Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Legislation Idaho Motorcycle Traffic Signal Law

http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2006/Idaho.asp

Beginning July 1, Idaho motorcyclists will be able to proceed through intersections when traffic signals do not recognize the presence of a motorcycle.

Idaho motorcyclists, led by Tim Herzog and the other members of ABATE of North Idaho, won near unanimous support for the bill in the Idaho legislature and it was signed into law by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne.

Kempthorne, an enthusiastic motorcyclist himself, was recently nominated by President Bush to be Interior Secretary.

The law addresses the problem of traffic light sensors that are not properly calibrated to detect motorcycles, leaving a rider waiting endlessly for a green light. The law allows riders to proceed through the intersection with caution when that happens.

Similar laws have also been passed in Minnesota, Tennessee and Arkansas.

That makes sense, lots of problems here in MD. I'll relay to our local House of Rep's delegate...and my wife's boss!
I've also been leaning on him to enact legislation banning cell phone or other electronic device use while driving. Of course he's a major offender so not terribly interested yet.

I wish we had that here in New York. I got a ticket for that once. Lucky me for I was able to get it reduced to a seat belt ticket... still not sure how

I like that idea. I just sent off a letter to my state senator and representative. We'll see what kind of response I get, if any.

Rather amazed. I already received a reply from my state legislature representative. (Brent Hassert, R-IL). Here is the email I sent:

Quote:

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Dear Mr. Hassert,

It has recently been brought to my attention that various states have recently passed laws that allow for motorcycles to proceed with caution at traffic signals that do not turn green. This is usually caused because the devices used to sense vehicle presence are not calibrated to sense the small mass of metal presented by a motorcycle. I personally have sat at lights for significant amounts of time waiting for the light change or a car to approach in my direction so the sensor will indicate to change the light. The only other alternatives are to break the law by running the signal or making an illegal lane change to make a turn and then turn around.

Please reference: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2006/Idaho.asp

As per this article it seems similar laws have been passed in Idaho, Minnesota, Tennessee and Arkansas.

Is there anything on the Illinois table to promote such a law? I would be very interested in seeing something like this enacted.

Best Regards,
Keith Knasiak
An Avid Motorcyclist

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His response is as follows:

Quote:

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Mr. Knasiak-

I received your question about the motorcycle and light law. That’s a good question but I’ll need to ask my research staff about that one. I’ll be in touch with you.

Brent Hasssert
Deputy Republican Leader
State Representative, 85th District

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Not much but I am still impressed his office got back to me with something so quickly.

The bad news is all the legislative sessions have ended for the year. State lawmakers won't reconvene until next January. You'll have to probably remind him again. (that was a quick response, encouraging)

Man, I love livin' in Idaho