Is it legal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light in NC? What the law says
While it may be enticing to zig-zag through a parking lot to avoid a red light, it probably isn’t the best idea.
Drivers who cut through parking lots could put pedestrians in danger, according to Jerry, a car insurance company.
“Drivers who move through a parking lot in a rush have a higher chance of hitting a car or pedestrian along the way,” Jerry says.
People cutting through parking lots can also make it difficult for people who are parking to navigate the lot.
Taking shortcuts through parking lots can present safety risks, but is it legal in North Carolina? Here’s what state laws say regarding the matter.
Is it legal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light in NC?
No, it is not legal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light in North Carolina.
State law requires drivers to come to a complete stop when approaching a red light, and since drivers don’t stop when they cut through parking lots, they are violating the law, attorney Gary Mauney told WCNC.
“Anything that’s not you stopping at a stop sign before you proceed to the intersection violates the statute,” Mauney said. “So even though it doesn’t say [you] can’t go through that side parking lot right there, it says what you’re supposed to do.”
The state doesn’t have a specific law that prevents drivers from taking shortcuts through parking lots, but some cities do.
For example, Charlotte has a law stating that drivers must pass through intersections when approaching them.
If you’re caught cutting through a parking lot, you could be required to pay a fine and have points added to your driving record.
This story was originally published August 14, 2023 at 6:42 AM.
