Motorcycles allowed to run red lights

WASHINGTON STATE — Attention all drivers: A new state law went into effect last Thursday that could start causing more accidents. Motorcycles can now run red lights after a certain amount of time. KEPR looked into the details of this new law and what it could mean for you.

Kyle Ruby has been riding motorcycles for over two decades. He loves the excitement and the thrill riding gives him. But he’s never been a fan of waiting at traffic lights.

“Motorcycles just do not trigger it,” said Ruby.

The small lightweight vehicle doesn’t set off most sensors. Kyle says some lights are worse than others.

“It’s frustrating,” he said.

One motorcyclist told KEPR he waited eight minutes at the corner of W. Lewis and 20Th in Pasco. He says he not only became frustrated himself, but he felt bad for the cars that pulled up behind him.

But that all changed. Just days ago, a new law went into effect in the state of Washington. Motorcyclists are now allowed to run red lights if the light does not turn green after one full cycle.

“If you do it safely, you’ll be fine, it’s just like coming to a stop sign on a road and you check both ways and make sure it’s clear for you to go,” said the owner of Full Throttle in Kennewick, Charles Riley.

Washington isn’t the first state to pass this law. Over a dozen other states have similar regulations, including Arkansas, Idaho, and Illinois.

But the new law has its critics. One Washington State Patrol Captain doesn’t see the need for such a dramatic change. He says there is ways to report faulty traffic lights and the decision was made based off anecdotal stories from around the state.

Kyle says the new law will make him a more conscious and aware driver. And he hopes the same for others.

“I’m gonna take my time and look both ways and be really sure cause there is a potential for an accident…if you’re running a red, then someone elses light is a green. It’s really gonna be up to the individual motorcycles to really make sure that on one’s coming,” said Ruby.

It’s important to note this new motorcycle regulation is effective in Washington and Idaho – not Oregon.

Motorcycles allowed to run red lights