Can you cut through parking lots to avoid red lights in Georgia? What the law says
Cutting through a parking lot to get around a red light may seem harmless, but it has its risks — and could even cost you a ticket.
The practice, known as “rat running,” is illegal in many states and parts of Georgia.
“Deciding to rush through an area dedicated to slower driving, parking, and foot traffic, a driver’s negligence can result in damages to other vehicles and injuries to other persons or themselves,” according to 1-800 Ask-Gary, a lawyer and physician referral service.
If you’re caught, the violation could lead to a steep fine and points on your license, though penalties vary from state to state, legal database Nolo.com reported.
So what about in the Peach State? Here’s what the law says:
Is it legal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light in Georgia?
“In Georgia, there is no law on the books that says it’s illegal to cut through a parking lot to avoid an intersection,” Ben Michael, an attorney at Michael & Associates,” told McClatchy News. “As long as you do so safely.”
However, Georgia law requires drivers to make a complete stop at a red light and wait for it to change before continuing through an intersection, according to the Department of Driver Services.
Though there’s no state law that specifically addresses rat-running, some local laws do.
In Macon-Bibb County, for instance, it’s unlawful to cut across private property “when the driver of such vehicle has no intention to stop ... so as to avoid entering any intersection,” according to a municipal code.
Taking a shortcut around a traffic light is also illegal in Augusta-Richmond County.
“Except when directed to proceed by a deputy sheriff, no driver of a vehicle shall purposely leave the road or highway to avoid having to stop, slow or yield for a traffic sign, signal or light,” the county law states.
There isn’t a law in Columbus that makes it unlawful for drivers to cut through a parking lot to skip a traffic light.
There’s no rat-running law on the books in Atlanta either, though it’s unlawful for drivers to disregard or disobey a red traffic signal. Doing so could result in a maximum $70 fine, the city’s law states.
This story was originally published January 5, 2024 at 9:00 AM.