WASHINGTON - New Motorcycle Law in Effect

OFF THE WIRE
by Nichole Mischke, KHQ Local News

KHQ.COM - A new law that took effect on Thursday, June 12th has changed the rules of the roadway just a little bit for motorcyclists. Those riding street legal motorcycles are now permitted to go through an intersection or turn left onto a left turn intersection, if they have made a complete stop and the traffic control signal has failed to operate after one complete cycle of the traffic signal.

This was put into place due to the fact that some triggered traffic control signals that use vehicle detection devices are unable to detect motorcycles because they are so much smaller than vehicles.

With this new law in effect, motorcyclists are reminded to make certain traffic is clear and utilizing this new law does not put yourself or other motorists/motorcyclists at risk.

This new law is part of Senate Bill 5141 and added a new section to chapter 46.61 of the RCW’s that govern the rules of the road for Washington State.