Most of the time, successfully filing a lawsuit over a motorcycle crash means proving that the crash only happened in the first place because someone else broke a traffic law or did something else reckless behind the wheel. However, you’ll also likely need to prove—or at least be prepared to prove—that you weren’t breaking any traffic laws before your wreck happened, or you might run into a lot of trouble getting paid all or any of the money you’d otherwise have been entitled to receive.
With that in mind, it’s important for every rider in the Commonwealth to know how Pennsylvania law applies to them on the road and what impact it might have on their legal rights after an accident. Here is an overview of important Norristown motorcycle traffic laws, which our experienced motorcycle crash attorneys at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers can discuss in more detail during a free initial meeting.
Does the Law Treat Motorcycles Differently from Commuter Cars?
In Pennsylvania, motorcycles are not treated the same as other types of motor vehicles in legal terms. There are certain types of roads that certain types of motorcycles may be prohibited on. While a standard driver’s license allows you to drive any kind of commuter car on public roads, you need to apply for and receive a special motorcycle operator’s license to ride a motorcycle in the Commonwealth.
When it comes to traffic laws applicable to motorcycle riders in Norristown, though, there isn’t much difference between what a motorcyclist and a commuter car driver is expected to do. While riding, you’ll still need to:
- Follow posted speed limits
- Obey traffic signs and signals, follow right-of-way laws
- Maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front of you so you don’t “tailgate” them and increase the chances of a wreck
Unique Rules for Motorcyclists in PA
A few laws are unique to motorcycle traffic in Norristown and throughout the state. 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 3523 specifically lays out the following regulations for “operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic:”
- Motorcyclists can ride two abreast with each other within a single traffic lane
- “Motorized pedalcycles” are prohibited on all limited access highways
- Motorcyclists can’t overtake other vehicles unless they move fully into an adjacent traffic lane first
- Motorcyclists can’t “lane split,” meaning they can’t ride between traffic lanes or rows of stopped cars to advance past traffic jams
- Motorcyclists have the right to the full use of a traffic lane just like any other motor vehicle driver does, and other drivers can’t crowd motorcyclists within a traffic lane or otherwise interfere with that right
This section of Pennsylvania law also states that police officers performing official duties are exempt from the rules prohibiting lane-splitting and overtaking within the same traffic lane.
A Norristown Attorney Can Answer Questions About Local Motorcycle Traffic Laws
Staying inside the lines can do a lot to prevent you from getting seriously hurt in an accident while riding your motorcycle. Unfortunately, even if you follow every Norristown motorcycle traffic law, you may still end up in a collision solely because another person was irresponsible.
In these situations, help is available from our winning legal professionals at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Call now to set up a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our well-known and respected attorneys.
