HB1870: Motorcycles; prohibits two to be operated abreast in single lane, civil penalty.


HOUSE BILL NO. 1870
House Amendments in [ ] -- February 4, 2009
A BILL to amend and reenact 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia, relating to operation of two motorcycles abreast in a single lane.
Patron Prior to Engrossment--Delegate Janis

Referred to Committee on Transportation

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

46.2-857. Driving two abreast in a single lane.

A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle, or drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to travel abreast of any other vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle. However, [ nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit two motorcycles from traveling abreast while traveling in a lane designated for one vehicle. In addition, ] this section shall not apply to any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, nor shall it apply to a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped. [ Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, it shall be a traffic infraction punishable by a $25 civil penalty for two motorcycles to travel abreast in a lane designed for one vehicle. ]

HOUSE BILL NO. 1870
Offered January 14, 2009
Prefiled January 12, 2009
A BILL to amend and reenact 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia, relating to operation of two motorcycles abreast in a single lane.
Patron-- Janis

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That 46.2-857 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

46.2-857. Driving two abreast in a single lane.

A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle, or drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to travel abreast of any other vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit two motorcycles from traveling abreast while traveling in a lane designated for one vehicle. In addition, this section shall not apply to any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, nor shall it apply to a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped.