Is It Legal to Lane Split in Arizona?
If you drive a motorcycle in an area prone to high volume traffic, the temptation to simply slip your way past all the stopped cars can be strong. After all, you got that motorcycle to make it roar down the freeway, not to balance on your toes in rush hour.
This is called lane splitting, and it’s important to understand the laws around it in your state. To clarify the rules of the road for motorcyclists, The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed has prepared the following breakdown to answer the popular question, “is it legal to lane split in Arizona?”
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is the act of driving your motorcycle between lanes of traffic to avoid traffic. The space between lanes of traffic is commonly referred to as the ‘channel.’ While there are some who believe lane splitting is a safe and efficient practice for motorcyclists, the risks should make you think twice.
In addition to the possibility of cars changing lanes or opening doors, you might not have enough space or time to avoid any obstacles that may be in the channel. This can prove to be dangerous both for you and any motorists in the lanes around you.
Lane Splitting in Arizona
As of 2020, it is illegal to lane split in Arizona. Not only that, but it is unlawful to try to get around a car in front of you by passing it while still in the same lane. Driving a motorcycle already puts you in an extremely vulnerable position. Lane splitting or trying to get around a car while in the same lane only amplifies that vulnerability.
If you are pulled over for lane splitting in Arizona, you can face tickets and hefty fines. If an accident is caused as a direct result of lane splitting, you put yourself at risk for being held liable for damages and injuries to other motorists and their vehicles.
Exceptions to the Rule
Though it is unequivocally illegal to lane split in Arizona in order to bypass traffic, there are a few exceptions where the act is permitted. If you are a law enforcement official on a motorcycle and have to lane split in order to carry out your duty, then it is allowed.
Lane splitting is also considered acceptable if it is used as a maneuver to avoid debris in the road or to avoid an impending accident. One advantage of driving a motorcycle is its high level of maneuverability. If you avoid harm to yourself or someone else by lane splitting, you won’t be faced with legal action.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident or recently received a ticket for lane splitting, you should consult with a skilled Phoenix motorcycle accident attorney.
With our team representing you, you are guaranteed the Aggressive Compassionate Representation our satisfied clients know us for. This approach promises aggressive pursuit of the best possible outcome, as well as the deepest compassion for you as our client.
Contact us today with any questions you might have or to set up a free consultation.
What Are the Arizona Teen Driving Laws?
We all know how exciting it can be to learn how to drive. It’s your first taste of the open road and the freedom that comes with it. That being said, it’s vital that you understand the Arizona driving laws before you get behind the wheel and crank up the tunes.
Learning your state’s driving laws is imperative for ensuring not only your safety, but that of everyone else on the road with you. So, what are the Arizona teen driving laws? Our team of skilled Arizona personal injury lawyers are here to explain them for you.
Arizona Learner’s Permit and Driver’s License Laws
Once you hit 15 ½ years of age in Arizona, you are eligible to apply for your learner’s permit. You can acquire this by passing both a vision exam and a written driver’s knowledge test.
While you have your permit, you can only drive with a licensed driver over the age of 21 with you. If pulled over alone with only a permit in Arizona, you could face a class 2 misdemeanor with the potential of hefty fines, community service, and even jail time.
At the age of 16, you can apply for your driver’s license, also known as a graduated driver’s license (Class G). After having your permit for at least six months, completing 30 hours of supervised practice driving, and passing a driving test with an examiner from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD), you will get your driver’s license.
Important Rules of the Road
For the first six months of having your driver’s license, consider yourself on probation. Don’t worry, it’s not a bad thing. It means that during these six months, there are special restrictions placed on new drivers. These restrictions include the following:
- With some exception, you may not drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
- You may not use any hand-held communication devices while driving
- You are responsible for ensuring that your passengers wear their seatbelts
- Unless you’re driving with a parent or guardian in the passenger seat, you may only drive with one non-family passenger under the age of 18
Outside of the previous restrictions, here are some more Arizona driving laws to be familiar with:
- The Move-Over Law states that if there is a disabled vehicle and/or emergency vehicle on the shoulder, you must move over to allow at least a lane of traffic between you and the vehicles on the shoulder, whenever possible.
