Are motorcycles allowed to cut inbetween cars at stop lights?

Question

I live in New Hampshire. I am wondering if it is legal for motorcycles to cut in between two rows of cars waiting at a traffic light. The motorcycles will accelerate from the light fastest so it makes sense.. But I want to know if its legal before I start doing it myself. I am only concerned with the laws in the USA, not other countries. Thanks!

Answer 1

Only in Caklifornia as of present, its called whitelining.

Answer 2

Not in NH.
It is expressly illegal here.
Motorcycles may travel two to a lane, side by side.
They may not pass another vehicle in the same lane, other than a police officer in the perfomance of his duties.
For what I left out, go to nh.gov, then rule and laws. You will find the laws are kind of spread out through the RSAs, but most are in "special rules for motorcycles".

I went back and found it again:
(copied and pasted from nh.gov)
TITLE XXI
MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 265
RULES OF THE ROAD
Special Rules for Motorcycles
Section 265:121
265:121 Driving Motorcycles on Roadways Laned for Traffic. –
I. All motorcycles are entitled to the 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; provided, however, that 2 motorcycles may ride abreast in a single lane.
II. The driver of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.
III. No person shall drive a motorcycle on a roadway between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
IV. Motorcycles shall not be driven more than 2 abreast in a single lane.
V. Paragraphs II and III shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.
VI. No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach himself or the motorcycle to any other vehicle, except a sidecar, on the roadway.
Source. RSA 263:29-e. 1967, 443:1. 1981, 146:1, eff. Jan. 1, 1982; 479:49, eff. Jan. 1, 1982, at 12:01 a.m.

Answer 3

They are right about California, it is called lane-sharing. There are some pretty specific rules about it. It isn't just for traffic lights, it is primarily for traffic jams. Washington State has a bill in the legislature right now proposing to make it legal there. They are arguing that it will promote using bikes because of the perceived advantages.

I rode in Germany for 7 years and it is allowed over there (I know, you don't want to know about other countriess, but it is a precedent). So, if it isn't legal in NH (yes, please check the DMV website or call them) then maybe you can start a push for legislation similar to WA and CA.

Answer 4

This is allowed only in California its called white-lining or lane splitting..... and we need it we have the worst traffic in the nation.....

Answer 5

Even if it is legal, it's not smart. There will always be someone who will cut you off or accelerate with you. Then what do you do?

Your future actions are what gives riders a bad name.

Answer 6

Some states allow lane splitting, but you would have to check with your state motor vehicle office and see if it is legal where you live.

Answer 7

wow, i cant believe you cant do that...you can in the uk.and you can also filter through traffic as long as it doesnt put anyone in danger.
thats whats great about a bike...rush hour and traffic lights

;)

Answer 8

Laws vary by state. Contact your states DMV for an answer to your question.

Answer 9

I'm 95 percent sure it isn't legal.

Answer 10

calif. thats how its done....just have to watch-out for them @ssholes, pissed-off, stuck in traffic, that like to open there doors.........