As reported in the Gas in the GS thread:

Quote from: jag69Lane Splitting Now Legal In Texas

http://news.motorcycle.com/article.motml?sid=3304

Following that link, here are the rules:

An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic:
(1)  shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane, except as provided by Subsection (e); and
(2)  may not move from the lane unless that movement can be made safely.    
... (e)  The operator of a motorcycle may operate the motorcycle for a safe distance between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction during periods of traffic congestion if the operator:
-- (1)  is at least 21 years old;                                        
-- (2)  has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course under Chapter 662;
-- (3)  is covered by a health insurance plan providing the operator with at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of an accident while operating a motorcycle;
and
-- (4)  operates the motorcycle:                                          
...... (A) at a speed not more than five miles per hour over the speed of the other traffic;
...... (B) in traffic that is moving at a speed of 20 miles per hour or less; and
...... (C) in a location other than a school crossing zone or other than a location where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less.

Takes effect today...

Hadn't seen that...not sure if I trust our local police and the general public to know about this either.

they call it filtering over the pond, do it all the time, but you get the odd iodiot thats been sitting in his cage for ages and opens his door or pulls over to close the gap, not as bad as it used to be though

I was right! :O


CRAP. I'm not 21

Are there helmet laws in Texas?

I believe that it was actually caught up in commitee. I don't think it was passed into law, but I could be wrong.

Quoteroguegeek
Are there helmet laws in Texas?

no, but I do believe you have to carry a certain amount of personal liability coverage on your insurance, or else you can still get a ticket for not having a helmet. Not 100% sure on that either, that was what I was told by my insurance when I lived in tx.

HB1522 died in committee. It was not even voted on, let alone passed.

So what exactly is lane splitting? I first thought it was driving along side a car or motorcycle in the same lane, but now it sounds like it when you ride between two cars in their own lanes, with you essentially riding on the painted lines. What are the benefits of this?

Dave  

In this case, they wanted to allow motorcycles to ride down the painted lines when traffic is backed up... this would allow motorcycle traffic to keep moving quickly while the auto traffic is moving slowly or stopped.

That could really piss some people off. Mostly big dummies in huge trucks with "W'04" stickers on the back.  :guns:
Not that I give a shiat.

Dave  

glad to see some states maybe recognizing lane splitting atleast. I do it anyways even though its illegal . hell if im gonna sit in traffic.
VA needs it leagalized.

No, there isn't a helmet law in Texas. But if you wear one it has to be DOT approved. I heard of a story while taking the MSF how some guy was wearing a baseball helmet and got a ticket for it. Stupid!

Only 8 more months until I can legally lanesplit in texas.  

Our bikes are one of the reasons for lane splitting.  I think part of the reason they introduced the law in CA was to prevent bikes from overheating.  Man, I have gotten so used to being able to cut through traffic.  It's funny how it changes your perspective of certain drives during rush hour.  Yeah, it will be slow, but not nearly as slow....

Quote from: thirdmanHB1522 died in committee. It was not even voted on, let alone passed.

Where did you see this? I'd like to check it out, just to clarify the situation.

Edit: Corrected spelling.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/db2www/tlo/billhist/billhist.d2w/report?LEG=79&SESS=R&CHAMBER=H&BILLTYPE=B&BILLSUFFIX=01522

Bill: HB 1522 - Legislative Session: 79(R)

Council Document: 79R 00517

Introduced   02/28/2005 H Referred to Law Enforcement

Relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles during periods of traffic congestion.

Author: Griggs  

Subjects: Vehicles & Traffic--Rules of Road
MOTORCYCLES

House Committee: Law Enforcement
Status: In committee  

Texas DOES have a helmet law.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/helmet.htm

But... it is easy to get an exemption.

Quote2005-GS500-PDX
That could really piss some people off. Mostly big dummies in huge trucks with "W'04" stickers on the back.  
Not that I give a shiat.

Dave

I used to lane split a lot when I lived in texas, it was amazing how many people would get pissed and try to block you from getting through. jealous wankers. I actually got a ticket in WA while splitting lanes. LEO got me with a "riding in an occupied lane" ticket. I still do it once in a while, but thankfully I no longer have to commute on superslab so that helps.

I do it from time to time...  If it was legal, I'd do it a lot more.

I'd love for it to be legal, but maybe it's a good thing that it's not. :dunno:

I'm lost...can we split in Texas or not. [Assuming we like to dodge gunfire]