Motorcycle enthusiasts and riders in Nevada often find themselves curious about the rules and regulations governing their two-wheeled adventures. One common question that arises is whether it is permissible to run a red light on a motorcycle in the state.
Running a red light is a traffic law violation that often happens due to DUI. Regardless of what caused you to break the traffic signal, running through the red light leads to penalties. In situations where it leads to accidents, you will also face lawsuits and liability claims.
In Nevada, just running through a red light can get you a ticket and add four demerit points to your driver’s license that stay on it for a year. Repeated violations may also lead to license suspension.
We all know this already. But what many may not know is that there are certain situations under which Nevada law permits motorcyclists to run red lights. Want to know what those circumstances are? Let’s take a look at them:
WHEN CAN MOTORCYCLISTS RUN RED LIGHTS IN NEVADA?
Motorcyclists in Nevada can legally run red lights under specific circumstances outlined by the state’s traffic laws. The key situations in which motorcyclists are allowed to proceed through a red light include:
Dead Red Laws:
Nevada has commonly referred to as a dead red law. These laws acknowledge the challenges faced by motorcyclists at intersections with a traffic control signal that uses inductive loops or weight sensors.
If a motorcycle is not detected by these sensors and the red light fails to change after a reasonable waiting period, motorcyclists are permitted to proceed through the intersection.
Two Complete Light Cycles:
Motorcyclists can legally run a red light if they have waited for two complete light cycles without the light changing to green. This rule emphasizes the importance of patience and gives riders a clear guideline for determining when it is appropriate to proceed through an intersection.
Steady Red Lights:
The allowance for running on traffic lights applies specifically to a steady red light intersection. It is important for motorcyclists to differentiate between steady red lights and other types of signals, such as flashing red lights, yellow lights, or green lights.
Reasonable Amount of Time:
Motorcyclists have to take a complete stop for a reasonable amount of time at a red light before deciding to proceed. What constitutes a reasonable amount of time may vary depending on the specific circumstances, but it is a crucial factor in determining the legality of running a red light.
Affirmative Defense:
Running a red light under the conditions mentioned above is considered an affirmative defense. This means that if a motorcyclist is cited for running a red light, they have the opportunity to present evidence demonstrating that they followed the law under the specific circumstances allowed by the Dead Red Provisions.
WHY DOES NEVADA ALLOW MOTORCYCLISTS TO RUN AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS?
Nevada’s allowance for motorcyclists to proceed through a traffic light under certain circumstances stems from a recognition of the unique challenges that riders may face at traffic signals. The primary reason behind this allowance is to address the limitations of traffic signal detection systems, particularly inductive loops or weight sensors, which may not effectively register the presence of motorcycles.
Sensor Limitations:
Traditional inductive loops embedded in the road are designed to detect the metal mass of vehicles. Motorcycles, being smaller and often made of lighter materials, may not trigger these sensors reliably.
Weight sensors can also struggle to detect the lighter weight of motorcycles, leading to extended traffic light cycles.
Safety Concerns:
Requiring motorcyclists to wait indefinitely at unresponsive red lights poses safety risks. Riders might become vulnerable to rear-end collisions and motorcycle accidents or face increased exposure to other traffic hazards.
Encouraging Responsiveness in Traffic Signal Technology:
Recognizing the advancements in traffic signal technology, Nevada encourages the use of video cameras and other modern detection methods that are more inclusive of smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles.
Promoting Efficient Traffic Flow:
Allowing motorcyclists to proceed through unresponsive red lights after a reasonable waiting period helps maintain the flow of oncoming traffic, preventing unnecessary congestion and improving overall road efficiency.
IS NEVADA THE ONLY STATE THAT ALLOWS MOTORCYCLISTS TO RUN A RED LIGHT?
As surprising as it may be for some of you, Nevada, interestingly, isn’t the only state to have this red-light law for motorcyclists. More than twelve other states have it, too (some with slightly different conditions). These include Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Idaho, Nebraska, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, Minnesota, and Virginia.
Why Hire a Lawyer:
Legal Expertise: Traffic laws can be complex, and a lawyer with expertise in Nevada traffic regulations can navigate the legal intricacies of your case.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your ticket. This may involve obtaining traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence to build a strong defense.
Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to court, having a lawyer by your side provides a significant advantage. They can present your case persuasively, cross-examine witnesses, and argue legal points on your behalf.
Reduced Penalties or Dismissal: An experienced lawyer may negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced or dismissed altogether, minimizing the impact on your driving record and insurance premiums.
HIRE A LAWYER IF YOU’VE WRONGLY BEEN SERVED A RED LIGHT TICKET IN NEVADA
Unlike some other states, a police officer do not seem to detest the red-light rule for motorcyclists. However, they do agree that it’s difficult to ensure enforcement of the two-traffic-light-cycles condition. Given the challenges law enforcement officers face with the correct implementation of this law, motorcyclists may sometimes be wrongly accused of running a red light.
Fighting a red-light ticket is hard, but it’s not impossible. A seasoned lawyer at BLG can help you gather evidence and prove that you didn’t violate any traffic law but were legally entitled to run through the red light in that instance. So, if you have received a ticket for running the red light in Nevada when you have only used your privilege as a motorcyclist, contact us to defend yourself.
Dial 1-800-870-8910 to seek legal advice from the most experienced lawyers in Nevada.
1-800-870-8910