SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5622
As of February 4, 2022
Title: An act relating to modifying the operation of motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.
Brief Description: Modifying the operation of motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.
Sponsors: Senators Randall, Warnick, Gildon, Lovelett, Nguyen, Nobles, Sheldon and Short.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/07/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the operator of a motorcycle, under certain conditions, to overtake and pass in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken, or operate between lanes of traffic.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)
Background:

Generally, motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane on a highway; these vehicles are subject to certain operational benefits and limitations.  Motorcyclists may operate two abreast in a single lane.  An operator of a motorcycle may not pass a vehicle in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken, unless the vehicle is a bicyclist.

 

A motorcycle may not be operated between lanes of traffic, a practice commonly referred to as lane-splitting, lane-sharing, or lane-filtering.  California is the only state in the U.S. that allows lane-splitting.
Summary of Bill:

The operator of a motorcycle may overtake and pass in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken, or operate between lanes of traffic.  The operator of a motorcycle may only pass in the same lane or between lanes of traffic when the motorcycle is traveling at a speed of 35 miles per hour or less and not more than 10 miles per hour over the speed of traffic flow. 

 

It is a traffic infraction for an operator of a motor vehicle to intentionally impede or attempt to prevent a motorcyclist from operating as permitted under the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.