Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Act 120 Practice Exam

When stopping at an intersection, what should a motorcycle operator do if the light is red?

1. Proceed into the intersection cautiously

2. Wait until the light turns green without checking

3. Pull up to the white line, wait 3 seconds and look both ways

4. Turn around and find an alternative route

The correct answer is: Pull up to the white line, wait 3 seconds and look both ways

When a motorcycle operator encounters a red light at an intersection, the appropriate action is to pull up to the white line, wait for a brief moment, and check both ways for any oncoming traffic before proceeding. This approach is essential for several reasons. Firstly, many traffic lights are programmed to detect vehicles by sensors, which may not always pick up motorcycles. By stopping and ensuring the intersection is clear, the operator is exercising a level of responsibility to verify their safety before proceeding. The brief pause allows for the operator to assess whether it is safe to continue, as traffic rules require not just stopping at red lights but also ensuring it is safe to move before entering an intersection. This practice not only enhances the safety of the motorcycle operator but also contributes to the overall road safety since it helps prevent potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians who may be entering the intersection from other directions. Moreover, actively looking both ways reinforces situational awareness, which is critical for all motorcycle operators due to their vulnerability on the road. This combination of stopping, waiting, and checking aligns with the best practices in defensive driving, which is particularly crucial for motorcyclists.