For the most part, all the traffic rules and regulations that apply to people driving cars, trucks, and SUVs also apply to people operating motorcycles, whether they’re riding on two wheels or three. There are a few unique ways that Pennsylvania law deals with motorcycle riders that are worth knowing about in advance, especially if you’re used to riding in another state with slightly different rules.
Here is a brief overview of some particularly important Bethlehem motorcycle traffic laws that all riders and their passengers should be aware of. If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash that you believe was caused by someone violating a traffic law, you should strongly consider contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss the possibility of a civil claim.
Lane Splitting and Lane Sharing
In some states, motorcyclists are allowed to ride between lanes of traffic in order to get through traffic jams or advance to the front of a line of cars stopped at a traffic light. In Pennsylvania, this practice of lane splitting is not allowed, and anyone who does it while riding a motorcycle may get pulled over and ticketed for a traffic violation in Bethlehem.
One thing motorcyclists can do here that isn’t always allowed in other states is ride two abreast alongside another motorcyclist within the same traffic lane. In some other states, groups of motorcyclists have to ride in a staggered formation, with each motorcyclist having roughly the same amount of space around them as a typical motor vehicle would take up on the road, but the Commonwealth doesn’t place that particular restriction on riders.
Ride on Red Rules
Another regulation worth mentioning about motorcycle traffic rules in Bethlehem is the Ride on Red law. When a stoplight does not change from red to green after multiple normal cycles, motorcycle riders can treat it like a stop sign and advance past the red light as long as there is no oncoming traffic. This is meant to address situations where a traffic light is malfunctioning or where a vehicle isn’t heavy enough to trigger the sensors under the road surface that are supposed to tell the traffic light system to cycle the lights.
Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists
While it isn’t strictly a traffic law, motorcyclists in Bethlehem should also be aware of the insurance requirements that Pennsylvania law places on them, similar to the ones it places on commuter car drivers. The minimum amount of liability insurance you must have as a motorcyclist is $15,000 for injuries suffered by one person, $30,000 for all injuries stemming from a single accident, and $5,000 for all property damage stemming from a single accident.
A Bethlehem Attorney Can Explain Motorcycle Traffic Laws in More Detail
Following regulations while on your motorcycle can be crucial not just to avoiding accidents but also to protecting your right to seek civil compensation if someone else ends up causing a crash through their own misconduct. You may have a difficult time getting paid what you deserve without guidance from experienced legal counsel.
A well-known motorcycle accident lawyer can answer any questions you have about Bethlehem motorcycle traffic laws and offer custom-tailored guidance about your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation. Call Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers today to schedule yours.
