Ask the Trooper

In the January-February ‘08 issue, a question was asked concerning the exhaust noise of motorcycles. I indicated in my response it was the requirement of PA Safety Inspection stations to determine noise levels of exhaust. I was incorrect; it is the responsibility of the law enforcement community to determine the level of noise in the exhaust system of any motor vehicle while inspection stations check the condition of exhaust and the presence of a muffler. At present, our Department does not have equipment to measure the noise. Any vehicle in question can be stopped and issued a warning to have the exhaust checked for compliance.

Another update to a recent question: in the January/Feb 2008 AAA Touch magazine, Joyce Schamroth’s question regarding what is the deep groove running the length of the stop line. The line is a groove cut in the ground with a small wire inserted inside. This is called a loop sensor and is used to change the light when a vehicle drives on it, thus triggering the light.

Question: If you are driving on a shopping center parking lot and there are stop signs on the lot, must you obey the stop signs and stop if no one is coming? Will you be arrested or not if a police officer sees you not stop? Are traffic laws enforceable on private property?
Alfred H. Brandt, Lebanon

Answer: For safety reasons you should stop at the stop sign. If you’re involved in a crash and are at fault, you could be cited under the vehicle code. Depending on local agreements between the shopping center and local police departments, the stop sign violation can be enforced.

Question: We were taught to stop and wait at the broad white line in either lane at the lighted intersections. Frequently I see drivers sitting in the middle of the intersection, under the traffic light, waiting to make their left turn after oncoming traffic has gotten its signal to stop and usually through the red light. Does this position violate any traffic code?
Gene Horn, Elizabethtown

Answer: It is a violation to turn on the red light and to block the intersection. After stopping, if the driver does not have a clear view of oncoming traffic, they can slowly move forward for a clear view of traffic, but not enter the center of the intersection to beat a traffic light.

Question: At a traffic light there may be a sign next to the signal that reads RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. Does this sign mean that it is illegal to make a right turn on red prior to getting the green arrow?
Ronald Nelson, York Springs

Answer: The Right Turn Signal Sign is posted for the particular lane you are traveling in. If no additional signs, such as No Turn on Red, are posted, after stopping and making sure there is no oncoming traffic, you may proceed through the red traffic light.

If you have a question for Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Linette Quinn, send it to:
Ask the Trooper c/o The AAA Touch
804 Estelle Drive
Lancaster, PA 17601
or send an email to aaatouch@aaacp.com.

Current Travel Articles Antarctica Yes, all the way south there really is a place of where penguins preen their chicks in breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Here, too, giant humpback..... Corning, NY Families, couples and groups of all generations will find everything from beautiful serenity to outdoor adventure when they experience carefree vacations in Corning and the Finger Lakes region of New York...... Member Appreciation Cruise When you cruise to the "Cradle of Civilization," there’s a natural tendency to be more, well, civilized. The world’s largest inland sea encircles three millennia of art, culture and history..... Members Get Great Rates "While no hotel or travel company can claim it offers the best rate every time, AAA.com visitors are much more likely to find a better rate than visitors to Orbitz or Expedia," said AAA President and CEO Bob Darbelnet...... Online Reviews Travelers can post and read reviews of AAA lodgings, restaurants, destinations and attractions on AAA.com. Reviews appear in the TourBook information pages in the Travel section of AAA.com, along with...... Hollywood Casino at Penn National If you read the papers, listen to the radio, see billboards or watch TV, you are aware we now have a casino known as Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racetrack.... Steuben County Cities are great. But sometimes you need to go someplace where all the stars are visible; where you don't have to fight for a seat on the bus or a spot on a crowded highway during rush hour; where business decisions are discussed over dinner and not in front of a boardroom of investors.....

Current Financial Articles Gift Cards It’s a joyous time of year, full of hope and love. We celebrate young graduates entering a new phase in life; share the joy of newlyweds joining in wedded bliss; and honor mom and dad on their special days......

Current Insurance Articles Avoiding Accidents Speed is often a major factor in accidents. However, not all accidents occur because of speed and not all accidents can be prevented. Many accidents can be prevented, and you can possibly minimize the damage...... Insuring Students Sons and daughters soon will head off to college. Along with books, computers and dorm room furnishings, parents should ensure that their children are equipped with proper insurance coverage as they start off on this...... New AAA Insurance Agency The Mechanicsburg/Silver Spring Branch of AAA Central Penn has recently opened an Insurance Agency to fulfill all of your insurance needs. Agent Karen Brandt of Cumberland County will be at the office Mondays......