Waiting for red light to change
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Oregon
Waiting for red light to change
How long do you guys wait for the green? I just sat in a left turn lane through 2 complete cycles of all the other lights and on the 3rd. round, when the oncoming left turn went I said screw it and went. I read somewhere that reving the bike will cause the alternator to activate the sensor....that didn't work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Check your state laws. Here in Minnesota, and some other states, you can proceed, when safe to do so, if the light won't change.
Try putting your kick stand down right over the sensor in the lane. I've read that tip on several different sites.
Try putting your kick stand down right over the sensor in the lane. I've read that tip on several different sites.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
From: Houston
At my usual intersections, where i know the cycle of the lights, I'll run the red as quick as I can safely make it across.
I never think twice as long as I cant see any LEO's and I have full visibility of the intersection.
I never think twice as long as I cant see any LEO's and I have full visibility of the intersection.
How long do you guys wait for the green? I just sat in a left turn lane through 2 complete cycles of all the other lights and on the 3rd. round, when the oncoming left turn went I said screw it and went. I read somewhere that reving the bike will cause the alternator to activate the sensor....that didn't work.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 1,754
From: New Bern NC
In VA if the light cycles twice and you don't get the green you can legally run it. There is also a maximum time allowed if you are at a traffic actuated intersection that isn't tripping. I can't remember the time that has to elapse before you can run it though. You don't have the right of way obviously so proceed with caution but you can't be ticketed.
Revving the engine will not trip the signal but the kick stand trick might. I have never tried that but the wire loop in the street is an impedance loop and is effected by metal objects, with a car it is the size of the interference within the loop, A bike isn't always big enough to affect it but putting the kick stand directly over the wire loop puts the metal in a much closer proximity and that might work.
Revving the engine will not trip the signal but the kick stand trick might. I have never tried that but the wire loop in the street is an impedance loop and is effected by metal objects, with a car it is the size of the interference within the loop, A bike isn't always big enough to affect it but putting the kick stand directly over the wire loop puts the metal in a much closer proximity and that might work.
In North Carolina, waiting 3 minutes is "an admissible defense". Meaning, you can get a ticket for running the light, and then somehow have to prove to a judge that you waited the 3 minutes at your trial. Nice, huh?
I'm on a Road King and an Ultra, not sure if that helps. I read somewhere that if there is a sensor plate or whatever, stopping right on the line in the pavement will help. So far, I've only had to use the 3 minute rule once or twice over the years.
I'm on a Road King and an Ultra, not sure if that helps. I read somewhere that if there is a sensor plate or whatever, stopping right on the line in the pavement will help. So far, I've only had to use the 3 minute rule once or twice over the years.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 934
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From: PNW, USA
One cycle for me. Even did it in front of an LEO on a left turn with a turn lane. He was waiting at the red light for the cross direction. The left turn signal stayed red while the straight ahead lanes went green. I waited for an opening and booked. LEO ignored me...
Around here my only issue is turn lanes. The others seem to cycle normally even w/o being triggered by me. Also left turns they now go blinking yellow after the green cycle happens. That is good and bad - great if making a left, but you can no longer trust a green light through the intersection. Someone can left turn in front of you...
Around here my only issue is turn lanes. The others seem to cycle normally even w/o being triggered by me. Also left turns they now go blinking yellow after the green cycle happens. That is good and bad - great if making a left, but you can no longer trust a green light through the intersection. Someone can left turn in front of you...