Is ‘rat-running’ in traffic legal in Ohio? Here’s what the law says
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If you’re already late to work and you run into traffic at a red light, you may be tempted to cut through another road. But is that legal?
Well, let’s see if that’s legal or not in the state of Ohio:
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 OK to do 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.”
Penalties for doing this could be a minor misdemeanor.
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
