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New Senate bill gives motorcycles permission to bypass traffic

Only allowed under defined circumstances
Posted: 11:09 AM, Mar 28, 2022
Updated: 2022-03-29 11:35:05-04
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TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Governor Doug Ducey's recent signing of a Senate bill has given more leeway to motorcyclists traveling in and out of traffic.

He recently signed the bill Wednesday after it successfully passed through both the Senate floor and House of Representatives.

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According to the legislation, two-wheeled motorcycles may overtake and pass traffic if vehicles sharing the road are at a complete stop.

However, the law only allows this passing if a motorcyclist:

  1. OPERATES THE MOTORCYCLE ON A STREET THAT BOTH:
    1. IS DIVIDED INTO AT LEAST TWO ADJACENT TRAFFIC LANES IN THE SAME DIRECTION OF TRAVEL.
    2. HAS A SPEED LIMIT THAT DOES NOT EXCEED FORTY-FIVE MILES PER HOUR.
  2. TRAVELS AT A SPEED THAT DOES NOT EXCEED FIFTEEN MILES PER HOUR.

Sponsored by Representatives Tyler Pace (R) and Frank P. Carroll (R), S.B. 1273 two-wheeled motorcycle operation is effective 90 days after the Legislature ends this year’s session.

Jared Ernest, who is part of the motor unit at the Pima County Sheriff's Department says they hope to educate the public of the new law.

"Motorcyclists need to be aware that the motorists aren't going to know what's going on and why they are splitting lanes because most people aren't aware of the law change," Jared Ernest, PCSD Deputy said.

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Caleb Fernández is a digital content producer for KGUN 9. After earning his bachelor's degree from Penn State in Advertising/Public Relations, Caleb went to New York where he learned production assistance, photography and art direction. Share your story ideas and important issues with Caleb by emailing caleb.fernandez@kgun9.com or by connecting on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.