Law for groups at stop signs

[Dak44312]

I'm sure this may vary by state. I'm asking for Ohio, if it matters...

My friend insists that it is legal for a group of bikes to come to a complete stop together at a stop sign and then proceed all together once the intersection is clear (or right-of-way becomes theirs). I have trouble believing it, and even if it is true, is there a limit on the number that can pass? Certainly it couldn't apply to 12 bikes, but I could see it with maybe 2 or 4. Any LEOs in the house?

[G-Man]

This is just my opinion.....

I don't believe anyone is stupid enough to make a law like that.  What if the intersection was on the other side of the crest of a hill and someone who has known that road for years knows that he will have the right away and doesn't slow down (because he doesn't have to) while coming over that hill and meeting up with 4 or 5 bikes caught in the intersection.

I have seen drivers give us the right of way and wait for all of us, but they don't have to and may even create a hazard. 

When riding and driving we take for granted that the other drivers and riders will obey the laws, so we don't have crawl through intersections when we have right of way.  Yes, in many situations we have to drive/ride defensively, but when folks don't obey traffic laws, crap happens.

Again, just my opinion and I'm always right.    

[PAVALKER]

Doubt it.  It's not legal in Pa, but is a common practice at times.  That would be like cars in a group stopping all at once and then going.  Only time I have seen cars do that is a funeral procession or parade, the latter usually with a police escort or blocked off road.

[bassman]

Looks like EACH rider or driver needs to come to a complete stop AT the line painted on the pavement or at the intersection itself...

http://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/traffic-tickets/moving-violations/running-red-lights-and-stop-32


BUT, I'm NO lawyer or LEO and never played either one on TV so don't go by what I say.....

[Willow]

What is legal and what is likely to be enforced are two completely separate items.   

[Jess from VA]

My friend insists that it is legal for a group of bikes to come to a complete stop together at a stop sign and then proceed all together once the intersection is clear

He must've graduated from Joe's Car Wash and Law School.  

I have never heard of such a law.... anywhere.  Most LEOs would give you a pass if two or three in tight at the sign left together, and you did it safely and did not cause consternation with anyone else at the intersection.  It's also pretty common for larger groups to slow-and-go in ones and twos, but that is not legal of course.  And I've been on rides with road captains on CBs doing a quick Uturn and blocking traffic for the whole crowd, and that is definitely illegal  (if you have real cops as escort, they can do it).

My rule is simple, if there are cops present, obey the law; if not, do what you want (within reason).

[Gryphon Rider]

In Alberta there is no law about how many motorcycles can go at once, but you have to come to a complete stop behind, but within 3m (10ft) of, the stop line.  The"stop line" is either an actual stop line, or the painted crosswalk, or the imaginary extension of the curb or road edge of the road you are wanting to enter (look down the road to your left, then to the right, then imagine where the edge of the road would be if the road you are on wasn't intersecting it right there).  If the first pair of bikes stops immediately behind the stop line, a second pair can have their front tires stop within 10ft of the stop line, and thus all four can proceed at the same time.  An Alberta RCMP motorcycle training officer told me this.

Note that in Alberta anyway, the placement of the stop sign does not determine where you should stop, but rather that you must stop at the stop line.

[havoc]

In Alberta there is no law about how many motorcycles can go at once, but you have to come to a complete stop behind, but within 3m (10ft) of, the stop line.  The"stop line" is either an actual stop line, or the painted crosswalk, or the imaginary extension of the curb or road edge of the road you are wanting to enter (look down the road to your left, then to the right, then imagine where the edge of the road would be if the road you are on wasn't intersecting it right there).  If the first pair of bikes stops immediately behind the stop line, a second pair can have their front tires stop within 10ft of the stop line, and thus all four can proceed at the same time.  An Alberta RCMP motorcycle training officer told me this.

Note that in Alberta anyway, the placement of the stop sign does not determine where you should stop, but rather that you must stop at the stop line.

Another reason why i love this province! 

[ptgb]

   23 years.... in Ohio.


Nope, each motorcycle is a separate vehicle and must approach a stop sign as such.

If your out in the middle of nowhere, with no traffic, I'd imagine no one is going to nick ya if 2 or 3 go through at the same time, after stopping of course.

[The emperor has no clothes]

In Alberta there is no law about how many motorcycles can go at once, but you have to come to a complete stop behind, but within 3m (10ft) of, the stop line.  The"stop line" is either an actual stop line, or the painted crosswalk, or the imaginary extension of the curb or road edge of the road you are wanting to enter (look down the road to your left, then to the right, then imagine where the edge of the road would be if the road you are on wasn't intersecting it right there).  If the first pair of bikes stops immediately behind the stop line, a second pair can have their front tires stop within 10ft of the stop line, and thus all four can proceed at the same time.  An Alberta RCMP motorcycle training officer told me this.

Note that in Alberta anyway, the placement of the stop sign does not determine where you should stop, but rather that you must stop at the stop line.

This has nothing to do with the question, but it made me think of my recent ride in Ireland. Because of the nature of the roads and the rock walls along them. Almost everyone there came to a stop almost in the road. They never got in my way but they didn't inch up to it they came to stop with pinpoint accuracy of the last inch. I think I flinched for the first 2 days every time. The truck drivers there were especially accurate on the narrow roads.

