QUESTION: Motorcycle Rules in MA?

[baco99]

I have always wondered this, and I haven't found it in any manuals:

1) Are motorcycles legally allowed to use the HOV lane when the lane specifies 2+ persons?

2) Are motorcycles allowed to park *anywhere*? Around Boston I see them parked in between spaces. Is this legal? Is there some "Unofficial Guide to Riding in Boston" that I need to read?

I ask because I'll probably be using the bike to commute this Summer when my carpool buddy is home with the new baby. I've seen bikes in the HOV lane, but didn't know if this was legal or if they are taking a chance at a $250 ticket. And since there's no Bike Parking in the city, what do I do with it? Feed the meter?

Any help would be great!!!!

 

[frenchblueC2]

I dunno about MA, but I was taught to pretty much act like a vehicle when using my bike. That means if I can't do it in my car, I can't do it on the bike either - no using the HOV lane and no parking in between spots.

 

[baco99]

i actually found an article that states that per Federal law, Motorcycles are exempt from HOV lane rules. So THAT mystery is solved.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/08/18/solo_on_motorcycle_hov_is_ok/

i still don't understand the parking thing. i see bikes in Boston all the time and it looks like they can park wherever.

 

[rouar]

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/mcmanual/MotorcycleManualFull.pdf

 

[baco99]

the manual is all well and good, but doesn't explain why 90% of bikes park in between meters.

 

[rouar]

They're risking a ticket. Pages 74-75 of the manual state (a) you must park between lines, and (b) you must put money into the meter for which the spot is assigned.

Now maybe the traffic police are lenient with bikes (since it frees up room for cars) but by the book it is illegal. :shrug:

 

[baco99]

so, if you're in between the lines, but the meter is current, does that count?