Are Motorcycles Required to Use Motor Vehicle Lanes?
2 Answers
Motorcycles must use motor vehicle lanes. Motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles: Motorcycles are classified as motor vehicles and should use motor vehicle lanes, keeping to the right side of the road. If there are multiple lanes, they should use the rightmost lane. If the rightmost lane is a dedicated lane, they should use the lane adjacent to the dedicated lane. Driving in the right lane: If there is a designated motorcycle lane, motorcycles should use it. If there is no designated lane, they should generally drive in the right lane. Motorcycles should not weave through traffic or enter the non-motor vehicle lane within the white line. Entering the wrong lane and causing an accident may result in the motorcyclist being held fully responsible by traffic police. Two-wheeled driving: Two-wheeled driving should primarily follow a straight path and avoid frequent left or right turns, as this can easily lead to traffic accidents. In reality, in congested urban traffic conditions, motorcycles may temporarily use other lanes. Motorcycle license plates and insurance: Motorcycles must have license plates and insurance. Riders must hold an E or D license and wear a safety helmet. For light motorcycles, riders must at least hold an F license and wear a safety helmet. Passengers should not sit sideways but must sit astride and wear a safety helmet.
Motorcycles must use the motor vehicle lane—that's the rule. After riding for so long, I believe using the motor vehicle lane is actually safer, as it avoids mixing with bicycles and pedestrians. Think about it: non-motorized lanes often have people crossing randomly, and the speed is slower. A collision there could be extremely dangerous—motorcycles are fast with little buffer, so crashes could be fatal or cause serious injuries. Of course, during rain or at night when visibility is poor, using the motor vehicle lane allows headlights to alert surrounding vehicles, improving visibility. But don’t forget to wear a helmet and obey speed limits—these are critical details. When riding, it’s best to check local traffic signs in advance. Some cities have special regulations during peak hours, like certain lanes encouraging mixed traffic, but safety always comes first.
