bill legalizing lane splitting for motorcycles

The text as introduced · 370 words

89R13339 JAM-F

By: Reynolds
H.B. No. 2957

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles on a roadway

laned for traffic.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 545.060(a), Transportation Code, is

amended to read as follows:

(a) 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 Section 545.0605 ; and

(2) may not move from the lane unless that movement can

be made safely.

SECTION 2. Section 545.0605, Transportation Code, is

amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to

read as follows:

(a) The operator of a motorcycle:

(1) is entitled to full use of a lane and, except as

otherwise provided by Subdivision (2), a motor vehicle may not be

driven in a manner that deprives a motorcycle of the full use of a

lane;

(2) may :

(A) operate the motorcycle :

(i) two abreast in a single lane with

another motorcycle; or

(ii) for a safe distance between lanes of

traffic moving in the same direction; or

(B) pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as

the vehicle being passed only if:

(i) the operator is on a divided highway

with at least two lanes of traffic in each direction;

(ii) the vehicle being passed is stopped or

moving at a speed of not more than 10 miles per hour;

(iii) the motorcycle is operated at a speed

of not more than 20 miles per hour when making the pass; and

(iv) the pass can be made safely; and

(3) may not[ ;

[ (A) ] operate the motorcycle more than two

abreast in a single lane with other motorcycles[ ;

[ (B) operate the motorcycle between lanes of

traffic moving in the same direction; or

[ (C) pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane

as the vehicle being passed ].

(c) Subsection (a) does not authorize the operator of a

motorcycle to pass a school bus in a manner prohibited by Section

545.066.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.