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Red light rules

As of March 21 you can go if a signal is malfunctioning

ART SMITH The Marietta Times Red lights change on Putnam Street during the 5 o’clock hour in Marietta. A new law would enable drivers to proceed through red lights they believe are broken.

Drivers in Ohio will soon be able to run red lights legally in certain circumstances.

House Bill 154, passed in December, allows drivers to pass though red lights if they believe the intersection has a malfunctioning traffic signal. This was to address the issue of drivers stuck at intersections with a broken light but specifically aimed at motorcyclists and bicyclists who may have a hard time triggering the sensor to get the light to change.

“The important thing to remember is that any movement must be done with extreme caution,” said Sgt. Garic Warner of Ohio State Highway Patrol Marietta Post. “Any vehicle stopped at a red light has a responsibility to yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Practice safe defensive driving principles and never assume the other vehicle will always do the right thing.”

If a driver does go through a red light, they have the burden to prove it was malfunctioning. Marietta Police Capt. Aaron Nedeff said he has faith in his officers to determine if the light is broken.

“If someone runs through the light, we will investigate to see if the light is malfunctioning before giving a ticket,” he said. “A thorough investigation would take place to ensure the light is malfunctioning and when it’s done, we will then determine if the driver really believed the light wasn’t working or if they’re just in a hurry.”

The lights in Marietta are designed to automatically go to a flashing red or yellow light if any of the lights burn out, according to Nedeff. Some also automatically go to flashing signals late at night.

“I understand (the need) for motorcyclists because I’ve seen those guys sit at lights for a long period of time since their bikes can’t trigger the signal,” said Nedeff. “But if someone is just in a hurry, that won’t be tolerated.”

If the law sounds like an invitation to roll up to every red light and keep on driving along, that’s not the intention. Many are still worried that’s exactly what will happen.

“It’s important to stop at the stop line, but if there is none, then before entering the crosswalk,” said Warner. “If there isn’t a crosswalk, then stop prior to entering the intersection before making any movement within the intersection.”

Marietta Councilwoman Cindy Oxender said the officials will be the ones to determine the status of the light.

“A red light on (State) Route 339 is a lot different than the one on Second Street and Putnam Street,” she said.

Reno resident Jennifer Sturgill, 49, said she’s gone through red lights before after waiting.

“I’ve gone through a red light after I waited for about five minutes for it to turn,” she said. “The light was clearly broken.”

Newport resident Mac Smith, 24, said that for motorcyclists, this should’ve been in effect a long time ago.

“I believe motorcyclists should be allowed due to the fact that many guys get crushed in between cars waiting on red lights,” said Smith.

Marietta Councilwoman Kathy Downer said that if the signal is clearly broken, then law enforcement will understand.

“I don’t think anyone would give a ticket if the signal is obviously broken,” she said. “I also think that a broken signal would be treated as a four-way stop.”

Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks said he doesn’t believe that this law will cause drivers to become careless.

“I really don’t see any harm done with it,” he said. “I think motorists will continue to follow the rules as they should.”

At a glance

¯A new Ohio law allows drivers to pass through red lights if they believe the intersection has a malfunctioning traffic signal.

¯House Bill 154 passed in December.

¯The law amended the Ohio Revised Code to address the issue of drivers stuck at an intersection when the light is not functioning properly.

¯The law takes effect March 21.

Source: CNN.

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