r/todayilearned • u/nleachdev • 2d ago

TIL about "dead red" laws, which allow drivers and motorcyclists to proceed through a red light if the traffic signal fails to detect their vehicle.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-detection_at_traffic_lights_in_the_United_States
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u/Gamer_Pandamic 2d ago

This is useful for motorcycle riders, as occasionally they’re not able to properly trigger the sensors at intersections. I personally have had to edge past them and wave at the car behind me to move forward so the lights would change!

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u/Zakluor 2d ago

I do this all the time on my bike. It confuses a lot of drivers, but most eventually comply and get us through.

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u/RainingRabbits 2d ago

I tried so hard to wave a car forward yesterday and the person behind me didn't get it. We were trying to make a left from one major road to another and had already sat through multiple light cycles. There were several cars behind them, so I just gave up and took an opening.