I called in a broken traffic light I was stuck in. I was at the front, with lots of cars lined up behind. It never changed, waited many cycles hoping it would change since it had a camera on it and running it would guarantee a ticket violation by mail.

Anyway I called the local PD telling them the light was broken and I would be getting out of the turn lane, and would appreciate it if they wouldn't send me a traffic fine in the mail for getting out of a broken traffic light.

The dispatcher or officer, whoever it was, got angry and asked for my name and phone number. I gave it, but later wondered WHY would they want that information ? Don't they care that a traffic light is messed up at a large multi-lane intersection ?

So far so good. I haven't received a ticket or any adverse communications.

So is this standard practice ? And why did they want that information, besides to give me hell later or track me down as a violator ? I'm not getting it.

quote:

The dispatcher or officer, whoever it was, got angry and asked for my name and phone number. I gave it, but later wondered WHY would they want that information ? Don't they care that a traffic light is messed up at a large multi-lane intersection

^^^^^^^^^^
Sorry, but sometimes our civil servants are not very nice. Try calling that report into Chicago dispatch.

Not broken, but sat at a light (Left turn) for 3 cycles with no change. Went straight, rather than run it.

Was on a motorcycle, so calling it in wasn't really an option. Likely not an issue with the light, rather the sensors in the pavement. New signal, you'd think they'd be better.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
Not broken, but sat at a light (Left turn) for 3 cycles with no change. Went straight, rather than run it.

Was on a motorcycle, so calling it in wasn't really an option. Likely not an issue with the light, rather the sensors in the pavement. New signal, you'd think they'd be better.

I believe there is a law in most(?) states that will let a motorcycle run a light when clear if it goes x cycles w/o changing due to the bikes smaller magnetic foot print for those lights that work w/ them.
But double check before doing such in your state.

ETA: "Dead Red" law.
I thought my state was on the list but I've only come close to doing it once in 20 yrs.