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Emergencies happen. Drivers are late for important engagements every day. As such, some drivers and riders choose speed over safety by running a red light or two. So, is it ever ok to risk it and cruise through a crimson traffic light?

Unsurprisingly, running a red light for any reason is dangerous and illegal

Traffic lights, or stop lights, exist to ease traffic flow and promote safe travel. As such, running a red light is inherently dangerous to you, your passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Consequently, running a red light for any reason isn’t justifiable in the eyes of the law.

Even with an understandable explanation, a law enforcement officer will almost certainly write you a traffic ticket for running a red light. Moreover, depending on the circumstances, you may receive points on your license and a mandate for traffic school. 

I’ll acknowledge that there are reasons that would prompt a motorist to attempt to pass through an intersection with a red light. For instance, small vehicles, like diminutive roadsters and motorcycles will fail to trigger the sensor arrays associated with traffic lights. As a result, a rider or driver could end up sitting in a left-turn lane until a larger vehicle joins them. While frustrating, it’s far from an acceptable excuse. 

A red light reminds drivers to stop driving at speed and stop.
A red light signaling motorists to stop | yalcinsonat1 via iStock

Another such explanation is an emergency. A driver might attempt to run a red light if they believe their situation warrants such an action, like a medical emergency. However, even a medical emergency isn’t a sufficient reason to endanger other motorists. Instead, drivers should call an ambulance in a medical emergency. 

Frankly, a code 3 emergency vehicle is the only context where a vehicle should drive through a red light. Even then, ambulance drivers, police officers, and fire apparatuses are typically bound by policy to slow down and “clear” an intersection with lights and sirens before proceeding. 

As a firefighter/EMT, I would change the tone and tempo of my siren as I approached an intersection. Doing so better warned motorists of my approach. But even with attention-grabbing sirens, I would slow down to clear the intersection; you can’t help anyone if your emergency vehicle is involved in an accident.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).