Arkansas House Bill HB1755

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Operation Of A Motorcycle.

Impact

The introduction of lane splitting in Arkansas aims to enhance safety and convenience for motorcyclists, especially in congested traffic situations. The bill allows the Arkansas State Police to develop educational guidelines for lane splitting, which is crucial for promoting safe practices among motorcyclists and ensuring awareness among other road users. This could potentially lead to a reduction in motorcycle accidents attributed to congested traffic conditions, provided that proper education and safety measures are enacted.

Summary

House Bill 1755 proposes to amend existing laws concerning the operation of motorcycles in Arkansas. A central feature of the bill is the introduction of the concept of 'lane splitting', defined as the act of a motorcycle driving between rows of stopped or moving vehicles within the same lane. This modification seeks to clarify the legal framework surrounding this practice, which has been a topic of debate in various states across the U.S.

Contention

While the bill supports motorcycle operations in certain contexts, it may raise concerns among other drivers and advocates for road safety. There is potential for contention regarding how lane splitting will be received by the general public and drivers unfamiliar with it. Some may fear that allowing lane splitting could lead to increased risks for motorcyclists or create confusion among drivers, necessitating thorough public education on the new practice to mitigate such issues.