Pedestrian Controlled Traffic Light
 

I read on here before under the thread "Rules that people dont know about" That at a pedestrian controlled traffic light that is not at an intersection, you must come to a complete stop and once the pedestrian passes and it is safe to do so you may proceed while the light is still red.

Is there a section in the MVA that pertains to this situation? I looked through it but was not able to locate it if there is. 50 percent of the people i talk to think it is illegal and the others think it is legal but still don't do it.

If one of the officers on the site has any knowledge of this section in the MVA, i would love to know it.

dont think your ever suppose to run a red dude. why not just wait for the green after the pedestrian goes through.... are you THAT impatient?

^^Erm, you didn't read that thread very closely, as an officer DID comment on it...

http://www.revscene.net/forums/showp...8&postcount=23

I do wait for them just because people think you are breaking the law when you go through them. Thats not my question. And i know an officer has posted about it, i want to know if there is something i can show someone else in the MVA.

The "yield as necessary" also means that the peds have landed their feet on the other side of the crosswalk on a one-way street or landed their feet on the median that separates a two-way street.

My only advice is that... even though you can potential save time by doing this, I wouldn't be surprised if you get pulled over for it because not all officers know about this section of MVA and you will end up wasting more time trying to explain.

Do you know the section ?

129 (5) When a red light is exhibited at a place other than an intersection by a traffic control signal,
(a) the driver of a vehicle approaching the signal must cause it to stop before entering the nearest marked crosswalk in the vicinity of the signal, or if there is no marked crosswalk, before reaching the signal, and
(b) a pedestrian may proceed across the roadway.

Contrast this to:

129 (1) Subject to subsection (2), when a red light alone is exhibited at an intersection by a traffic control signal, the driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection and facing the red light must cause it to stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk, before entering the intersection, and subject to the provisions of subsection (3), must not cause the vehicle to proceed until a traffic control signal instructs the driver that he or she is permitted to do so.

^Hmm, but there's nothing there that states the driver may proceed.

Then again, there's nothing there that says the driver can go even after the light turns green... ;)

Thanks Skidmark i see what you are saying, unfortunately like Soundy said it is pretty hard to determine that you do not have to remain stopped until the light is green.

It doesn't tell you to remain stopped, so you don't need to. As soon as you have stopped, you have complied with what the rule requires you to do.

Thanks Skidmark, i understand what it means, i still wouldn't like to have to argue that point with an officer if i were pulled over for it though :)

Yes, I know what you mean.

One story I recall on this issue was the Chief Justice of BC being interviewed on CBC radio. He was talking about traffic law and told about finding himself across the intersection from a marked VPD car as they waited for a red light. He thought "we're at a one way street, so I'll have a bit of fun with this guy and turn left on red." He made the turn and sure enough, on came the emergency lights and the VPD officer pulled him over. "Officer, don't you know it's legal to turn left onto a one way street on a red light in BC?" "Yes" said the officer, "but the sign says not between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm!"

^hahaahah ouch.

OWNED!!! Baahahah

Just keep skidmark's phone number on you, and if it ever happens, tell the cop to give him a call :D

"Uh... you want me to call WHO?? 'Officer SKIDMARK'?? WTF??? Ummm.... have you had anything to drink tonight, sir?"

Regarding this, would this be concidered an intersection? set of lights on iether side of the road for both directions. On the left and right of you there are no lights... just driveways for the liquor store and coopers on the other. The lights are pedestrian controlled only. Can I stop than proceed at this intersection??

do i have to yield if the pedestrian light also has a 2way stop sign on each side cuz alot of times cars use the pedestrians to their advantage to make a left turn. if i am going straight, i dont need to yield to those cars that make the left turn? if collision occurs, not my fault?

that would be an intersection...

yeah that's different.
What the OP is referring to is a setup similar to Rupert Street near superstore right under the skytrain. There's a pedestrian crossing there with a traffic light. So I guess, legally, you're allowed to proceed after the pedestrian has crossed even if the light is still red.

Personally, I'd just wait for the green because a few extra seconds won't kill you and I'd rather not have people staring at me going wtf or have to explain this to a cop if I get pulled over...

is this the one on Lakeshore? You can proceed at that one as soon as its clear.

The intersection in rutland. Right by asher rd. The other intersection I am talking about is on springfield behind the Mall at the old benvolin/shell station.