Legal Questions

[kfergos]

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!

[Biciclista]

no and no.

[tangentgirl]

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.

[Pedal Wench]

2. Is it legal for motorists to pass bicyclists across a double yellow line? (Is this state-specific? Hmmmm.)

Thanks for the inputs!

I thought that was a "yes" to allow 3-foot to pass. Otherwise, they're buzzing too close to us.

[zoom-zoom]

Double-yellow is a no-passing zone--I doubt that it matters if the vehicle being passed is a bicycle or a motor vehicle.

[nscrbug]

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....

[kfergos]

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.

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....

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.

[MartianDestiny]

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!

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.

[ridebikeme]

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.

[OakLeaf]

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.

[sfa]

#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

[Melalvai]

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.