California Vehicle Code Section 21453 VC makes it a violation to fail to stop at a red light. Running a red light can include bad timing at the intersection, rolling through a right hand turn on red, or stopping too late and over the line at a traffic signal. Running a red light is a traffic violation but can add points to your driving record.
Running a red light or a stop sign may also give a police officer the reason to make a traffic stop in order to look for other criminal violations, like a DUI. If you are facing criminal charges after a traffic stop for running a stop sign or a red light, contact a local East Bay criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Vehicle Code 21453 VC Text for Running a Red Light
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21453, a driver facing a red traffic signal shall stop before entering the intersection, crosswalk, or at the marked line. Unless there is a sign prohibiting a turn, a driver must first stop before turning right on a red light or left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. If there is a right red arrow, the driver cannot make a right turn until an indication permitting movement is shown.
Running a traffic light will generally result in a fine and one point on your driving record. After enough points on your driving record, the DMV may suspend your driver's license as a negligent operator. Your auto insurance is also likely to go up after multiple traffic violations.
Where is a driver supposed to stop at an intersection or at a red light to avoid being stopped by the police ?
- Stop at the marked limit line.
- If there is no marked limit line, stop before entering the crosswalk.
- If there is no line or crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection.
Vehicle Code 22450 VC Text for Running a Stop Sign
Under California Vehicle Code Section 21450, the driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to or within an intersection shall stop at the limit line. If there is no limit line, the driver has to stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver has to stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
Yield Right of Way to Pedestrians
When drivers stop at a stop sign or come to a stop at a red light on a right hand turn, drivers have to yield the right-of-way before continuing. Drivers have to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk.
Many drivers approach right turns on a yellow as a yield instead of coming to a full stop. However, a pedestrian may suddenly step out into the intersection when they get a walk light. If the light turns red before the driver crosses the line, the driver may be violating the traffic law and putting the pedestrian at risk of an injury.
When turning on a red light after coming to a stop, the driver making a right turn on red or a left from a one-way street onto a one-way street must also yield to other vehicles. The driver yields the right-of-way to any vehicle that has approached or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard to the driver.
Traffic Violations and a DUI Accident
Running a red light is not just a traffic offense. Running a stop sign or a red light can also increase the risk of an accident. An accident after having a couple of drinks can increase the risk of a drunk driving arrest, even if the driver's blood alcohol level (BAC) is below the legal limit.
Knowing the risk of getting, not just a ticket but also a DUI arrest, many drivers leave an accident without stopping. This is against the law and may add additional criminal charges for the driver. Talk to your California criminal defense attorney after a DUI arrest to understand your rights, options, and how you can keep your driver's license and avoid a criminal record.
Ticket or Criminal Charges After Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
Traffic tickets can add up, making insurance more expensive and putting your license at risk of suspension. If you are facing multiple traffic violations or criminal charges for failure to appear for a court hearing, talk to your East Bay attorney about your options.
East Bay attorney Lynn Gorelick has more than 35 years of criminal defense and DUI defense experience. Representing drivers in Alameda County and Contra Costa County, Lynn Gorelick is familiar with the local traffic laws, officers, and the judges involved. Contact East Bay DUI lawyer Lynn Gorelick today.