[Wavalk]

Here in Washington your scenario would be illegal.  You can pair up at the stop sign and two riders can proceed through the intersection together as long as they are paired up.  I don't however recommend this unless you know your paired up with a competent rider and you call your turns.  I usually do this when riding with friends.  Once through the intersection we return to a staggered formation.  If you call your local law enforcement they will be able tell you your options.

Ride safe.

[Hooter]

My friend insists that it is legal for a group of bikes to come to a complete stop together at a stop sign and then proceed all together once the intersection is clear

He must've graduated from Joe's Car Wash and Law School.  

I have never heard of such a law.... anywhere.  Most LEOs would give you a pass if two or three in tight at the sign left together, and you did it safely and did not cause consternation with anyone else at the intersection.  It's also pretty common for larger groups to slow-and-go in ones and twos, but that is not legal of course.  And I've been on rides with road captains on CBs doing a quick Uturn and blocking traffic for the whole crowd, and that is definitely illegal  (if you have real cops as escort, they can do it).

My rule is simple, if there are cops present, obey the law; if not, do what you want (within reason).

With the exception of the first bike through the rest "could" be written. You see it all the time though.

[Jess from VA]

This is why group rides over 8-10 need to be out in the boonies.

Our occasional groups of 12-16 have a heck of a time trying to stay together and get out of town (BUSY town)

And we really insist on the rookies all being in the back, and they are tentative, and fall back and get lost.

I don't do more than a couple of these per year, but some of my best riding buds are on them and so we just put up with it.

I do my damnedest to be #2 (haha) on all group rides.  It's faster, safer and more fun. 

[old2soon]

Biggest rides I do anymore are generally P G R and I know MOST of he folks we ride with. Usually L E O escort and once in awhile Fire Dept escort. Here in Missouri I've been told after I've asked that on large rides WITH OUT L E O escort the prevailing laws apply-each M/C is a separate vehicle. When I ride with my brother we ride staggered until a stop sign. Thru the stop sign side by side then back to staggered. At stop signed or traffic light controlled intersections on a L E O escorted ride I use a LOT of caution thru those conditions cause some folks ALWAYS get antsy while waiting. RIDE SAFE.

[MP]

In MOST states, each bike is a separate vehicle, and MUST treat all signs the same as if they were all alone.  That said, most LEOs will let a small group go together, IF SAFE, without hassle.  But, it is illegal in MOST places.


Whenever I lead a group ride, I ALWAYS stress that each person is to ride their own ride.  BE SAFE.  And  I tell them if they get held up, I WILL wait for them. And, I make sure I do.  Too often, group leaders just take off, leaving the others behind.  That puts a LOT of pressure on the back bikes to be unsafe, trying to keep up.

MP

[JimC]

In Wisconsin

It depends on the intersection, if marked, you must stop at of before the lines on the roadway or the crosswalk. HOWEVER, they do not give a distance.

In the country without pavement markings, you have to stop so you can see the other traffic and proceed with caution.

As you will see, it would be legal to proceed with a dozen bikes in the country, BUT, I used to argue that with other officers because they felt it was not legal. Unfortunately it depends on what cop see's you. Personally, I think I would fight it in court (and win)

Jim

346.46  Vehicles to stop at stop signs and school crossings.
(1) Except when directed to proceed by a traffic officer or traffic control signal, every operator of a vehicle approaching an official stop sign at an intersection shall cause such vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered or are approaching the intersection upon a highway which is not controlled by an official stop sign or traffic signal.
(2) Stops required by sub. (1) shall be made in the following manner:
(a) If there is a clearly marked stop line, the operator shall stop the vehicle immediately before crossing such line.
(b) If there is no clearly marked stop line, the operator shall stop the vehicle immediately before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
(c) If there is neither a clearly marked stop line nor a marked or unmarked crosswalk at the intersection or if the operator cannot efficiently observe traffic on the intersecting roadway from the stop made at the stop line or crosswalk, the operator shall, before entering the intersection, stop the vehicle at such point as will enable the operator to efficiently observe the traffic on the intersecting roadway.
(2m) Every operator of a motor vehicle approaching a school crossing which is controlled by an adult school crossing guard appointed under s. 120.13 (31) or 349.215 shall follow the directions of the school crossing guard. If directed by the school crossing guard to stop, the operator shall stop the vehicle not less than 10 feet nor more than 30 feet from the school crossing and shall remain stopped until the school crossing guard directs the operator to proceed.
(3) Every operator of a vehicle approaching an official stop sign at a railroad crossing shall, before proceeding on or over such crossing, stop the vehicle immediately before crossing a clearly marked stop line. If there is no clearly marked stop line, the operator shall stop the vehicle not less than 15 nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail.
(4) 
(a) Every operator of a vehicle approaching an official stop sign or official temporary stop sign erected mid-block on or in the roadway by local authorities under s. 349.07 (6) shall cause such vehicle to stop not less than 10 nor more than 30 feet from such official sign except when directed to proceed by a traffic officer.