Stoplights that don't turn

[dumb_ricer]

Theres a light in Cottage Grove to get out of the Target Parking Lot that after like 1am I dont think it ever changes Green again. I have sat there with 4 cars behind me for half an hour and it didnt turn green. Now after about 5 minutes of waiting I either turn around (not always possible) or just run it when there are no cars around. I know its illegal and it just feels wrong but what else can you do? Wait all night for some light to change? I did call in and they said ehh, whatever pretty much.

[Matt D.]

Well I am not going to start an agrument but I have personally seen the headlight flashing trick work within the past few months so it is possible.
It's called a coincidence.

[LightningGSX]

At some intersections I have seen more than one sensor(one for the 3M Opticom, and one for something else).I know stoplights use different control strategies for light and heavy traffic times, usually timed for heavy traffic times(day), and a pressure or proximity sensor for light traffic times(night).It is entirely possible the other sensor I have noticed is there to spot headlights at night, so the stop light "knows" traffic is waiting to cross.In fact, using a sensor to "see" headlights at night makes a shitload of sense(to me at least).Also, there are many different versions of the Opticom(not Opticon), and even custom made to order.So its possible there is a version that will look for visible light as well(for control purposes).When retrofitting a stoplight, it would cost alot less that way, than it would digging up the pavement to implant a pressure or proximity sensor.I've always heard the headlight thing was a myth though, who knows.

[Khadgar]

Well on the one lately my headlight is out on the left side, maybe that is the cause? Otherwise i have only had the problem a few months ago

[LightningGSX]

BTW If you're feeling lucky, I thought up a way to hack the Opticoms, and its pretty easy.It will even work on the new encoded ones.I'm sure it would be a felony though.

[IndiEP]

I don't know if anyone has heard/tryed this but if I sit for a while I back up and then move forward. I have no idea if stoplights have weight triggers or what but it works when I do it, or its just coincidence.

Theres also times when I'm driving @ 4:00am and I might slightly speed but I stop for stop signs/lights even though theres no one around. It just seems to perfect to get away w/things, a little to perfect...

[Khadgar]

Yeah i tried the backup and going forward thing, even changed to the other lane that went straight, if im ever by that light again I'll wait for another car to come or something.

[A//// Guy]

Is it by mall of america or where? If it is tell me which light your talking about.

[Khadgar]

Right by the mall, killebrew(spelling) and old shokopee, stopping while going west on killebrew.

[TalonFiero]

Motorcycles CAN go through an intersection on a red light. I know this as my brother was once told by a cop who noticed him sitting at a light on his YSR that it was ok if there was no cars and some other stipulations I can't remember, and I also remember reading many news articles on motorcycle sites that Minnesota and Tennesee are the only states to have this law for motorcycles.

I know one of the reasons they allow motorcycles this privelage is that you are a sitting duck if you are sitting in a left turn lane that won't give you a green. You can get tagged at night from either direction by non-observant driver.

Cars do not have this privelage.

**EDIT**

Found what I was looking for.

Sec. 42. Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 169.06, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 9. [AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE RELATING TO UNCHANGING
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL.] (a) A person operating a motorcycle who
violates subdivision 4 by entering or crossing an intersection
controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light has
an affirmative defense to that charge if the person establishes
all of the following conditions:
(1) the motorcycle has been brought to a complete stop;
(2) the traffic-control signal continues to show a red
light for an unreasonable time;
(3) the traffic-control signal is apparently malfunctioning
or, if programmed or engineered to change to a green light only
after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle, the signal has
apparently failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle; and
(4) no motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street
or highway to be crossed or entered or is so far away from the
intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard.
(b) The affirmative defense in this subdivision applies
only to a violation for entering or crossing an intersection
controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light and
does not provide a defense to any other civil or criminal action.

Jim