Traffic Q&A: Motorcyclists must stop when others do
ROB CARSON
Question: If you’re on a motorcycle, is it OK to go between cars when traffic is stopped? – Steve, Tacoma
Answer: Not in Washington.
Many other countries allow lane-splitting, but in the United States, California is the only state where it’s allowed.
Even in California, there are caveats. The California Highway Patrol says, “Lane splitting by motorcyclists is permissible, but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.”
Here’s what 46.61.608 of the Revised Code of Washington says about how motorcyclists should use the road:
(1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.
(2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
(3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
(4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.
(5) Subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.
rob.carson@thenewstribune.com
253-597-8693
