Motorcycle Red Light Laws And Which States Have Them (2026)
Contributor
Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- Traffic lights can’t always detect motorcycles
- Dead red laws allow bikers in some states to cross on red
- You’ll have to come to a full stop and wait a certain amount of time
Many of the laws and even technologies that you encounter on the roads throughout the country are made for passenger vehicles, including traffic lights. If you ride a motorcycle, you may have found yourself stuck at these lights, waiting for green when other vehicles seem to run right through them. Unfortunately, many traffic lights don’t detect motorcycles, so you could sit waiting for a while.
To address this problem, certain states have adopted motorcycle red light laws, sometimes called “dead red” laws. But how do they work, and can they lead to motorcycle accidents?
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What Are Dead Red Laws for Motorcycles?
Dead red laws allow motorcyclists to ride through a red light in specific circumstances. You may have a legal right to do this if you have been sitting at a traffic light that hasn’t changed from red to green because it hasn’t detected the bike. These motorcycle red light laws are typically very strict, however, to help prevent accidents.
Why Traffic Lights Fail to Detect Motorcycles
Traffic lights generally function by using inductive loop sensors that are embedded in the road. These sensors detect large metal masses. They do not detect weight, however.
Motorcycles tend to have less metal than cars, so the sensor is already less likely to detect them. To make matters worse, it’s common for riders to avoid the center of the lane, which is where these sensors are often located. As a result, the light isn’t triggered to change, so riders are left sitting for minutes at a time.
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Which U.S. States Have Dead Red Laws?
21 states in the United States have traffic laws that function as dead red laws. Even within these states, however, you must meet special criteria to avoid getting a ticket for running a red light.
State-by-State Dead Red Law Requirements and Wait Times
Each state that has dead red laws will have requirements that you must meet before attempting the maneuver.
| State | Dead Red Law Requirements | Wait Times | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Full stop | Not indicated | Arkansas Department of Transportation |
| Colorado | Full stop | “Reasonable amount” | Colorado General Assembly |
| Idaho | Full stop | One full light cycle | Idaho State Legislature |
| Illinois | Full stop, but not allowed in Chicago or other large cities | 120 seconds | Illinois General Assembly |
| Indiana | Full stop | 120 seconds | Indiana General Assembly |
| Kansas | Full stop | “Reasonable period of time” | Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes |
| Kentucky | Full stop | 120 seconds | Kentucky General Assembly |
| Minnesota | Full stop | “Reasonable amount” | Minnesota State Legislature |
| Missouri | Full stop | One to two minutes | Missouri General Assembly |
| Nevada | Full stop | Two complete cycles | Nevada Legislature |
| North Carolina | Full stop | Three minutes | North Carolina General Assembly |
| Ohio | Full stop | Not indicated | Ohio Codes |
| Oklahoma | Full stop | Reasonable amount | Oklahoma Senate |
| Oregon | Full stop | One complete cycle | Oregon State Legislature |
| Pennsylvania | Full stop | Reasonable period | Pennsylvania General Assembly |
| South Carolina | Full stop | 120 seconds | South Carolina Legislative Services Agency |
| Tennessee | Full stop | Reasonable amount | Tennessee Courts System |
| Utah | Full stop | 90 seconds | Utah State Legislature |
| Virginia | Full stop | Not indicated | Commonwealth of Virginia |
| Washington | Full stop | One complete cycle | Washington State Legislature |
| Wisconsin | Full stop | 45 seconds | Wisconsin State Legislature |
Even if how long you must wait is not stated directly, make sure to wait a reasonable amount of time before attempting to cross the intersection.
What to Do if Your State Doesn't Have a Dead Red Law
If you’re stuck at a light in a state that doesn't have motorcycle red light laws, you should wait for green. That might mean waiting for other vehicles to arrive and trigger the sensors.
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Rules for Safely Proceeding Through a Dead Red Light
To safely proceed through a dead red light, you need to come to a complete stop and check that there are no other vehicles approaching the intersection. You must yield to pedestrians, too.
After waiting for a reasonable amount of time, you can proceed with caution. Never speed through a dead red light, since that could result in accidents for which you may have liability.
Connect With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Through ConsumerShield
Motorcycle red light laws can be complex, depending on where you live. If you have been in a collision because of a dead red light, it’s essential to speak with an attorney about your legal options.
At ConsumerShield, we can assist you in finding a local attorney to handle your case. We work with some of the most trusted law firms in the country, so we can put you in contact with an experienced advocate who can offer the personalized support you need. Connect with our team today to get started.
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Motorcycle Accident Knowledge Base
Read the latest information on Motorcycle Accident and find answers to your questions. Currently there are 10 topics about Motorcycle Accident Claims.
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Lane Splitting
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Motorcycle Accident
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Red Light Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
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That depends on the unique circumstances of your crash. If you didn’t come to a full stop before crossing the intersection, for example, you could be responsible for the crash. An attorney can provide clear insight into your legal options.
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Lane filtering, which involves motorcycles moving through lanes of stopped or slowed traffic, may be allowed. Some states permit this maneuver to help protect motorcyclists and prevent accidents.
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If the other party did not demonstrate reasonable care while driving through a dead red light in an at-fault state, you may be entitled to file a claim against them. In states that function under a no-fault system, you will likely file against your own insurance.
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An attorney can investigate the accident to understand how it occurred. They will gather evidence, establish who the liable parties are and calculate your full damages. Negotiations with insurance companies can then begin. Your lawyer will work to get you the best possible settlement.
