Question: I’m wondering about a light that seems to only be on at night on the traffic lights. It’s a small purple or blueish light that’s near the traffic lights. I’ve tried to figure out what its use is or if it’s a camera. I’ve asked other people what it means and I’ve never met anyone who knows what it is. Thank you!

Answer: What you are talking about is a blue light and they are visible during the day. How they work and what are they used for:

1. Signal activation: The blue lights are wired into the traffic signal system and turn on when the traffic light changes to red.

2. Officer visibility: From a distance, officers can see the blue light, indicating that a vehicle has entered the intersection while the signal was red.

3. Enforcement: This allows officers to effectively and safely enforce red light violations, even if they are observing the intersection from a distance.

The blue lights make it easier for officers to see and enforce red light violations, improving traffic safety. The blue lights allow officers to observe intersections from a safe distance and pull over violators without putting themselves or other drivers at risk. The increased enforcement provided by blue lights aims to deter drivers from running red lights, leading to fewer crashes and improved traffic flow.

Question: I have seen numerous times where a bicyclist will not stop at a stop sign, if they are sharing the road with automobiles. I have seen a couple of close incidents where the bicyclist is almost hit as well. Are bicyclists under the same rules if they are sharing the road with automobiles?

Answer: There was a state law change back in August of 2023. It states, “a bicycle operator who approaches a stop sign must slow to a speed that allows for stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk. If there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the operator may make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.” Nothing in this subdivision changed the right-of-way requirements. It is important to note that bicyclists must still stop at intersections controlled by a red light, a peace officer, or a person authorized to control traffic.

Essentially, the bicyclist can yield or perform a “rolling stop” at a stop sign if they don’t violate anyone else’s right of way. When approaching a stop sign, the bicyclist should be traveling slow enough to stop before the crosswalk if necessary. However, after yielding, if there is not a pedestrian crossing in front of them or other traffic approaching near enough to constitute an immediate hazard, they may continue without making a full stop.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson — Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848, or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us, Twitter: MSPPIO_SOUTH