Question: Does Minnesota have a law that permits a motorcyclist to proceed through a red traffic light before the light turns green? Answer: The driver of any vehicle in Minnesota (including a motorcycle) is required by law to obey the instructions of an official traffic-control device, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer. (Subject to the exceptions granted to the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle). Most traffic signal lights used in central Minnesota are fully actuated signal systems with vehicle detectors in each lane of approach. These detectors consist of a 6-foot by 6-foot wire embedded into the roadway to detect approaching traffic and assign right-of-way to approaching vehicles. Some vehicle detectors are located near the intersection, and some are several hundred feet away. Vehicle detectors allow the signal system to respond to traffic demand. Vehicle detectors may not sense a motorcycle as readily as a larger motor vehicle. The Minnesota statute that you are referring to is 169.06, subdivision 9. This subdivision addresses a motorcyclist who encounters an unchanging red light. This statute provides an affirmative defense for a motorcyclist when entering or crossing an intersection against a red light only when all four of the following conditions have been met: o The motorcycle has been brought to a complete stop. o The traffic-control signal continues to show a red light for an unreasonable time. o The traffic-control signal is apparently malfunctioning or, if programmed or engineered to change to a green light only after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle, the signal has apparently failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle. o No motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered, or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard. If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or traffic safety in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Tim Rust, Minnesota State Patrol, 3725 12th St. N., St. Cloud, MN 56303.