- If you are pulled over for distracted driving (eating, applying make-up, looking at your phone, etc.) and speeding while doing so in the state of Arizona, the officer will give you a ticket.
- In 2019, Arizona became the 48th state to prohibit the use of cell phones while driving. If you are pulled over for using your cell phone, you will face a fine of between $75 and $149 for the first offense, and between $150 and $250 for each one thereafter.
Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident or received a ticket, it’s important to reach out to a licensed Phoenix personal injury attorney. When you work with the experts at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, you are guaranteed the Aggressive Compassionate Representation our clients respect us for.
We will aggressively pursue the best possible outcome for your case, while treating you and your family with the utmost respect and compassion. Contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our top Phoenix personal injury lawyers.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury in Arizona?
In the wake of suffering a personal injury, it’s understandable that your mind could start racing over everything that needs to be handled. From dealing with medical bills to missed work and physical therapy, the entire situation can be a long and grueling one.
These things take time, so one of the first questions many people ask is ‘what is the statute of limitations on personal injury in Arizona?’ First off, the statute of limitations is just legalese for the maximum amount of time that is allowed to pass before you can file a lawsuit.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed has prepared the following explanation to make this difficult time a little easier to understand.
Arizona Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
In most cases, the statute of limitations on most personal injury cases in Arizona is two years. This two-year time limit begins on the date of your accident.
However, if you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit against a government entity, like the City of Phoenix or the State of Arizona, then the statute of limitations is 180 days to file a formal Notice of Claim and then one year to file the lawsuit.
Special Cases
While the statute of limitations for personal injury cases remains set at two years in Arizona, there are some extenuating circumstances and nuances based on the type of personal injury. Below are a few examples of these special cases.
- Negligence: The statute of limitations for personal injury due to negligence begins when the plaintiff becomes aware, or should have become aware (within reason), of the defendant’s negligent behavior.
- Medical Malpractice: In Arizona, personal injury law follows the discovery rule. This means that the plaintiff’s reasoning for their lawsuit, or cause of action, is not founded, or accrued, until they know or should have known about the malpractice occurring
- Wrongful Death: In cases of wrongful death, the cause of action accrues on the date that the individual filing the suit discovers that the death was a direct result of the defendant’s negligent conduct.
- Children Under the Age of 18: In the event that the victim of personal injury is under the age of 18, then the statute of limitations in Arizona begins when said victim turns 18.
In any case, it is always best to file a lawsuit as soon as possible after your injury to ensure the most reliable accounts and memories. Be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident to understand the statute of limitations in your case, as well as everything else involved in the process.
Top Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
When you seek out The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed to handle your personal injury case, you are guaranteed the Aggressive Compassionate Representation our satisfied clients know us for. This approach promises aggressive pursuit of the highest possible settlement, as well as the deepest compassion for you as our client.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury, contact us today to set up a free consultation with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys.
Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Motorcycle Accident?
With high speeds and exposure to the elements, a motorcycle accident has the makings of one of the more devastating accidents one can experience. Not only are you facing the physical toll of any injuries you may have sustained, but you’re also forced to deal with the post-traumatic stress, steep medical bills, and costly repairs to your motorcycle.
Fortunately, you do have options for support and relief. If you’re wondering ‘can I sue someone personally after a motorcycle accident,’ the answer is yes. If the accident was not your fault, you can sue the responsible individual.
To help you understand this process, our team of skilled personal injury lawyers at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed has prepared the following guide for suing someone after a motorcycle accident.
Proving Responsibility
The first step in suing someone after a motorcycle accident is proving that they are responsible, or that they were liable, for the accident. There are four main factors you can implement to prove the other person’s responsibility. It’s worth noting that since all four factors go hand-in-hand with one another, they must each be proven in order to have a case.
Duty. As motorists sharing the road, we all have a duty to operate our motor vehicles safely and obey all traffic laws.
Breach. The other person breached their duty to you and the other motorists through unsafe and reckless behavior on the road.
Causation. This reckless behavior and breach of duty would have caused your motorcycle accident.
Damages. As a result of the motorcycle accident, you have suffered damages. These damages manifest themselves in the form of damage to property, costly medical and repair bills, as well as personal pain and suffering.
