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Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

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Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:10 AM
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Default Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

The old law:

§ 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, this section shall not apply to (i) any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, or law-enforcement officers driving motorcycles while on official duty; (ii) a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped; nor shall it apply to (iii) any vehicle when lawfully overtaking and passing one or more vehicles traveling in the same direction in a separate lane.



The new law:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp...1+ful+CHAP0007

[H 97] Approved February 28, 2012:
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, so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle, or drives any motor vehicle, so as to travel abreast of any other vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit two two-wheeled motorcycles from traveling abreast while traveling in a lane designated for one vehicle. In addition, this section shall not apply to (i) any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort; (ii) a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped; nor shall it apply to (iii) any vehicle when lawfully overtaking and passing one or more vehicles traveling in the same direction in a separate lane.

Last edited by Southwade; Mar 12, 2012 at 09:01 AM.
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:13 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

Any keyboard lawyers out there care to shed some light on this?
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:32 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

If a motor vehicle can legally be in the same lane as a moped... then a moped can legally be in the same lane a motor vehicle, sharing the lane. Filtering.

No?
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:32 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

Now legal for both mopeds and two motorcycles. Still cannot have a motorcycle occupying the same lane as another car. My understanding is that this was done because some police officers were being super picky and writing tickets to motorcyclists sharing a lane at a stop light/sign.
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:38 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

Originally Posted by 99formula
Now legal for both mopeds and two motorcycles. Still cannot have a motorcycle occupying the same lane as another car. My understanding is that this was done because some police officers were being super picky and writing tickets to motorcyclists sharing a lane at a stop light/sign.
"In addition, this section shall not apply to ... mopeds"

Yes, I agree motorcycles can't legally filter (which is stupid), but the law specifically says that doesn't apply to mopeds.
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:47 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

You're reading it properly. Both a car/motorcycle can occupy the same lane as a moped and two motorcycles can occupy the same lane. Seems like any number of mopeds, with all practicalities considered, could share the same lane under the law, even while sharing the lane with a car or up to two motorcycles.

VA laws on stupid shit like this make absolutely no sense.
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 07:50 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

That how I read it. Now, hopefully there's no other laws that prevent this. I haven't found any yet.

Too bad I just sold my Ruckus
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 08:55 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

Originally Posted by 99formula
You're reading it properly. Both a car/motorcycle can occupy the same lane as a moped and two motorcycles can occupy the same lane. Seems like any number of mopeds, with all practicalities considered, could share the same lane under the law, even while sharing the lane with a car or up to two motorcycles.

VA laws on stupid shit like this make absolutely no sense.
The motorcycle's thing is not true. In VA you cannot pass a motorcycle and a motorcycle in the same lane. Or ride next to each other, only staggered.

My dad and I got pulled over, doing 25 in a neighborhood all because I was riding next to him.


*edit* I read this law and now I am very confused as to why we got pulled over. WTH?!
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 08:57 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

Originally Posted by Halfrican
The motorcycle's thing is not true. In VA you cannot pass a motorcycle and a motorcycle in the same lane. Or ride next to each other, only staggered.

My dad and I got pulled over, doing 25 in a neighborhood all because I was riding next to him.


*edit* I read this law and now I am very confused as to why we got pulled over. WTH?!
Was it before February 28, 2012?
Old Mar 12, 2012 | 09:21 AM
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Default Re: Filtering (a.k.a. Lane Splitting) Legal... for mopeds?

Originally Posted by one wheel drive
Was it before February 28, 2012?
this^^^ it was just passed.



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