After a Motorcycle Accident
Because choppers have a compact weight, they may not trigger a traffic signal to move to green if they are the only vehicle at the intersection. The motorcycle red light law enables motorcyclists to go through a red light if conditions are met โ such as the light getting stuck on red for at least two minutes. If you get into a motorcycle crash involving a dead red light, consider partnering with a law firm that can help.
Dan Pruitt Injury Law Firm can guide you through the process of filing a claim after a motorcycle collision. For over 31 years, Dan Pruitt has served crash victims in his community, treating them with dignity, respect, and diligence. Reach out to his team today by calling (864) 721-6885 to schedule a no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal concerns.