Build Your Case
Once you have proved that the other party is responsible for your motorcycle accident, it’s time to build your case against them. The case would be built with the assistance of a motorcycle accident lawyer, of course.
Your motorcycle accident lawyer will build a strong case for you by:
- Collecting evidence. Your lawyer will gather evidence such as videos/photos of the accident, eyewitness accounts, and the responding police officer’s official report in order to prove you’re not liable.
- Assessing your claim’s value. Another duty your personal injury lawyer will take on is assessing how much your settlement is worth, or, how much compensation you are owed for what you have endured.
- Filing the lawsuit. This is where your lawyer really goes to bat for you. You’ve already been through a traumatic experience, so there’s no need to worry about paperwork. Your lawyer will handle all of the clerical work, like the formal filing of the lawsuit.
- Handling your settlement. Another weight your lawyer will lift off your shoulders is dealing with the various insurance companies, as well as the lawyer of the person you are suing to make sure you get what you are owed.
- Representing you in court. In the event that any negotiations break down, your lawyer will, of course, accompany you and represent you in court during the trial of the case.
Top Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
With the Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed working on your motorcycle accident lawsuit, you will receive our Aggressive Compassionate Representation. This approach promises aggressive pursuit of the highest possible settlement, as well as the deepest compassion for you and your family during this stressful time.
If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident and are considering a lawsuit, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our top Phoenix personal injury attorneys.
What Kinds of Cases do Personal Injury Lawyers Handle?
It’s easy to assume that the caseload of a personal injury lawyer is somewhat self-explanatory. After all, it’s in the name. However, people often ask themselves ‘what kinds of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?’
In order for you to better understand the kinds of cases personal injury lawyers handle, the knowledgeable team at the Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed has prepared the following breakdown.
How to Know if You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are numerous different types of personal injuries that one can sustain that would justify hiring a personal injury lawyer. Some of the most common injuries that require a personal injury lawyer are:
- Automobile accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Child daycare negligence
- Senior/assisted living negligence
- Aviation accidents
- Wrongful death cases
- Workplace-related injuries
- Assault and battery
- Emotional distress
The Two Main Categories of Personal Injury Cases
While the types of injuries a person can sustain vary, every personal injury case falls into one of two categories: negligence and intentional tort. Let’s dive into each one to break them down.
Negligence
Negligence occurs when the personal injury is sustained as a result of an accident, without any malicious intent. Below are some of the main examples of negligence.
Automobile accidents: Cases in which an individual’s mishandling or carelessness with an automobile leads to an accident resulting in injury inflicted on another party.
Premises liability cases: Cases where one person’s failure to maintain the grounds of a home or business results in another person’s injury.
Products liability cases: Where a business or manufacturer negligently makes a defective product available to consumers, who are then injured by said product.
Intentional Tort
An intentional tort is a type of personal injury case in which the injury suffered by the victim was a result of someone’s malicious intent to inflict harm. Below are some of the main examples of intentional tort.
Assault and battery: These charges are brought on when one individual intentionally batters, strikes, or makes any kind of contact that harms another individual.
Emotional distress: The verbal berating or harassment by one party on another can be considered a personal injury and is an intentional tort.
Fraud: Fraud is a purposeful act made by an individual to secure unlawful rights or gain, while depriving the victim of their rights or gain. Fraud can result in emotional and financial damages to the victim.
False imprisonment: This is a type of intentional tort in which the victim is illegally detained or restrained by another person, resulting in physical and/or emotional distress.
Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
When you partner with The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed for your personal injury case, you are guaranteed our signature Aggressive Compassionate Representation. This approach guarantees aggressive pursuit of the highest possible settlement, as well as the highest level of compassion for you as our client in this harrowing time.
If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury of any kind, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our top Phoenix personal injury attorneys.
Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
With natural beauty at every turn, driving in Arizona can be a beautiful and relaxing experience. That is, unless you get pulled over with a suspended license. Driving on a suspended license in Arizona is, in fact, against the law. But what exactly does this mean? What happens if you get caught driving on a suspended license in Arizona?
