Well, not really! It's just an interesting side effect of the MINI's mini size.

Several times now I've waited patiently in a left turn lane for the green arrow only to realize (after a couple of cycles...) that the traffic light didn't know I was there! Of course, this only happens when there's no other car in the turn lane.

Apparently, the MINI sometimes fails to trigger the sensor loop embedded in the road. I haven't figured out whether the reason is the MINI's length or its mass...

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

I’ve have just the opposite. I can trigger any light with my MINI. The secret is timing and placement of your car. You have to be within the certain area of the pad and the signal must have cycled several seconds before you entered on to it. If your timing is off the light will not cycle and you could be driving an H2 for all it cares. To trip the light, if you can, back up all the way off the pad and then forward again. It should trip the light right away.

Also if you hit the pad and roll forward far enough where the front wheels are over the front, it will not cycle either. I drive many streets late night and have played with the traffic lights.

Some lights are activated by light itself. You can tell by the sensor that hangs from the light. If you flash your hi beams it should do the trick.These tricks do work.


_________________

 

Just do what I do, use a MIRT.

 

I can save you from your evil self. just send me your money.

Earl

 

I had this problem with my '82 VW Rabbit (curb wt dry=1875#)on a few
intersections, but not with the MINI (over 600# heavier).

 

"Just do what I do, use a MIRT"

??

 

a MIRT is a signal changer like what the police and ambulance drivers use to get threw traffic. it costs are $375 online.

 

>>a MIRT is a signal changer like what the police and ambulance drivers use to get threw traffic. it costs are $375 online.

You'll also face a stiff penalty and (in most states) a loss of your license should you be caught with such a device.

Aside from the legal issues, do you really think it is right (morally) to interfere with the flow of traffic in such a way (and thereby possibly prevent a REAL emergency vehicle from doing it's thing properly)?

I know if one of my loved ones was in an ambulance that couldn't get through traffic because some jerk-off wanted to get to work 2.5 minutes faster (and used such a device) I would be VERY upset.

 

MIRT's also only work in juristictions that use generic light patterns to trigger the lights. In MD many of the lights are configured to recognize a specific pattern that MIRTS don't and can't emulate.

Plus MIRTS are only good in juristictions that use those kinds of signal controls, it's not a universal system by a long shot.

And no I've never had an issue with the MINI not triggering a working stop light sensor. Key word there though is working...

 

I've experienced the same thing with the MINI and my motorcycle. I ended up making a right turn and then U-turn instead. :smile:

 

"MIRT's also only work in juristictions that use generic light patterns to trigger the lights. In MD many of the lights are configured to recognize a specific pattern that MIRTS don't and can't emulate."

I'm surprised they use light as the signalling method -- fog or smoke or direct sunlight could interfere.

Anyone know why they don't use RF?

 

This happens to me fairly often and I get around it the old fashioned way...

I run the light!

 

Again it depends on the municipality, it's not a statewide thing. Back when MIRTS came to the attention of the media last fall, I believe they stated that there were only about 175 signals in the entire state that used a remotely similar system.