HOV exemption for motorcycles in MD?

[grogs]

Can anyone direct me to the section of Maryland Code that exempts motorcycles from (2) occupant restrictions in MD HOV lanes? I was pulled over this morning on MD Rt. 50 for being in the HOV lanes without a passenger. After a brief discussion with the trooper, including directing his attention to the sign that reads "motorcycles ok" it was determined that neither of us really knew what the law was. I left without a ticket, but I want to be sure that, if this happens again, I know what I am talking about. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Ben_Ricci]

I thought the law was federal. Part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. I suppose there could be local exceptions?

[Dough Boy]

You're kidding right? There are signs along that stretch that plainly state that motos are "OK" as you said. How could he be so dense as to pull you over??

[pjamet]

You're kidding right? There are signs along that stretch that plainly state that motos are "OK" as you said. How could he be so dense as to pull you over??

My thoughts exactly, was this trooper new to the job????

speaking of troopers, one flew by me yesterday on 270 in the left shoulder, fifteen minutes later, the poor guy was changing his tire.

[raysuf]

You're kidding right? There are signs along that stretch that plainly state that motos are "OK" as you said. How could he be so dense as to pull you over??

Considering 50 and 270 are the only roads in MD that has an HOV lane I can see how the public isn't clear on the law, but the officer patroling the road should be. Atleast you don't have to waste your time going to court to fight it.

[grogs]

The trooper was young, and seemed new to the job. The real problem, aside from the obvious inconvenience for me and the subsequent cyclists he encounters, is that when I called him on the motorcycle exemption he became confused, which led to embarrassment, which led him to be curt with me. He was obviously pissed that he didn’t understand the law and was ready to take it out on me. Fortunately, all my paperwork was in order, but had it not been, he would have raked me over the coals. He never apologized, just told me to get out of here.

[repo]

on 270, north off the beltway doesn't clearly state motorcycles are ok. there is a wee small sign about 3 miles after the diamonds and normal signage that says "motorcycles ok". and then, for the next 15 miles or so...NOTHING.

I double checked w/ a friend to see that I was safe.

[kioolt]

I't s my understanding that any highway maintained with federal funds has to allow motorcycles in the HOV lanes unless they can prove that it would be unsafe to.

[DogHouse]

You're kidding right? There are signs along that stretch that plainly state that motos are "OK" as you said. How could he be so dense as to pull you over??

My thoughts exactly, was this trooper new to the job????

speaking of troopers, one flew by me yesterday on 270 in the left shoulder, fifteen minutes later, the poor guy was changing his tire.

[DJ Etch]

on 270, north off the beltway doesn't clearly state motorcycles are ok. there is a wee small sign about 3 miles after the diamonds and normal signage that says "motorcycles ok". and then, for the next 15 miles or so...NOTHING.

I double checked w/ a friend to see that I was safe.

until there is a sign saying that it is not okay, but the one stating it's okay stands.

and yes it's a federal law and the AMA get reports all the time of people getting pulled and heavily fined for it on 2 wheels.

[repo]

on 270, north off the beltway doesn't clearly state motorcycles are ok. there is a wee small sign about 3 miles after the diamonds and normal signage that says "motorcycles ok". and then, for the next 15 miles or so...NOTHING.

I double checked w/ a friend to see that I was safe.

until there is a sign saying that it is not okay, but the one stating it's okay stands.

once i got the ruling, I was all over that lane.

and any other HOV lane I can find.

[Dough Boy]

You're kidding right? There are signs along that stretch that plainly state that motos are "OK" as you said. How could he be so dense as to pull you over??

My thoughts exactly, was this trooper new to the job????

speaking of troopers, one flew by me yesterday on 270 in the left shoulder, fifteen minutes later, the poor guy was changing his tire.

+1

[Blaster229]

Well, 50 from annapolis to the beltway, I have NEVER seen " Motorcycles ok" on any of the HOV signs along the way. To me, that would mean that motorcycles NOT ok. If it doesn't say one can, one shouldn't assume that you *can*. But HOV in MD is ok with bikes.
Really tho, in an empty lane, what difference does it make if it's a bike or a car with one person??

Anyway, read hither........

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dpwt/transit/others/I-270%20HOV%20Information.asp



What are HOV lanes? HOV lanes are reserved for carpools, vanpools, buses and motorcycles during designated time periods. They are also known as carpool, commuter and express lanes. HOV lanes move more people because of their higher auto occupancies.


Who can use the HOV lanes?
1-270 HOV lanes are designated as HOV-2, meaning motorists, other than motorcyclists, must carpool with at least one other person to use the lane.

[MrE]

I got pulled over in my pickup a couple of weeks ago with Michael in his car seat. The officer was very curt with me... actually pretty pissy... until I pointed out that I in fact had two occupants and asked "sir, doesn't my son count as a second?". He was embarrassed and started laughing at himself and apologized for pulling me over, and told me to be careful pulling out.

The best thing you can do is be polite and courteous, but maintain the position that motorcycles are ok. Let him know you'll be happy to wait while he calls it in for clarification. If you do get a ticket, simply call the prosecutor and have them null prosse it. Probably won't even have to go to court unless they are being complete asses.

You will never win an argument on the side of the road. So best to not let it turn into an argument.

[grogs]

Well, 50 from annapolis to the beltway, I have NEVER seen " Motorcycles ok" on any of the HOV signs along the way. To me, that would mean that motorcycles NOT ok. If it doesn't say one can, one shouldn't assume that you *can*. But HOV in MD is ok with bikes.
Really tho, in an empty lane, what difference does it make if it's a bike or a car with one person??

Just for clarification....there are at least two "motorcyle ok" signs on Rt. 50 heading east from the beltway to annaoplis. The first is just prior to the freeway airport, the other is just prior to exit 11. Not sure about heading west. I will check it again when I'm in the HOV lane on Monday morning.

I wasn't assuming anything. Just doing what the signs tell me to

BTW - I sent an email to the MD DOT and SHA. Both responded that they did not know the answer and would have an underling research it for me. I'll post the answer when I get it.