SAN ANTONIO — Following the rules of the road are a must for both your safety and others.
In tonight's Verify, take a closer look at one form of transportation and a question submitted by one of our viewers.
Most of us have a good handle on the law when you drive a car or a truck. But what about when it comes to motorcycles? It can be a little confusing.
THE QUESTION
That brings us to tonight's claim sent in by Ann Gonzalez. She asked, "Is it legal for a motorcycle driver to ride the solid or dotted line between two moving cars in Texas?"
THE SOURCES
- Kyle Herbert, the founder and owner of The Herbert Law Firm
- The Texas Transportation Code
THE ANSWER
FALSE
WHAT WE FOUND
Herbert says it is indeed illegal and motorcycle drivers need to follow the laws that other vehicles on the road do as well.
"You've got to follow all the same rules as everybody else on the road, including, pedestrians and cars and 18-wheelers," said Herbert. "And our motor laws actually say you must maintain your vehicle, whatever it is, in a single lane of traffic unless you're moving lanes."
We reached out to SAPD about this and they directed us to the Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545.
"Motorcyclists may not operate the motorcycle two abreast in a single lane with another motorcycle, operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, or pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed," Operation and Movement of Vehicles says.
So no, it is false. It is not legal for a motorcycle driver to ride the solid or dotted line between two moving cars in Texas. Herbert also told us that because motorcycles don't have the safety features most other vehicles have like airbags and seatbelts, making it even more important for motorcycle riders to obey the law.