Motorcyclists And Malfunctioning Traffic Signals

Signals, signs, and markings - inoperable or malfunctioning signals - allowing a driver of a motorcycle to proceed past a malfunctioning traffic control signal. Under current law, when a driver approaches an intersection and faces a traffic control signal that is inoperative or that remains on steady red or steady yellow during several time cycles, the rules controlling entrance to a through street or highway from a stop street or highway apply until a police officer assumes control of traffic or until normal operation is resumed. If a traffic control signal at a place other than an intersection ceases to operate or malfunctions, drivers may proceed through the inoperative or malfunctioning signal only with caution, as if the signal were one of flashing yellow.

The act states that when a motorcycle driver approaches an intersection and faces a traffic control signal that does not recognize the presence of the motorcycle, the provisions controlling entrance to a through street or highway from a stop sign or highway apply until a police officer assumes control of traffic or the traffic signal resumes normal operation.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)