2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100898D

SENATE BILL NO. 435

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 46.2-838.1, relating to lane filtering; motorcycles; penalty.

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Patron—Bagby

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Referred to Committee on Transportation

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 46.2-838.1 as follows:

§ 46.2-838.1. Lane filtering; motorcycles; impeding prohibited; penalty.

A. For the purposes of this section, "lane filtering" means the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at a speed not in excess of 10 miles per hour in the same direction of travel while in the same lane as such vehicle or on the shoulder.

B. An operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle may engage in lane filtering when:

1. The operator is on a divided highway with at least two lanes of travel in each direction;

2. The overtaking motorcycle is not operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour when overtaking the stopped or slow-moving vehicle; and

3. Such lane filtering may be performed safely.

C. No operator of a motor vehicle shall intentionally impede or attempt to impede the operator of a motorcycle from lawfully engaging in lane filtering as authorized by subsection B. A violation of this subsection is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $300.

D. The Commissioner shall implement a statewide education campaign to alert drivers and the public that motorcycles may lawfully engage in lane filtering.

E. Nothing in this section shall (i) prohibit passing otherwise authorized pursuant to this chapter or (ii) authorize the passing of a stopped school bus as prohibited in §§ 46.2-844 and 46.2-859.

2. That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2027.