'Do Not Block Intersection' Sign Spurs Debate

Chief Harris,

This discussion came up yesterday in the car. Traveling westbound on  M-59 at Lake Lane, on an intersection just before the traffic light at M-59 and Elizabeth Lake Road, there is a road commission sign that states you need to keep that intersection clear. I was the front car when the traffic light turned red, so I stopped at the intersection before the light in the right lane, as pulling up to the light where the white line is would block the intersection. My passenger told me to pull forward. I did not. However, cars in the left lane pulled up to the light and white line and some even took up residence in my lane in front of me to be the first in that lane and then more followed suit thus now blocking the intersection in front of me.  

So the question is, do you stop before the light at the intersection as the sign instructs even though there is no wide white line on the road, or pull up to the light and hope others behind follow the sign's advice. Is it a ticketable offense? And if so, shouldn't there be a wide white line there?  

Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this question. Sherry Woodbeck

Chief Edward Harris: Ms. Woodbeck, thank you for the question. I believe the sign at this location states “Do Not Block Intersection.” Although there is no white line at the light there is only room for one vehicle in each lane at the light.  All other vehicles should stay back far enough to allow egress and ingress to this street. Blocking the intersection is a traffic offense that could result in a citation. The lack of any white lines does not really matter, it is merely about blocking the intersection.

Thank You,

Edward Harris

Chief of Police

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