Is rat running in traffic illegal on the road? Here’s what Ohio law says
Traffic can be a pain sometimes.
Busy intersections, frequent red lights, distracted drivers are all a part of the road, but is there a way to avoid them? Maybe just use a shortcut, like a side road, in order to get to your destination quicker?
Well, let’s see if that’s legal or not in Ohio, shall we? Here’s what to know.
What is rat-running?
“Rat-running” is a term used to describe when drivers take a shortcut like a residential road or business to avoid a red light, stop sign or escape traffic.
It may seem like a harmless thing to do, right? Let’s just make sure that theory is true.
Is rat running illegal in Ohio?
There aren’t any specific laws that make rat running illegal in Ohio, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in trouble for doing it. There are laws about disobeying traffic lights and rat running could be looked at as such.
Ohio law section 4511.12 states that drivers should not “disobey the instructions of any traffic control device placed in accordance with this chapter, unless at the time otherwise directed by a police officer.”
In addition, rat running is dangerous because it can cause major accidents in parking lots with other cars or even pedestrians, according to several Reddit users. If drivers are in a hurry to avoid a red light or stop sign, they may also be tempted to speed, which is illegal and could cause additional accidents.
It’s also important to check up on local traffic laws and ordinances, as these could be different from state laws.
Have more questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com
