theoldwizard1 wrote:
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
It is illegal to ENTER an traffic signal intersection when the light is glowing yellow.
In the US, it is usually "you must clear the intersection before the light turns red".
Both of you are wrong.
The legal language from the Uniform Traffic Code which the vast majority of states (and likely Mexican states) adopts is:
It is illegal to enter an intersection on yellow, UNLESS IT IS UNSAFE TO DO OTHERWISE.
So there are situations where it is legal to enter on yellow and if you happen to be in the intersection when it turns red that is not proof that you entered illegally. In fact, with updated clearance intervals, you almost always will be in the intersection for part of the time on a red.
Not all jurisdictions follow it but there has been a transition towards the ITE clearance interval calculations which solves this to a large degree:
- Yellow: Includes the perception/reaction time and the time it would take to stop if approaching at the speed limit. What this means is if you enter on yellow, you probably didn't have time to safely stop.
- Red: Includes the time to clear the intersection if you entered at the last instant of Yellow.
It's not perfect because not everyone approaches at the speed limit and the assumed deceleration rate isn't locking the brakes up but it gives the officer a fairly good justification that if you entered on Red, you probably could have stopped safely. If you enter on yellow, he likely will lose if the driver takes it to court.
Now cops out to get gringos such, are anyone's guess what you will get pulled over for.
