Except as prohibited by §
19.2-59, on his request or signal, any law-enforcement officer who is in uniform or displays his badge
or other sign of authority may:
1. Stop any motor
vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to inspect its equipment, operation,
manufacturer's serial or engine number; or
2. Stop any
property-carrying motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to inspect its
contents or load or to obtain other necessary information.
Nothing in this
section, however, shall be construed to authorize the establishment on
any highway of police check-points where the only vehicles
subject to inspection are motorcycles.
The second change is to
§ 46.2-857 which is the statute that makes it reckless
driving to drive a motor vehicle abreast of another motor vehicle in a
single lane.
The change that went into effect yesterday makes it legal for two two-wheeled motorcycles to travel abreast in a single lane.
The code now reads as follows:
A person shall be
guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle so as to be
abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle,
or drives any motor vehicle so as to travel abreast of any other
vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit two
two-wheeled motorcycles from traveling abreast while traveling in a lane
designated for one vehicle. In addition, this section shall not
apply to (i) any validly
authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, (ii) a motorcycle
traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal
assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped;
nor shall it apply to (iii) any vehicle when lawfully
overtaking and passing one or more vehicles traveling in the same
direction in a separate lane.
These changes to Virginia code reflect the hard work and cooperation of motorcyclists across the Commonwealth.
It also demonstrates that we are not hostages of the system.
If we disagree with a law we have the collective power to change it.
We have proven that time and time again.
As always, if anyone has any questions or comments about anything that I have written please do not hesitate to contact me.
In the meantime I wish everyone great riding and cool weather (please).
Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
