When a driver enters an intersection on a green signal, it is not a violation to complete the crossing even if the light turns red before the maneuver is finished. This interpretation was shared by Sergey Radko, who represents the Freedom of Choice auto movement, during an interview with socialbites.ca. He stressed that traffic regulations require drivers to observe the stop lines and to proceed with care through intersections.
Radko explained that if a driver begins the turn at a green signal and finishes the maneuver after the light changes to red, the driver should still clear the intersection. In such a scenario, officers from the traffic police do not have the authority to issue a penalty for finishing the crossing once the light has switched. The driving rules clearly address this situation, particularly in the section dealing with intersection crossings. If another traffic light and a stop line lie further along the path of travel, the driver must stop at that line. This nuance matters because it determines whether the driver has already legally completed the crossing when the red light appears.
According to the same source, if no stop line exists at the intersection, the driver may cross despite the red signal. The same expert adds that a permissive signal for pedestrians does not automatically force a halt for motorists. A driver may continue along the crosswalk as long as pedestrians are allowed to pass without being obstructed or endangered. In practice, this means drivers should coordinate with pedestrians and yield when necessary, ensuring a safe and orderly flow of traffic through the crossing.
Viktor Travin, a former Chair of the Vehicle Owners Legal Protection Board, noted to Gazeta.ru that it could be lawful to alleviate traffic congestion through actions that might involve curtailing the pace of vehicles within courtyards, but such measures would require proper barriers and enforcement mechanisms to ensure safety and compliance. The overarching principle remains: drivers must navigate intersections with attention to existing signals, stop lines, and pedestrian rights, while authorities focus on upholding safety and consistency in road rules rather than issuing blanket penalties for every red-light scenario. Attribution: Gazeta.ru commentary on legal approaches to traffic management and intersection control.