Ask 2: Is it illegal to cross through a parking lot to avoid traffic light? As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Is it illegal to cross through a parking lot to avoid traffic lights? Answer: It is definitely illegal to cut through a parking lot to avoid a light and turn from one highway to another. If you’re wondering, the rule is in place for safety, because of the amount of pedestrian traffic in a parking lot.