Today, our team of experienced traffic offense attorneys is sharing everything you need to know about driving on a suspended license in the Grand Canyon State. From potential penalties to viable defenses, we’ve got it all covered. Should you ever find yourself indicted for this offense, know that The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here to help.
Penalties for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
Driving on a suspended license in Arizona is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Therefore, if you are pulled over by a police officer and it is found that your license has been suspended, the officer is permitted by law to arrest you.
In this event, your vehicle can legally be impounded for up to 30 days. Subsequently, you can be charged in court and face a maximum punishment of up to 6 months jail, 3 years of probation, and/or over $4000 in fines and surcharges.
Charge Dismissal for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
A judge has the authority to dismiss charges filed against a person for driving with a suspended license in Arizona. However, this dismissal can only occur if your license was suspended on the grounds of unpaid traffic fines. If this is the case, you may be permitted to pay the outstanding fines and have your license restored.
Viable Defenses for Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
Below are the viable defenses for driving on a suspended license in Arizona, explained.
- Absence of Criminal Intent: This is the most relied-on defense in cases of suspended licenses. Its effectiveness lies in the fact that driving on a suspended license is not a strict liability crime. The State has to prove that you had notice of the suspension. This defense comes to play when it can be proven that no notice of a suspended license was received by the accused person. Basically, this tells the court that you had no idea your license was suspended to begin with.
- Insufficient Notice from the DMV: In the event that your license is suspended, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is expected to mail a notice of suspension or revocation to your last known address. However, if it can be shown that they failed to give adequate notice, then your case can be dismissed.
- No Evidence of Driving: If you were charged for driving on a suspended license but were not seen driving or there is not sufficient evidence to prove that you were driving, your case can be dismissed.
- Rights Violation: If there was no reason for you getting pulled over, an incidence of statements obtained illegally, denial of access to counsel, or any other kind of rights violation, this can provide reasonable grounds for case dismissal.
Top Criminal Defense Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ
Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our award-winning team of Phoenix lawyers provides exceptional services for misdemeanors, traffic offenses, DUIs, and more. If you find yourself facing charges for driving on a suspended license in Arizona, it’s important to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney.
When you work with us, you will have the assurance of a strong criminal defense attorney defending your rights. If you or a loved one are facing misdemeanor charges in Arizona, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
How Long Does a Suspended License Last in Arizona?
It might seem obvious that you should not drive with a suspended license, but many people underestimate the seriousness of this offense. Driving on a suspended license in Arizona can lead to costly penalties, so it’s important to be aware of the facts.
Some of the most common offenses that result in a suspended license in Arizona are careless driving, driving without insurance, driving under the influence, and unpaid fines. One question that people frequently ask is, “how long does a suspended license last in Arizona?” Our team at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed is here to answer that.
Penalties of Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
Knowingly driving on a suspended license in Arizona is illegal. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Potential consequences include prolonging your license suspension, hefty fines, a jail sentence of up to 180 days, a probation period of up to 3 years, and having your vehicle impounded for up to 30 days.
While these are solely maximum sentencing options and only a small number of cases ever result in jail time, driving with a suspended or revoked license is still clearly not a risk worth taking.
A Suspended License on Your Record in Arizona
A license suspension will remain on your driving record for 12 months. The same applies to traffic points for road offences. Any penalties faced for a suspended license violation are civil penalties, not criminal sentences. However, the longest-lasting consequence or penalty you could expect to face is an increase in your car insurance premium.
This will be the largest cost that will come from getting caught driving on a suspended license because these increases in insurance are always long-term. In some cases, insurance companies even cancel policies purchased by people that get their licenses suspended for critical offenses.
What To Do if You are Charged with Driving on a Suspended License in Arizona
If you are charged with driving on a suspended license, the best thing you can do is get a skilled attorney. Not only can they help you contest the charges, but they will have knowledge on how you should proceed with your case.
Before you make any statements, negotiations, or court appearances, consult with a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix to understand your rights and odds. An experienced criminal defense attorney will offer the best strategies to fight the penalties or get your charges dismissed.
Top Criminal Defense Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ
If you or a loved one are facing charges for a suspended license in Arizona, our award-winning team of attorneys can help. Whether you are hoping to contest the charge or looking to learn more about your options, an experienced lawyer can guide you through the process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out why our clients think we are the best criminal defense law firms in Phoenix, AZ.
Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend The Guilty?
TV shows like Law and Order have given people around the country a closer look at the legal system without ever having to step foot in a courtroom. However, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction when getting your information from TV. Luckily for you, our team of real-life attorneys is here to dispel some common misconceptions.
One of the most common questions people ask about criminal defense law is, “do criminal defense lawyers defend the guilty?” Criminal defense attorneys are mandated to follow strict ethical standards and regulations of the regulatory body in their state.
In Arizona, these regulations do not restrict the defense of the guilty, so the answer is yes—criminal defense lawyers defend the guilty. As long as the legal code of conduct is followed, an attorney can defend their client regardless of their guilt. Let’s dive further into the topic of guilt as it pertains here.
Types of Guilt
The concept of guilt can be further split into “factual guilt” and “legal guilt,” so let’s go over the definitions of each one.
Factual guilt is not discussed in court, but is discussed between you and your attorney. Your constitutional right to a fair trial and legal counsel affords you the opportunity to confer with your attorney on issues relating to the status of your factual guilt.
Legal guilt is debated and deliberated in a courtroom. The prosecution works to present enough evidence to prove your legal guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while your defense works to prove your legal innocence.
Many skilled criminal defense lawyers avoid asking clients if they are guilty because knowing the answer to that question is not part of their job. The responsibility of the attorney is to defend the client by building a strong case for them before the judge and/or jury.
A Guilty Plea
If you opt to plead guilty to the charges presented against you, a criminal defense lawyer still has a key role to play while representing you in your case. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to lessen the charges or establish “less-serious facts” (“facts” being the details of the offense that are presented before the court). Either of these courses of action can work to provide the client with a more favorable outcome.
Furthermore, your defense attorney can take steps to indicate to the court that you are remorseful of your actions and have made efforts to make amends. This can move your case in a whole new direction by increasing the likelihood of getting a favorable judgment from the court.
Defending the Guilty
If you are a guilty client in search of an attorney to defend a plea of innocence, it would be wise not to reveal your guilt to your attorney.
Knowledge of your guilt puts your attorney in a position where they cannot expressly defend your innocence, as it would be unethical. Many criminal defense attorneys in Arizona will even withdraw from a case in this situation.
Instead, you should leave it to your attorney to build the best case that they can. Answer their questions, cooperate, and allow them to do what you have hired them to do. In the end, the court will be the final discerner of guilt.
Top Criminal Defense Law Firm in Phoenix, AZ.
If you or a loved one are in need of a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix, our team is here to help. At The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, we employ an Aggressive Compassionate Representation approach to serve our clients. What this means is that we aggressively fight to defend our clients’ rights, while viewing each individual case with compassion. Everybody makes mistakes and nobody should be defined by them.
Like they say, the proof is in the pudding. In this case, the evidence of our success lies in the satisfaction of our clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about why we are one of the top criminal defense law firms in Phoenix, Arizona.
Can You Drive Someone Else’s Car in Arizona?
Did you ever take your mom’s car to the grocery store as a teenager? Or your girlfriend’s car to go to work when yours was in the shop? For nearly every driver, there comes a time when you might need to drive someone else’s car. Whether it was an emergency or you simply asked a favor of someone, we have all been there.
However, this begs a few questions: can you drive someone else’s car in Arizona? Is it legal? Are you covered by insurance? In this article, our team of experienced attorneys is answering all of the internet’s burning questions about driving someone else’s car.
Will the Other Person’s Insurance Cover You?
When someone loans you their car, they are basically loaning you their auto insurance along with it. If the person does not have car insurance, it’s a general rule of thumb that you should not get behind the wheel of their car. Both you and the car owner can get into a lot of trouble if you are caught driving without proper insurance coverage.
In Arizona, automobile insurance typically follows the car, rather than the driver. Unless the insurance company is particular about having a list of “named drivers” who are covered by insurance, anyone who gets behind the wheel is typically covered in the event of an accident.
