This bill introduces the concept of "lane filtering" for motorcycles, allowing them to overtake and pass motor vehicles that are stopped or traveling at less than 10 miles per hour in the same lane and direction, provided that the motorcycle operator does not exceed 20 miles per hour and conditions permit safe operation. The bill amends RSA 265:121 by removing the prohibition against motorcycles overtaking in the same lane and allows lane filtering under specified conditions. Additionally, it mandates the Division of Motor Vehicles to develop educational guidelines to ensure the safety of motorcyclists and surrounding drivers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new section, RSA 265:121-a, which makes it a violation for motor vehicle operators to intentionally impede or attempt to prevent the operation of a motorcycle under the conditions specified in the lane filtering provisions. Penalties for such violations include fines ranging from $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill does not provide funding for the implementation of these educational guidelines, which are estimated to cost between $10,000 and $100,000 in the first two fiscal years following its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:121