BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 4122

By: Guillen

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law is silent regarding the operation and movement of motorcycles on a roadway lane for the purpose of decongesting traffic. This can lead to injuries or vehicular damage due to motorcyclists not being visible in the road, as well as longer periods of traffic congestion. H.B. 4122 seeks to address the operation of motorcycles on a roadway laned for traffic and make such roadways safer for both motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists by entitling the operator of a motorcycle to full use of a lane, authorizing motorcycles to operate two abreast in a single lane, and prohibiting certain conduct by motorcycle operators. 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 4122 amends the Transportation Code to entitle the operator of a motorcycle to full use of a lane and to prohibit the operator of a motor vehicle from driving in a manner that deprives a motorcycle of such use. The bill authorizes the operator of a motorcycle to operate the motorcycle two abreast in a single lane with another motorcycle.

H.B. 4122 prohibits the operator of a motorcycle from doing the following:

· operating the motorcycle more than two abreast in a single lane with other motorcycles;

· operating the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; or

· passing a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed.

These prohibitions do not apply to a police officer in the performance of the officer's official duties.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.