No Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints in VA

[Scratch33]

In a victory for motorcyclists, Virginia is the latest state to bar motorcycle-only checkpoints, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

On Feb. 28, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law H.B. 187, which was introduced by Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah). The new law, which takes effect July 1, prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing checkpoints where the only vehicles subject to inspection are motorcycles.

The measure was introduced after the Arlington County Police Department set up a motorcycle-only checkpoint during the Rolling Thunder ride on May 28, 2011, that brings awareness to prisoner of war/missing in action (POW/MIA) issues.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/12419/Motorcycle-Article/Virginia-Law-Halts-Motorcycle-Checkpoints.aspx

[Sport-Touring]

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Knowing Arlington Co PD like I do I was surprised to hear them do this.  Not like them at all. And no, I didn't work for them.  I never once saw a MC checkpoint in VA when I was a LEO.  I know my former agency didn't do them and I never heard of any others.  

[hovmaven]

On a positive note, bikes will be able to use the hot lanes for free. . ..  


http://virginiahotlanes.com/beltway/how-hot-lanes-work/faqs.php


Will motorcycles ride the HOT lanes for free as they do the HOV lanes?
Yes. Motorcycles will be permitted to use the HOT lanes free of charge.

[Royal Tiger]

Bigfoot, we never did and I never heard of PA State Police doing it either.

There was a story not to long ago about agencies in NY State doing it, and I believe Florida harassing people heading to Daytona.

[cbsnbiker]

On a positive note, bikes will be able to use the hot lanes for free. . ..  


http://virginiahotlanes.com/beltway/how-hot-lanes-work/faqs.php


Will motorcycles ride the HOT lanes for free as they do the HOV lanes?
Yes. Motorcycles will be permitted to use the HOT lanes free of charge.

This is the first I've heard of these lanes. Guess I'll check them out next time I'm in the area.

[FireRunner]

They've very interesting, and somewhat confusing if you're new to the area.  HOT lanes currently don't exist yet, but are in the planning stages.  We currently have HOV lanes that run between the North and South bound lanes of I-95 and change direction.  Head North in the morning into DC, and head South in the afternoon out of DC.  Still doesn't completely alleviate the gridlock though.  And you have to have THREE people in your car to use the HOV lanes during peak hours.  Pretty neat though once you figure them out.

[hovmaven]

They've very interesting, and somewhat confusing if you're new to the area.  HOT lanes currently don't exist yet, but are in the planning stages.  We currently have HOV lanes that run between the North and South bound lanes of I-95 and change direction.  Head North in the morning into DC, and head South in the afternoon out of DC.  Still doesn't completely alleviate the gridlock though.  And you have to have THREE people in your car to use the HOV lanes during peak hours.  Pretty neat though once you figure them out.

Only 2 for 66. . ..  

[nnjhawk02]

On a positive note, bikes will be able to use the hot lanes for free. . ..  


http://virginiahotlanes.com/beltway/how-hot-lanes-work/faqs.php


Will motorcycles ride the HOT lanes for free as they do the HOV lanes?
Yes. Motorcycles will be permitted to use the HOT lanes free of charge.

I'm a little confused here - I did look @ the link, but how does the HOT work, for cagers?  Am I a solo driver using HOV lanes during rush hr?  And getting charged more $ to use it?


Also, on the subject of check points, NY did, not sure if they still do, checkpoints on the NY Thruway (I-87), during Americade, circa 2009 & 2010.  They made moto's pull into rest stops to check ur papers, etc.

I also think they did them in NYC boro's as well.

I take backroads to Lake George, so I was not affected, but I found (find) it highly offensive to be singled out.  If ur checking paperwork on vehicles do it on all types...Can U imagine how pissed off cagers / truckers would be to if they had to go thru this?  The traffic jam??

It would never happen, but since we're a small minority, the LEO can do what they want to us.  Total BS
 

[hovmaven]

Hot lanes are being installed.  As I understand it, they will allow you to skirt past traffic that doesn't choose to pay to ride in the "Hot" lane.

I believe that these are separate from the HOV lanes.  

[vulcanbill]

Only 2 for 66. . ..  

and 270

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Only 2 for 66. . ..  

HOV on I 66 is an Oxymoron.  

[cbsnbiker]

HOV on I 66 is an Oxymoron.  

The whole thing (in one direction) is HOV at certain times of day.

[FireRunner]

I'm a little confused here - I did look @ the link, but how does the HOT work, for cagers?  Am I a solo driver using HOV lanes during rush hr?  And getting charged more $ to use it?

Exactly.  Currently, cagers with less than three occupants, can't use the separate HOV lanes during rush hour traffic.  HOT lanes will work on a sliding scale depending on demand.  They'll be free for the people they are already free for (motorcycles and cagers with three or more occupants) but if someone else wants to use them, they can.  Currently, if you get pulled over in the HOV lanes without enough occupants its $250 first offense, $500 second, $750 third, and $1000 fourth, so there's a huge incentive not to break the rules...

[cbsnbiker]

Thanks for the info on the HOT threads.

Bringing this back on topic:

Bigfoot, we never did and I never heard of PA State Police doing it either.

There was a story not to long ago about agencies in NY State doing it, and I believe Florida harassing people heading to Daytona.

There is also the infamous story of the harassment of the BMW rally in South Carolina (I think) about a decade ago.  

[Kneescrubber]

The country bumpkin wants to know; WTF is a hot lane?

[Scratch33]

The country bumpkin wants to know; WTF is a hot lane?

It's a revenue trap for dyslexic motorists.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

It's a revenue trap for dyslexic motorists.

Stop being a jerk.  It's a lane for those without AC but can only be used in summertime.

[Scratch33]

Stop being a jerk.

 

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Yes, FTP

[hovmaven]

It's a lane you pay to ride in.