summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Lane filtering; motorcycles; penalty. Authorizes the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to pass another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at no more than 10 miles per hour in the same lane or on the shoulder, provided that there are at least two lanes of travel in each direction, such motorcycle does not exceed a speed of 20 miles per hour, and the operator executes such passing with ordinary care. The bill makes intentionally impeding or attempting to impede the operator of a motorcycle from lawfully engaging in lane filtering a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $300. The bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to implement a statewide education campaign to alert drivers and the public that motorcycles may lawfully engage in lane filtering. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill authorizes motorcycle operators to engage in "lane filtering," which is defined as passing a stopped or slow-moving vehicle (traveling at 10 mph or less) in the same lane or on the shoulder, under specific conditions: the highway must have at least two lanes in each direction, the motorcycle cannot exceed 20 mph during the maneuver, and it must be performed with ordinary care. The bill also makes it a traffic infraction, punishable by a $300 fine, for any motor vehicle operator to intentionally impede or attempt to impede a motorcycle from lawfully lane filtering. Furthermore, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles is required to launch a statewide education campaign to inform drivers and the public about this new law, which will take effect on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
House Transportation: Highway Safety and Policy Hearing (16:00:00 3/4/2026 House Committee Room A - 008) (on 03/04/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB435 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB435) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134076.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB435/text/SB435E |
| Transportation Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB435/text/SB435AS1 |
| Transportation Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB435/text/SB435ASC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB435/text/SB435 |
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