Motorcycle have access to preferential lanes?

[vroc13091]

They do in Texas. What about your state?

While doing some other research in the Texas Transportation Code I ran across this little nugget. I had heard it was true but I have been skeptical until I found it in print.

You may operate a motorcycle in bus, HOV, and car pool lanes open to vehicular traffic.
This is an excerpt from the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 680. Below is the link if you wish to read it for yourself.

http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes...htm#680.001.00


SUBCHAPTER B. USE OF PREFERENTIAL LANE BY MOTORCYCLE

§ 680.011. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:
(1) "Motorcycle" has the meaning assigned by Section 502.001 and includes a motorcycle equipped with a sidecar.
(2) "Preferential lane" means a traffic lane on a street or highway where motor vehicle usage is limited to:
(A) buses;
(B) vehicles occupied by a minimum number of persons; or
(C) car pool vehicles.


§ 680.013. USE OF PREFERENTIAL LANE BY MOTORCYCLE. A motorcycle may be operated in a preferential lane that is not closed to all vehicular traffic.

[Idaho]

Idaho is such a rual state that we do not have any preferential lanes for busses or car pool cars. No lane splitting like California. Biggest traffic headache is on the left side of the state between Boise and Nampa during rush hours. I remember driving in Texas in the '70's when they had road signs I think that declared "Drive Friendly" or something like that. Do they still have them or have they been mowed down by road rage?

[dui546]

YES, motorcycles can use the HOV lanes in Virginia. I am unaware of any designated bus lanes anywhere in the state.

[ringadingh]

We can't use the HOV lanes unless you have a passenger, In Toronto however, you can park your bike for free at city owned carparks and parking meters. This is an attempt to ease downtown congestion.

[joesnomad]

Here in Pa. The idiots that run this state can't seem to be even to maintain the roads that we have now. Trying to get an extra lane created would be like hitting the powerball lottery 2 weeks in a row. Its more important that we build Casino's thats the newest thing that there up to. I have seen these lanes in other states to risk sounding like an idiot. What does HOV stand for?

[cactusjack]

I have seen these lanes in other states to risk sounding like an idiot. What does HOV stand for?

HOV = High Occupancy Vehicle. The only vehicles that can use the lanes during peak hours (see below) are alt fuel vehicles, motorcycles, buses, and vehicles with 2 or more occupants. One thing that bothers me about this is that the occupants can be anyone, a soccer mom and 4 children, for example. The true intent of HOV is to take cars off the roads. Having children in a vehicle does not accomplish this. I'd like to see the definition amended to include "two or more licensed drivers". That's my personal soapbox.

In Arizona, motorcycles are authorized to use the HOV lanes during peak hours (05:00-09:00 and 15:00-19:00 M-F), which are the only hours the lanes are restricted, off-peak they are just another lane for all to use.

[rlfaubion]

California allows MC's in all lanes at all times, and is one of the few if not the only that allows "lane sharing" or "lane splitting". My commute is cut well in half on the bike.

[dragon57]

In Georgia we're allowed to use HOV lanes; at least in Atlanta.

[Top Cat]

In New York I don't think drivers want us on the same roads with them let alone ride in special lanes ::)

[misunderstood]

In New York I don't think drivers want us on the same roads with them let alone ride in special lanes ::)

[spirello]

YOU CAN ONLY USE HOV LANES IF IT IS NOTED. OREGON AND WASHINGTON.

No special use lanes in Nebraska. However, in the western part of the state one might have to share the road with cattle from time to time.

[vaccam]

Motorcycles are allowed in the HOV lanes in Maryland.

[joesnomad]

I only experienced lane splitting one time, I was in Boston Mass. visiting my daughter when she was in school. All traffic was going slow15-20 mph . All of sudden here came some dude on a bike between the cars going probably 25 maybe 30 mph scared the sh*t out of me my first thought was this guys an freakin idiot. I thought to myself that there is no way I would do something like that, seen to many drivers just switch lanes with out signal and cut off people. just because there was small opening and they thought that lane was going faster. I have ridden up the berm before when traffic was stopped but was very careful and drove real slow. I have always said its best to arrive alive. A few more minutes wont end the world but one stupid mistake could end mine. I only did this because there was a rest area 1/4 mile from were I was stopped, and if I didnt get there soon it was going to be an awful ugly ride the rest of the way home.

[jayc]

Yes in CT