Question: The other day a friend and I were driving on Airport Way. We stopped for a red light and a motorcycle pulled up between two cars and sped off in front of them when the light turned green. My friend said that is legal in some states. Is it legal in Alaska?

— Monica

 

Answer: Monica, no it is not legal in this state.

13AAC 02.427 covers motorcycles and motor-driven cycles on roadways laned for traffic and states: “(a) Motorcycles and motor-driven cycles may be driven upon a lane of a roadway, and no motor vehicle may be driven so as to deprive a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle of the full use of a lane. This provision does not apply to motorcycles or motor-driven cycles driven two abreast in a single lane by consent of both drivers; however, no motorcycles or motor-driven cycles may be driven more than two abreast in a single lane.”

What this means is a motor vehicle cannot deny a motorcycle from operating in a lane by itself and two motorcycles may drive next to each other in the same lane as long as both drivers agree. But no more than two motorcycles may travel in the same lane next to each other.

The issue you are asking about is addressed in paragraph “b” which states:

“No driver of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may overtake and pass another vehicle in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. A driver of a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle may not drive between adjacent lanes or lines of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”

 Motorcycle police are given an exemption from the code if they are operating in the performance of their duties as identified in section “c”.

“The provisions of this section do not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties; however, this exception does not relieve the driver of a police vehicle from the duty to drive with regard for the safety of all persons.”

Wear your seatbelts and remember, kids do not float and neither do adults so always wear a life preserver.

If you have questions that you would like to ask a trooper, please send them to Alaska State Troopers, 1979 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709. Or you can e-mail them to Charles.Inderrieden@alaska.gov. You also can call your local trooper post business number to ask questions. The Alaska State Troopers remind you that real Alaskans choose respect.&nbs ren and family members is not only disrespectful, it’s a crime. It’s OK to speak out.