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Hey all,
A couple legality questions for you I don't think I've encountered even in my LCI training.
1. Is it legal to turn right on a red arrow? (This would apply for drivers too, of course.)
2. Is it legal for motorists to pass bicyclists across a double yellow line? (Is this state-specific? Hmmmm.)
Thanks for the inputs!
no and no.
I know the answer to 1 is definitely no.
For 2, I think it's no for solid double yellow lines. Yes if the line on the inside becomes dotted for passing.
I thought that was a "yes" to allow 3-foot to pass. Otherwise, they're buzzing too close to us.Quote:
Originally Posted by kfergos
Double-yellow is a no-passing zone--I doubt that it matters if the vehicle being passed is a bicycle or a motor vehicle.
Gosh...I get passed in a double-yellow zone ALL THE TIME in my area. I don't know, but I think drivers here must think that since they are passing a bicycle, it's okay to do it. I've even had cars attempt to pass me on a double-yellow in a blind curve....:eek:
For the arrow one, I've agonized because I see people drive through when it's red and I see other people wait. I don't want to piss off drivers behind me unnecessarily, so I'd really like to know I'm doing the right thing.
That's why I ask. I know bicycles are legally vehicles, which would make you think that cars should stay behind you in double-yellow zones. But everything seems double-yellow around here, and I can't count the number of times cars have passed me anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by nscrbug
The second one is definitely a YES in the state of Colorado. When they put our "3 foot law" in they specifically stated that motorists could cross a double-yellow to pass a cyclist if they other lane is clear.Quote:
Originally Posted by kfergos
Definitely "no" to number one. But here in Maine, it is legal to pass on a double yellow line if you are passing a cyclist. This law was passed when the three foot law took effect.
these questions are very state specific. Since the OP is in Washington, just from a reading of the statutes, IANAWL etc. etc.,
the answer to #1 is YES, right turn on red, including a red arrow, after stop . RCW 46.61.055(3)(c).
the answer to #2 (as in many other states) is it depends on whether case law has determined that a bicycle is considered an "obstruction." RCW 46.61.130, 46.61.100(1)(b). Consult an experienced traffic lawyer on that one if it's important to you, but as a practical matter, I can't imagine the cops hassling someone for passing a bicyclist safely, as long as they yield appropriately to oncoming traffic. Cops themselves do it all the time where I live.
#1 is maybe. Depends on where you are. As Oakleaf said, it's legal in Washington. It's legal in my home state too, but you very rarely see red arrows--green arrows turn into solid round red lights, so there's no confusion. More info here: http://www.johncletheroe.org/usa_can/driving/right.htm
I also think Oakleaf is right about #2. Legal or not, I doubt anyone would get in trouble for it, but if something happened as a result (collision with oncoming traffic) then they could be cited for it.
Sarah
Both of those are legal in Missouri. Some red lights are marked "no right on red" but otherwise yes. I believe the yellow line one passed last year.