There is, however, a condition. In order to be protected by insurance, the driver must have a valid driver’s license. Most auto insurance policies contain a legality known as the “omnibus clause.” This states that the policy holder’s insurance will cover any driver of their vehicle, as long as they are licensed to drive a car.
The Omnibus Clause
Under the omnibus clause in an auto insurance policy, if a friend lets you use their car and you get into an accident where you are found to be at fault, your friend’s insurance policy will cover any damage up to the policy’s limits. Unfortunately, your friend will also be responsible for paying the deductible and any other costs not covered by the policy.
What to Check before Driving Someone Else’s Car
Before driving someone else’s car in Arizona, there are a few things you should confirm.
- The person’s insurance policy. You should confirm that the person has an existing insurance policy on their car and that in the event of any mishap, there are no restrictions against other drivers.
- Your own driver’s license and insurance policy. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and an auto insurance policy of your own. If you do not have either, it is best that you work towards obtaining both before getting behind the wheel of any car.
- Proof of insurance and car registration should be in the vehicle. Along with your driver’s license, these are items that a police officer would ask for in the event that you get pulled over or an accident occurs. Ask the car owner to show you where to find these documents in their car, so you know exactly where to look if needed.
So, while the answer to “can you drive someone else’s car in Arizona?” is yes, it is something you should carefully consider beforehand. It’s also important to note that while insurance may cover the cost of repairs in an accident, any traffic points assigned for an accident or driving misconduct will go on your record.
Top Car Accident Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ
Here at The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our skilled team of car accident attorneys handles each case efficiently and with compassion. After experiencing a car accident, many people become overwhelmed and end up being taken advantage of by greedy insurance companies. We don’t let that happen.
Our Aggressive Compassionate Representation ensures that you have someone who will aggressively fight for your rights, while treating you with compassion and respect. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in Phoenix, call us today for a free consultation.
Can Motorcycles Split Lanes in AZ?
With breathtaking scenery in every direction and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder why Arizona is home to over 180,000 motorcycle drivers. As exciting and freeing as it can be to ride a motorcycle, it can also be dangerous. To protect all drivers on the roads of Arizona, there are many motorcycle laws in place.
The Motor Vehicle Division requires all motorcyclists to pass a vision test, skills test, and written test before obtaining their motorcycle license or Class M endorsement. However, with such a massive amount of information to remember, it can get a little confusing.
Today, our skilled team of motorcycle accident attorneys will answer one of the most popular questions for Arizona motorcyclists: can motorcycles split lanes in AZ? We will discuss what lane splitting is and the legality surrounding it.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is a situation that involves a motorcyclist driving between two lanes of traffic heading in the same direction. While the act of lane splitting is illegal in many states, it’s a common act that motorcyclists perform to bypass traffic.
The question of ‘can motorcycles split lanes in AZ’ is a common one, even more so since lane splitting was legalized in the neighboring state of California. Advocates for a change in the law surrounding lane splitting in Arizona argue that legalizing lane splitting could help motorcyclists prevent dangerous situations.
Research has shown that lane splitters were less likely to suffer from serious injuries in motorcycle accidents, specifically to the head or torso. In California, lane splitting was legalized to help keep motorcyclists safe and reduce traffic congestion. While it’s yet to be determined if Arizona will follow suit, for now the law remains as is.
Can Motorcycles Split Lanes in AZ?
While you may have seen motorcycles split lanes in AZ before, it is actually illegal. According to A.R.S. § 28-903, anyone driving a motorcycle is entitled to the full lane, but cannot overtake and pass another vehicle while in the same line. The law also prohibits traveling between adjacent rows or lanes of vehicles.
Additionally, motorcycle riders cannot ride with more than two motorcycles side by side if there is no other lane. However, there is an exception to the rule in the event that law enforcement officials need to ride abreast to perform their duties.
To summarize, motorcycles are expected to drive as cars do. A car physically could not split lanes, so a motorcycle should not either. When riding a motorcycle, it’s important to keep this in mind to avoid accidents.
Top Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Phoenix, AZ
At The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, our experienced team of motorcycle accident lawyers is dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms of our clients. We employ an Aggressive Compassionate Representation to act aggressively in our case strategy and compassionately for each of our clients.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Phoenix, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our top motorcycle accident attorneys.