LOCAL RESIDENT LAUNCHES CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE PROTEST OVER RED LIGHT REFERENDUM

A Los Santos resident has taken a bold stand against what he describes as a flawed and misguided traffic policy following the controversial red light referendum passed earlier this summer.

In a letter submitted to our newsroom, a local citizen named Dieter voiced his frustrations with the city's current stance on traffic signals, particularly the enforcement of full red light stops rather than treating them as four-way stop signs in certain low-traffic situations.

"Anyone who's ever had to sit through six light cycles to get through a single intersection by lower Pillbox knows what I'm talking about," Dieter wrote, referencing the notorious congestion in central Los Santos. "It's time we put a stop to the insanity."

Dieter argues that there is no conclusive evidence suggesting that treating red lights as four-way stops in non-peak conditions would compromise public safety. He plans to protest peacefully by engaging in what he calls “safe, civil disobedience” — coming to a complete stop at red lights, checking for cross-traffic, and then proceeding when it is safe, as one would at a stop sign.

Notably, Dieter has vowed to follow specific personal guidelines to ensure his protest does not endanger the public or disrupt the duties of law enforcement. He emphasized that he will not pass vehicles on the shoulder, will not speed, and will always yield to anyone already in the intersection.

"I fully understand that [law enforcement] have a job to do," he added. "I'm not here to make their job more difficult or dangerous."

In addition to his on-road actions, Dieter intends to protest in designated public spaces throughout the city — including outside City Hall, police stations, and along major roadways — in an effort to raise awareness and spark conversation about traffic reform.

The protest stems from Dieter's belief that the original referendum lacked adequate public input and transparency. He claims that law enforcement personnel dominated the feedback process, skewing the outcome in favor of stricter red light adherence.

“I don't feel that the previous referendum was given an appropriate comment period,” he wrote. “I also feel like the majority of the commentary came from individuals employed by law enforcement.”

As his protest begins to take shape, Dieter hopes that like-minded citizens will join him in calling for reconsideration of the red light policy — not through aggression or disruption, but through informed dialogue and visible, peaceful action.

He concluded his letter with a call for unity and safety:

“Please remember: be safe, be civil, and be aware. Together, I truly believe we can make this state better.”