Legal Question in Traffic Law in Pennsylvania

Yellow light Duration

Hi,

I was driving down a road with a 35 mph speed limit and was approaching a traffic signal. It was green and no cars were in front of me so I glanced over to the passenger seat for about 1/2 second ( to get a cd on the passenger seat). When I looked up the light was yellow, so I figured it must have just turned yellow and kept going at the same speed.

As you might guess the light turned quickly red and I received a ticket. I thought the light turned very quickly to red and upon further investigation I researched what the traffic code says about yellow light intervals.

What I found was the MUTCD and ITE (consultants to Penndot) have guidelines on what a yellow light duration should be. The yellow light duration is based on the speed limit of the road. For a 35 mph road the yellow light duratin should be about 3.5 seconds.

So I took a digital stopwatch (measures in 1/100th of a second) to the light in question. I timed the yellow light duration 15 times and the average yellow duration was 2.76 seconds. I timed 3 other lights next to the light in question..onw was 2.8 seconds, two others were 3.8 seconds. Can I use this info in fighting the ticket?

Thanks,

Francis


Asked on 5/24/07, 11:46 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Douglas Sughrue Attorneys Crosby & Sughrue

Re: Yellow light Duration

Yes you can, but make sure you take the research you did to your hearing. The duration of a yellow signal at an intersection is based on the speed limit as you state. But, the duration is not "law." The recommended duration is just that, a recommendation based on safety. Yellow lights are intended to reduce collisions at intersections. What you should request is a copy of the "engineer's study" of the intersection. All intersections in the Commonwealth have an engineering study done to determine whether a light, stop sign, yield signs, blinking red/yellow lights are required to control traffic at the intersection.

If the yellow light duration, as you have measured it (without a calibrated stop watch), is not in line with engineering study, then your defense is better. Good luck & please feel free to contact me at your earilest convenience ti discuss your case further.

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Answered on 5/24/07, 1:20 pm
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Yellow light Duration

You asked about stop light durations.

I think you are saying that you got hit with a red light camera ticket. This is one of the most profitable scams that cities have going.

Yes you can use the information to defend your case. Make certain that you prepare well and demonstrate that the short duration is not the accepted standard. The company and city only make money when people break the law so they make it easier for people to get caught breaking the law.

And leave out the part about looking for a CD.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 5/25/07, 9:12 am


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