Indiana Bicycle Law Update: Red Traffic Signal Law

June 27, 2014

As you may be aware, most traffic signals in the State of Indiana are controlled by sensors under the pavement that detect weight. Often times, these sensors are not able to detect lightweight modes of travel like bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, etc. This poses a problem to cyclists, as we are required under Indiana statutory bicycle law to obey all the traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles – like stopping at red traffic signals.

Hence, the introduction of a new Indiana bicycle law: House Bill 1080, also known as the “120 second rule” or the “dead red law.” This new law, which becomes effective July 1, 2014, provides:

(D) If the operator of a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, motor scooter, or bicycle

approaches an intersection that is controlled by a traffic control signal, the

operator may proceed through the intersection on a steady red signal only if

the operator:

(i) comes to a complete stop at the intersection for at least one hundred twenty

(120) seconds; and

(ii) exercises due caution as provided by law, otherwise treats the traffic signal as

a stop sign, and determines that it is safe to proceed.

The Indiana Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Caress Law Group view House Bill 1080 as a success for cyclists, and we salute the Indiana legislature for its action. Although waiting at a red light for 2 minutes seems like a dreadfully long time to wait, it is carving out exceptions in Indiana law that behoove cyclists. We believe that this is progress and a step in the right direction.

Will Indiana one day gain enough support to enact a law similar to the “Idaho Stop Law?” For those who are not familiar, the Idaho Stop is a law that allows cyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign and a red light as a stop sign. Obviously, there are pros and cons to such a law, which we plan to outline in an upcoming article for our readers. Feel free to Contact Us with your thoughts regarding these laws. We appreciate hearing from you.

The Indiana bicycle attorneys at Caress Law Group currently represent a number of cyclists who have been injured as the result of a bicycle crash or accident. We take great pride in representing Indiana bicyclists, and we focus our entire practice of law on Indiana personal injury and medical malpractice. If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance at any time, feel free to call us at 317-255-5400 or Contact Us by submitting an online inquiry. All communication with our office is free and confidential.

As always, ride safe!