Illinois bikers can run red lights. Kinda.

A NEW law in Illinois declares that motorcycles and bicycles can run red lights, but only after waiting for a 'reasonable' amount of time.

The law was passed because motorcycles and push-bikes aren't heavy enough to trigger the traffic-light sensors and therefore can be left waiting until a heavier vehicle pulls up behind them.

The new law states:

“After stopping, the driver of a motorcycle or bicycle facing a steady red signal which fails to change to a green signal within a reasonable period of time because of a signal malfunction or because the signal has failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle or bicycle due to the vehicle’s size or weight, shall have the right to proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign as required by section 11-1204 of this code.’’

The word 'reasonable' has been open to debate and the police enforcing the law say riders should wait for two minutes until they head through the red light.