Can you shed some light on what we are supposed to do when turning left on a permissive green, and the light turns red while my car is still in the intersection. Please ask Metro to explain.
Duane
Metro Police did weigh in, Duane, with the general rule of thumb they use.
In most intersections, there’s a stop bar or stop line. When a car is approaching the intersection they claim the intersection, right when they cross that stop bar on a green or yellow light.
Duane’s example is the most common red light occurrence, when you in the center of the intersection with a permissive green ball to make a left turn.
Sometimes while waiting, and before you can safely turn, the light begins to turn yellow….then red.
The driver making the left turn still has control of the intersection until they clear it. So as long as the driver safely enters the intersection on a green or yellow, they are safe to exit the intersection (even on a red) without worrying about a ticket.
Obviously though if its yellow before you get to the stop bar, stop line, or crosswalk – reduce your speed and prepare to stop.
Brian
