A new law regarding non-functioning traffic lights takes effect in Maryland next month.
Beginning October 1, a driver approaching a non-functioning traffic control signal from any direction at an intersection must stop at a clearly marked stop line; before entering any crosswalk; or before entering the intersection.
Motorists must also yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection and remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection.
so you use the common sense method now
ReplyDeleteHow do you know a non functioning light from one that has been turned off or not yet turned on? Please provide more info.
ReplyDeleteUm.....really? Signals that have not yet been turned on are generally covered with a bag. A light that was once operating when you went through an intersection, and now mysteriously is not...usually after a severe storm, is a good indication that power to the signal has been interupted. Why does there always have to be some idiot that throws out some crazy response. The law makes good sense period....although, it is tough to legislate common sense. However, since we can't seem to find drivers that will obey speed limit signs and stop signs, we can at least assign blame to a crash when someone causes a crash in a blacked out intersection.
Delete257, I usually just go over to the pole and flip the switch a couple times. That lets me know if it's just turned off or non functioning.
ReplyDeleteDoes this new law also apply to emergency, mail delivery and police vehicles? I clicked the link but there were no more details. I don't understand. Will firetrucks have to stop if the power is out and the light not functioning for all traffic lights?
ReplyDelete447, no, it only applies to drivers In large amd mid sized and under cars only. 4 wheel drive pickups and larger the law does not apply as long as they turn on their headlights and/or emergency lights. if you drive a larger vehicle, you are good to go.
ReplyDeleteGood Lord, God must love stupid people, He made so many!
ReplyDeleteSo Four Wheel drive pickups can blaze through but Police cruisers have to stop? What if the power grid goes down because of blizzard won't folks freeze or run out of gas with all the stopping? Are traffic lights on battery backup systems or emergency generators? What if there is an attack of some kind, won't this lead to total grid lock and traffic jams. Has any computer models been done on this?
ReplyDeleteI am thinking there are some non functioning people responding on this thread. Really hope none of them are ever driving around me.
ReplyDeleteI read it....it says if you drive though the intersectino backwards while honking your horn, you don't have to stop. I can't believe that some of you actually are driving on the road.
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