This Sign Allows Cyclists to Go Through the Red Light

Did you know? A sign allows cyclists – and other micromobility devices like electric scooters – to go through red lights legally: it’s the M12.

How many times have we been yelled at by drivers or motorcyclists, even though we obeyed the traffic signals? Because yes, on a bicycle, it’s possible to go through a red light legally, thanks to a sign that is multiplying in large cities in France. And it’s not new; it has existed since 1967 under the name “Conditional Crossing Authorization Sign for Bicycles (M12)”.

Yes, we understand, this is little or not taught in driving schools or in the AM license training in middle school. That’s why we explain what the famous M12 sign is.

Improving Bicycle Practice

First, why does this sign exist? For the city of Lyon, it allows “to shift away from the flow of other vehicles and thus avoid certain particularly dangerous conflicts, such as those with heavy vehicles.”

Savez-vous pourquoi les #cyclistes passent si souvent au 🔴 ? Parce qu'ils savent que le strict respect des 🚦 ne leur garantit par forcément la sécurité optimale. Seul un #panneau #M12 leur permet cette pratique de manière légale. Restez prudents ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/B8eoXT8aLh
— Florian BONET (@florian_bonet) February 9, 2023

In many situations, a red light also helps to smooth traffic flow, not solely for safety reasons related to cars. Example: a red light at the exit of a roundabout, without an intersection. Here, an M12 sign makes sense, as it authorizes cyclists to ride up to the next traffic signal, which is at an intersection without an M12 sign, without any danger.

The M12 sign is a yield, not a green light

The M12 sign essentially functions as a yield sign exclusively for cyclists. Unlike a standard yield sign that manages car/motorcycle traffic in case of traffic light failure, the M12 replaces the red light, even if it’s intended for cyclists.

So, a cyclist can “run” a red light. We say “can,” because the triangular sign remains a yield. Cyclists must still give way to pedestrians and other vehicles at intersections. The 2012 decree, which partially amends the 1967 regulation, states explicitly: “the M12 type sign authorizes cyclists to cross the stop line of the light to follow the direction indicated by the arrow, respecting the priority given to other users.”

The M12 cyclist sign is installed under the traffic light, at eye level, but also visible to drivers, motorcyclists, and truck drivers. For example, Lyon already has 42% of its traffic lights equipped with an M12 sign, aiming to reach 100% by 2026.