There’s something so thrilling about riding down an open road on a motorcycle in North Carolina. Motorists get to enjoy the scenery and the thrill all at once. But, when it comes to riding on a motorcycle, there are loads of dangers. One wrong move and you could be in serious trouble. Motorists need to follow the rules of the road within the state they are driving in, especially when it comes to red lights in the state of North Carolina. If they are running them, then there could be issues for not just the motorists, but for drivers behind the well.
General Traffic Rules in North Carolina
In North Carolina, as in most states, the general rule is that all vehicles, including motorcycles, must adhere to traffic signals and signs. Running a red light is against the law and a serious offense. If you’re caught doing so, you’ll be met with a ticket. Motorists need to pay attention to these signs to avoid an accident. Remaining patient ensures that not only you are safe, but those around are too.
The Role of Traffic Signal Sensors
One factor contributing to this confusion is the use of traffic signal sensors, which are often triggered by the weight of a vehicle. This can be annoying considering that the light doesn’t notice that there’s a vehicle there. Which can build up traffic depending on the time of day. In instances where a motorcycle may not have sufficient mass to activate these sensors, riders can find themselves waiting at a seemingly endless red light. To address this concern, North Carolina has implemented laws to provide an alternative for motorcyclists facing this dilemma.
Two-Cycle Rule in North Carolina
In the state of North Carolina, motorcyclists are legally allowed to proceed through a red light if the signal fails to change after two complete cycles, or if it appears to be malfunctioning. This was put in place to help motorist move along to their location safely. It’s important to note that while this exception exists, motorcyclists must exercise caution and ensure that the intersection is clear before proceeding through a malfunctioning or unresponsive red light. Simply put, the law allows motorcyclists to treat a malfunctioning traffic signal as a stop sign after waiting for two complete signal cycles. However, this exception does not grant motorcyclists the right to arbitrarily run red lights or disobey traffic signals at their discretion.
Legal Consequences and Safety Measures
North Carolina law still requires motorcyclists to adhere to all traffic laws, and running a red light without cause can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential points on the rider’s driving record. This means that you can’t run a red light without giving a valid reason. Keeping motorists from constantly running red lights because they feel the need to do so. In addition to the legal aspects, safety is paramount for motorcyclists. Even when faced with a malfunctioning traffic signal, riders should exercise caution, observe the flow of traffic, and only proceed when it is safe to do so.
Stay Informed and Prioritize Safety
The two-cycle rule serves as a reasonable compromise between the need for efficient traffic flow and the unique challenges faced by motorcyclists at certain intersections. Be sure to pay attention to the light to see if anything changes. If the light is red for too long and there’s no traffic, then it’s safe for the motorist to go. But these laws are constantly changing so be sure to research these before going for a ride. You don’t want to assume you’re in the right and be met with a ticket.
While it’s generally not okay to run a red light on a motorcycle in North Carolina, there are some exceptions. These were designed to deal with the signal sensor issue that has trouble detecting motorcycles, which can cause a jam. Motorists need to use their best judgment when they are caught in these situations. If it is safe to do so, it is okay to go when the light is red, just so they aren’t stuck. But don’t assume this trick will work every time and pay attention to the drivers around you.
