Traffic Rant: Flashing Red Light Means Stop

You're making a left turn at an intersection with traffic lights. The turn light is flashing red, what do you do? Most people blow through it, but that will get you a ticket.

There's nothing new about this, but I feel like I need to bring this up for two reasons. (1) I'm responsible for informing the public on traffic conditions during afternoon drive, and (2) someone blew, what I call, the middle finger horn at me this morning at the corner of Lake Drive and Breton, as I came to a stop at a blinking left turn light.

Before you ask, no I didn't sit through it, I came to a stop, then proceeded turning left. I don't think most people know that it is illegal to not stop at a blinking red light, even if it is in the left turn lane. It's the equivalent to running a stop sign.

Don't believe me? Check this out from the Michigan Legislature website:

257.614 Flashing red or yellow signals; violation as civil infraction.

 

Sec. 614.

(1) If flashing red or yellow signals are used, they shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:

(a) Flashing red (stop signal). When a red lens is illuminated by rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection or at a limit line when marked and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

(b) Flashing yellow (caution signal). When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.

(2) A person who violates this section is responsible for a civil infraction.

So, to the guy who gave me the middle finger horn today, right back at you!

Still don't believe me? Run through a red blinking light in front a police officer, and let me know how that turns out for you.