Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB457

Introduced
3/16/23  

Caption

In general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic and providing for drivers in organized motorcycle processions; and, in rules of the road in general, further providing for following too closely.

Impact

The passage of HB457 would result in significant changes to Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning vehicle operation. By providing organized motorcycle processions specific rights and exemptions from standard traffic rules, the bill seeks to promote the safety of these events and ensure smoother traffic flow during such gatherings. The requirements for visual signals on motorcycles and mandated notification to municipalities about upcoming processions aim to ensure public awareness and safety, potentially decreasing the risk of accidents during these events.

Summary

House Bill 457 aims to amend the operation of vehicles in Pennsylvania, particularly focusing on the rules concerning organized motorcycle processions and the obedience to traffic directions by authorized persons. This bill introduces new regulations that allow drivers in organized motorcycle processions certain privileges, such as the ability to park irrespective of local laws and proceed through red lights if the leading vehicle in the procession has initiated movement while the signal is green. These amendments seek to enhance the safety and visibility of motorcycle processions, which are often conducted for memorial or charitable purposes.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB457 appears to be positive among supporters who view the bill as a necessary step to facilitate the safe and lawful operation of organized motorcycle events. Advocates suggest that the bill recognizes the unique needs of motorcyclists participating in processions and balances these with essential safety measures. However, there may be some concerns among traffic safety proponents about the potential implications of allowing vehicles to proceed through signals and how this might interact with existing traffic laws.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB457 include the implications of allowing motorcycles in organized processions to disregard standard traffic signals. Critics may argue that this could lead to confusion among other road users and potentially increase the risk of collisions, especially in busy urban areas. The stipulations regarding the minimum number of participants and safety equipment in the processions are designed to mitigate these concerns, but they require effective oversight and community engagement to implement successfully.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB595

In general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic and providing for drivers in organized motorcycle processions; and, in rules of the road in general, further providing for following too closely.

PA HB918

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for traffic-control signals and for pedestrian-control signals; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1056

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for traffic-control signals and for pedestrian-control signals; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks; and imposing penalties.

PA SB1147

In rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting use of hearing impairment devices and for additional parking regulations; in inspection of vehicles, further providing for inspection of motorcycles; and, in motorcycles, further providing for motorcycle safety education program.

PA HB1708

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; in other required equipment, further providing for general requirements for other vehicles transporting school children; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1561

In general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for drivers of emergency vehicles.

PA HB1504

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; in rules of the road in general, further providing for overtaking vehicle on the left and providing for vehicles passing pedestrians on a highway; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for penalty for violation of subchapter; and, in miscellaneous provisions relating to offenses in general, further providing for the offense of careless driving.

PA HB1346

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; in rules of the road in general, further providing for overtaking vehicle on the left and providing for vehicles passing pedestrians on a highway; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for penalty for violation of subchapter; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offense of careless driving.

PA SB37

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting text-based communications and providing for prohibiting use of interactive mobile device; in miscellaneous provisions relating to serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle; in enforcement, providing for data collection and reporting relating to traffic stops; and imposing penalties.

PA SB65

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for meeting or overtaking school bus; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

IL HB4966

SPECIALTY PLATE FOR MOTORCYCLE

CA SR41

Relative to motorcycle profiling.

CA AB2972

Vehicles: enforcement: motorcycle profiling.

LA SB276

Provides for distribution and sale of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. (8/1/12)

CA SB1036

Motorcycles: special plates.

CA SR63

Relative to motorcycle profiling.

CA SCR52

Motorcycle Awareness Month.

NM SB236

Look Twice For Motorcycle License Plate