Riding on the mountainous roads around Flagstaff on a motorcycle is a different experience from driving through the same area in a standard passenger vehicle. Nevertheless, as a motorcyclist, the law expects you to follow the same traffic rules and restrictions on public roads as every other motor vehicle operator, such as staying within traffic lines and appropriately yielding the right-of-way.
However, there are a few ways in which state law treats motorcycle traffic differently, and knowing what those exceptions are can be key to both enjoying your rides and staying safe. This page presents a brief overview of important Flagstaff motorcycle traffic laws riders should be aware of. The seasoned motorcycle injury lawyers at Phillips Law Group can explain the rules for motorcycle operation in more detail during a free, no-obligation consultation.
In 2022, Arizona state legislators made a significant change to motorcycle traffic laws affecting riders in Flagstaff and all over the Grand Canyon State. While lane splitting—or riding on the lines between traffic lanes at speed with surrounding traffic—is still illegal here, motorcyclists are allowed to engage in lane filtering under certain conditions, meaning they can slowly advance past stopped or slow traffic to reduce their risk of getting rear-ended by approaching cars.
Specifically, lane filtering is only allowed on roads with posted speed limits of 45 miles per hour or less and with at least two lanes traveling in the same direction as the motorcyclist. In addition, the motorcyclist must keep their speed below 15 miles per hour while filtering forward between legal traffic lanes. Any motorcyclist who advances past traffic on a road’s shoulder or median may still be ticketed for illegal lane splitting.
In addition, Arizona’s traffic laws allow motorcyclists in Flagstaff to ride next to each other within a single lane of traffic. However, lane sharing is only permissible if every motorcycle operator involved consents to the maneuver, and no more than two motorcycles may ride side by side within one traffic lane.
Outside of the above exceptions, motorcycles are treated as functionally identical to other motor vehicles in terms of expectations and rights. This means that, unless they are lawfully lane filtering or lane sharing, motorcyclists must leave enough space between them and surrounding vehicles so that they would not be tailgating or otherwise in danger of causing a collision. Other drivers must give motorcyclists an equivalent amount of space and respect on the road.
Even if you fully comply with Flagstaff motorcycle traffic laws, you still can get seriously hurt in an accident that someone else causes. Fortunately, that is where an experienced legal professional can step in to help you understand and proactively enforce your right to seek civil recovery from those who caused the crash.
The dedicated attorneys at Phillips Law Group are here to support you, and they are willing to take your case to trial to ensure you get fair compensation. Call today to learn more about your legal options from a member of our team.
Available 24/7