Can you cut through a parking lot or gas station to avoid a red light? What NC’s law says
If you live in a major city, chances are traffic is a part of your daily commute.
When you’re sitting in gridlock, it can be tempting to cut through a parking lot or a gas station to avoid a red light, especially at a busy intersection.
But is it legal in North Carolina? Here’s what state laws say.
Is it legal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light?
No, it is illegal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a red light in North Carolina, attorney Gary Mauney told The Charlotte Observer.
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, Mauney said.
NC law about stopping at a red light
The law says “when a traffic signal is emitting a steady red circular light controlling traffic approaching an intersection, an approaching vehicle facing the red light shall come to a stop and shall not enter the intersection. After coming to a complete stop and unless prohibited by an appropriate sign, that approaching vehicle may make a right turn.”
“The key thing to point out in the wording of the statute is the use of the word ‘shall,’” said Mauney. “Shall is synonymous with the word “must” when it comes to our statutes. So if you have a red light in your direction when approaching an intersection, the statute states that you “shall” come to a complete stop. Cutting through a parking lot is not coming to a complete stop and as such is a violation of the statute.”
Some cities also have laws that prevent drivers from taking shortcuts through parking lots. For example, Charlotte has a law stating that drivers must pass through intersections when approaching them.
What is the penalty for cutting through a parking lot?
Running a red light is an infraction in North Carolina, which comes with a fine of up to $100, three points on your driving record and three points on your insurance record, Mauney said.
This story was originally published February 13, 2025 at 9:54 AM with the headline "Can you cut through a parking lot or gas station to avoid a red light? What NC’s law says."
