Red light means stop. Always and necessarily except in emergency vehicles? There are two more exceptions. Firstly, to create space for emergency vehicles, secondly, for bicycles with an additional corresponding signal in the light signal – and the third, often misunderstood exception, is not an exception in itself and is practically insignificant today.
The most important exception is when every second counts: If an emergency vehicle comes in from behind in an alert state and only then can you make room, you can go through a red light – be careful as long as you don’t endanger anyone and take advantage of it to continue your journey faster. Yes, even if this is not expressly stated in the law. Why is this and why is it so important? Because otherwise there’s very little room to maneuver for those behind and in front of the stop line, and usually nothing more – see the video.
Make room at the red light
So what should you do if the blue light comes with an alternate horn from behind (more on its history here)? Cross the stop line carefully and dodge right or left in the left lane. Stand there on the edge or on the sidewalk (beware, pedestrians!). For example, if there is more than one lane, drive ahead of cars in the adjacent lane. So stop, so don’t continue on your own journey. Attention: If a piece is already free, it is better to leave it free.
There are no fines in such cases – even with lightning. What if a fine of 250 francs comes? objection! The emergency vehicle was not (yet) visible in the flash images. Because all mission trips are traceable, the case should be free of fines.
But wasn’t a driver fined? Unfortunately correct. An unfortunate decision by the Zurich city judge in 2015: A driver turned right, despite the ambulance going on the free left of the three lanes. The objection was rejected and the person concerned did not proceed with the decision. Only this particular case is known. By the way: All the rules about emergency vehicles and the new Always-Rescue Lane requirement can be found here.
Turn right by bike
In various countries, a right turn at a red light is allowed unless there is a separate right turn traffic light. Sometimes as in the USA in general (unless otherwise stated), sometimes only with an additional sign (eg green arrow in Germany).
Since 2021, Switzerland has allowed cyclists (and equivalent vehicles such as e-scooters or mopeds) to turn right if there is an additional sign (see pictures). Caution: Cross traffic or pedestrians with green in the right corner still have priority – that’s why the bike on the sign is yellow instead of green. It is forbidden to turn right where there is no sign!
“Flashing” level crossings
If the barrier at the level crossing has already been removed, but the flashing light is still on, this is not a free crossing as you might think! That’s right: this was usually no longer fined locally – but fined elsewhere. Legally it remained controversial. Therefore, this is no exception: when in doubt, wait! Today, however, this is no longer relevant, as almost all level crossings are now converted so that the flashing red light turns off when the barrier is raised.