Legal To Pass Traffic On Shoulder in U.S.?
#1
01-13-2009 | 05:28 AM
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From: Japan
Legal To Pass Traffic On Shoulder in U.S.?
Just curious. Is it legal to get in the shoulder to pass stopped traffic on a two-wheeled vehicle in the states? Some states? Any states?
Here in Japan it is legal, as long as the vehicles you are passing are actually stopped and then, only if there is a sidewalk next to the shoulder you're using to pass. This is a really good justification for using a bike to commute, here, because this law makes it much faster for two-wheelers during rush hour. The only problem is, it annoys the hell out cagers, because I think a lot of them don't know it's legal in the first place and because there are a lot of teenagers on scooters with bad manners who, bend the law as much as possible, by not merging back into traffic when it starts to move and by driving between stopped and slow-moving vehicles (illegal).
Navigating these narrow shoulders on a big-twin Harley, however, is a challenge that demands good judgement and a good knowledge of your own skill-level. Many times, I've looked at the gap between that curb and that $70,000 Lexus and said to myself, "I probably could, but nah..."
Here in Japan it is legal, as long as the vehicles you are passing are actually stopped and then, only if there is a sidewalk next to the shoulder you're using to pass. This is a really good justification for using a bike to commute, here, because this law makes it much faster for two-wheelers during rush hour. The only problem is, it annoys the hell out cagers, because I think a lot of them don't know it's legal in the first place and because there are a lot of teenagers on scooters with bad manners who, bend the law as much as possible, by not merging back into traffic when it starts to move and by driving between stopped and slow-moving vehicles (illegal).
Navigating these narrow shoulders on a big-twin Harley, however, is a challenge that demands good judgement and a good knowledge of your own skill-level. Many times, I've looked at the gap between that curb and that $70,000 Lexus and said to myself, "I probably could, but nah..."
#6
01-13-2009 | 08:26 AM
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From: Mn.on a lake,well nxt to a lake.
Crossing the fog line(right solid white line) can get you pulled over and ticketed,you can use the right side if it is a Designated passing lane for left turning traffic so you dont have to stop,mostly used on rural highways.....
#7
01-13-2009 | 08:37 AM
Here state side that lane is considered an emergency or breakdown lane depending on your location. I would think that in most places you would get a ticket.
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#8
01-13-2009 | 09:21 AM
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From: Forest Lake, Mn
#10
01-13-2009 | 09:55 AM
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From: On a hill among the hills, PA
Illegal here but if you were from another country you would think the following is legal
Passing on the shoulder even if your drivin your cage
Right turns from the shoulder
Right turn on red no need to actually stop
After a light turns red three vehicles can still proceed in any direction
20 MPH over any speed limit
No need to actually stop for a stop sign...slow down is all thats required
Yield...WTF is that!!!
You can use a parking lot or gas station to avoid a red light!!!
Passing on the shoulder even if your drivin your cage
Right turns from the shoulder
Right turn on red no need to actually stop
After a light turns red three vehicles can still proceed in any direction
20 MPH over any speed limit
No need to actually stop for a stop sign...slow down is all thats required
Yield...WTF is that!!!
You can use a parking lot or gas station to avoid a red light!!!
Last edited by krwould; 01-13-2009 at 09:59 AM.