Arizona Splitting Bill introduced

[Surj]

Ever since Arizona clarified that motorcycles could indeed use the car pool lanes, there hasn't been that much need for lane splitting. Most of the big traffic jams here occur at places where the freeways merge, and that isn't a safe place for lane splitting anyhow.  The new law would also make filtering (the European definition, moving to the front of stopped cars at a light) legal, and that would be helpful.

 

What did AZ clarify? That they were going to follow federal law?

 

Allowable Exceptions - 23 U.S.C. 166( (1)

Subject to various requirements specified in the statute, 23 U.S.C. 166 authorizes five specific vehicle classes to travel on HOV facilities under an exemption from the "no fewer than two" vehicle occupancy requirement: (1) motorcycles and bicycles (with qualifications); (2) public transportation vehicles and over-the-road buses; (3) high occupancy tolled (HOT) vehicles; (4) low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (defined therein, but essentially alternative fuel vehicles) until Sept. 30, 2025; and (5) other low emission and energy efficient vehicles identified under EPA-certified qualifications through Sept. 30, 2019.

[Surj]

Arizona law as it currently stands - pretty basic

 

 

28-729. Driving on roadways laned for traffic

If a roadway is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent with this section apply:

1. A person shall drive a vehicle as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not move the vehicle from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety.

2. On a roadway that is divided into three lanes, a person shall not drive a vehicle in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of the allocation.

3. Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or designating those lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center of the roadway, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of every sign.

 

That is actually not the vehicle code that currently prohibits splitting in AZ, although a LEO could use 1. to write a ticket for not staying completely within the lane.

The more relevant code is 28-903, which specifically prohibits lane splitting:

 

28-903. Operation of motorcycle on laned roadway; exceptions

A. All motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane. A person shall not drive a motor vehicle in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection does not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

C. A person shall not operate a motorcycle between the lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles.

D. A person shall not operate a motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane.

E. Subsections B and C do not apply to peace officers in the performance of their official duties.

[bbolesaz]

Yep, Arizona had to clarify that they would follow federal law.  It's a time honored tradition to ignore federal law here in Zonie land.  Didja know that R-22 Freon is explicitly legal in Arizona, even though there are no sources for it.  Why do you think we ignore daylight savings time?  Google "Sherrif Joe" some time.

 

Thanks for finding 28-903, I didn't find it on my google search.

[gstallons]

HaHa!!!

[Surj]

Oh, I know Sheriff Joe, unfortunately, and other nonsense as well. Didn't know about the HOV lane thing, though.