Missouri lawmakers create defense for running red light

JEFFERSON CITY — Motorcycle and bicycle riders could run through stalled red lights under legislation that's heading to Gov. Jay Nixon.

Some motorcycles and bicycles aren't heavy enough to trigger automated traffic lights.

Under the bill, those on bikes would have a defense for running a traffic signal that has been red unreasonably long.

To qualify, the rider must have come to a complete stop and the intersection would need to be clear. It also needs to be shown that the traffic signal was malfunctioning or failed to detect the waiting vehicle.

The House gave final approval to the bill 147-9 on Friday.