Is it Illegal to Run a Yellow Light in Missouri

Yellow lights warn drivers that the light is about to turn red, giving them a chance to stop safely. Is it Illegal to Run a Yellow Light? In many places, running a yellow light is not illegal, but it can lead to violations if the light turns red while a driver is still in the intersection.

Yellow lights are key for road safety, especially at intersections where the majority of accidents take place. Missouri sees many intersection crashes each year, many of which are due to drivers running traffic lights.

Running yellow lights can also result in avoidable collisions in some situations. A St. Louis car accident lawyer will examine the specific circumstances of your accident and whether the liable driver ran a traffic signal.

Driving Through a Yellow Light in Missouri

Under state law RSMo Section 304.281, it is not illegal for Missouri drivers to proceed through a yellow light in many situations. A steady yellow light signals that the green light is ending and that a red light will soon appear. We recommend that drivers exercise caution and ensure they can safely clear the intersection before the light changes.

Pedestrians, when faced with a steady yellow light, should not begin to cross the road unless a pedestrian signal indicates that it is safe to do so. They should also yield to the vehicles already in the intersection. If pedestrians encounter a flashing yellow light, they may cross but must be vigilant and give way to oncoming traffic.

Usually, accidents that occur while running a yellow light present complex challenges. This complexity stems from various scenarios and laws related to yellow lights and whether a driver violated the law. Nonetheless, your car accident lawyer will facilitate the acquisition of traffic camera footage and other pertinent evidence to support your case.

Common Collisions from Running Yellow Lights

The difficulty happens when a driver begins to run a yellow light, and the light then turns red while they are still passing through the intersection. In these situations, another driver might proceed quickly on a green light and crash into the first car. Further, running yellow lights often escalates into drivers running red lights, which is highly dangerous and a common cause of tragic collisions.

Some collisions that can result in intersections include:

• T-bones (or broadside collisions)
• Rear-end collisions
• Pedestrian collisions
• Bicycle accidents
• Chain-reaction crashes

Drivers should be liable for the harm they cause from negligence in intersections, whether they violated safety laws or not.

Consult a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney from Burger Law Today

While running a yellow light isn’t automatically illegal, the potential legal ramifications are significant. You need to have a lawyer who understands the traffic laws and your rights to advocate for justice. If you are involved in an accident involving running a yellow light, don’t wait any longer. Enlist the help of a car accident attorney from Burger Law as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly. Contact us online today to book a free case evaluation.