79R517 JRJ-D

By:  Griggs                                                       H.B. No. 1522



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the operation and movement of motorcycles during 
periods of traffic congestion.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 545.060, Transportation Code, is amended 
by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (e) to read as 
follows:
	(a)  An operator on a roadway divided into two or more 
clearly marked lanes for traffic:
		(1)  shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within 
a single lane, except as provided by Subsection (e); and
		(2)  may not move from the lane unless that movement can 
be made safely.    
	(e)  The operator of a motorcycle may operate the motorcycle 
for a safe distance between lanes of traffic moving in the same 
direction during periods of traffic congestion if the operator:
		(1)  is at least 21 years old;                                         
		(2)  has successfully completed a motorcycle operator 
training and safety course under Chapter 662;
		(3)  is covered by a health insurance plan providing 
the operator with at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries 
incurred as a result of an accident while operating a motorcycle; 
and
		(4)  operates the motorcycle:                                          
			(A)  at a speed not more than five miles per hour 
over the speed of the other traffic;
			(B)  in traffic that is moving at a speed of 20 
miles per hour or less; and
			(C)  in a location other than a school crossing 
zone or other than a location where the posted speed limit is 20 
miles per hour or less.
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.