[Skylark]

While reading the "Should I plead guilty" thread, I remembered someone once told me that the following portions of the Ohio Revised Code, in addition to prohibiting passing of standard cars and trucks in a no-passing zone, also prohibit passing bicycles and farm equipment in a no-passing zone.<br><br><br><br>
I looked through the passages specifically relating to bicycles and could find nothing that indicated they would not be subject to the following clauses in the ORC:<br><br><br><br>
The Ohio Revised Code states under <a href="http://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh/lpExt.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=PORC" target="_blank">Hazardous Zones</a>:<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">The department of transportation may determine those portions of any state highway where overtaking and passing other traffic or driving to the left of the center or center line of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may, by appropriate signs or markings on the highway, indicate the beginning and end of such zones. When such signs or markings are in place and clearly visible, every operator of a vehicle or trackless trolley shall obey the directions of the signs or markings, notwithstanding the distances set out in section 4511.30 of the Revised Code.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
And, under <a href="http://onlinedocs.andersonpublishing.com/oh/lpExt.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&cp=PORC" target="_blank">Rules Governing Overtaking and Passing of Vehicles</a>:<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">The operator of a vehicle or trackless trolley overtaking another vehicle or trackless trolley proceeding in the same direction shall, except as provided in division (A)(3) of this section, signal to the vehicle or trackless trolley to be overtaken, shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle or trackless trolley.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
So my question is this: if you pass a bike or tractor in a no-passing zone, does a police officer have the legal option to issue you a ticket? I have been riding my bicycle since I was five years old and driving a car since I was sixteen, and I have <i>never</i> heard of or seen a police officer ticketing a motorist for this. I did once encounter an officer who believed bicycles must ride only on sidewalks, but that's another story.<br><br><br><br>
On some roads, no-passing zones stretch for miles. Motorists might not be able to safely pass an automobile moving at 30 mph, but if my experience means anything, they can safely pass a bicyclist moving at 15 mph. Imagine how far back traffic could get backed up if all motorists waited for a passing zone to appear before passing that bicylist. The poor bicyclist, tooit's nerve-wracking to have a car sit practically on your tail for longer than a few seconds.<br><br><br><br>
Should the ORC be clarified? Or is it fine as it is? What do other states have in their legal code?

 

[thebelovedtree]

Personally I think its silly, and my boyfirned who often drives large farm equipment on public roads to get to vairous fields certainly doens't like people on his butt when he's driving. Any cop who expects you to sit and wait for a tractor going 5 mph in a 50 is crazy.

 

[1vegan]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>skylark</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><br><br><br>
So my question is this: if you pass a bike or tractor in a no-passing zone, does a police officer have the legal option to issue you a ticket?</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
with a car it's ok to pass a bike (as in bicycle).<br><br><br><br>
I think it's ok to pass the tractor too, as both don't seem to class as motor vehicle<br><br><br><br>
(from the site skylark linked)<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Unless otherwise defined in the policy or any endorsement to the policy, "motor vehicle," for purposes of the uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, or both uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages, means a self-propelled vehicle designed for use and principally used on public roads, including an automobile, truck, semi-tractor, motorcycle, and bus. "Motor vehicle" also includes a motor home, provided the motor home is not stationary and is not being used as a temporary or permanent residence or office. <b>"Motor vehicle" does not include</b> a trolley, streetcar, trailer, railroad engine, railroad car, motorized bicycle, golf cart, off-road recreational vehicle, snowmobile, fork lift, aircraft, watercraft, construction equipment, farm tractor or other vehicle designed and principally used for agricultural purposes, mobile home, vehicle traveling on treads or rails, or any similar vehicle.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
unless we're talking different kind of tractors here?

 

[jeneticallymodified]

in the uk, i'm pretty sure that tractors are required to pull over as soon as than can, in whatever way they can (be it into someones drive, or right into the edge of the hedge, if need be) to give someone enought room to go round them without crossing the centre line, if its dangerous for people to cross the centre line or try and pass them otherwise. this applies if they're travelling slowly, and are being followed by i think 3, or more cars. same rule should really apply to cyclists- if i was riding a bike and being tailed by a row of cars, i'd feel very inclined to signal that i was pulling over, to get onto the curb, or into someones drive, and get off my bike, and let everyone go past me.<br><br><br><br>
its dangerous to be driving something slowly, and to be be being tailed by a queue of traffic, because sooner or later some idiot have way down the line is going to get annoyed and try and overtake everyone, even when they can't see, or will drive up someone elses ass and stress them into doing something dangerous- i've seen it happen, and its not pretty.<br><br><br><br>
i'm afraid that if its deemed not safe to pass, you shouldn't pass. ok, you'll perhaps be late. you'll be maybe going at 5mph for 15 miles, 20 miles, or 30 miles- but, you won't risk being dead and taking out a load of other people with you like you would if you passed where it's not safe!<br><br><br><br>
and if the law says don't do it, then a cop can pull you for it- thats the way it is, and should be. luckily, in the uk, i've never seen loads of cops aimlessly hanging around waiting to bust you like i do in the states and canada. maybe they'll nail you once in a blue moon for speeding on the motorway, or with a traffic camera, but i don't see them that often- in the states and canada they seem to be everywhere, just waiting to p1ss you off for looking at them wrong.

 

[MaryC1999]

Honestly, I've never been behind a tractor that didn't pull over to the curb when I came up behind them. Then I could safely pass without leaving my lane. If I couldn't safely pass them without leaving my lane, I suppose I wouldn't pass them. I guess if I took the chance (which is dangerous imo) I deserve the ticket.<br><br>
With bicyclists, they generally stay on the curb of the road. Again, I can safely pass them by without leaving my lane.<br><br>
I don't know what the law it in my state regarding this honestly...<br><br>
Mary

 

[Dirty Martini]

I am with Mary -- if you can't pass without leaving your lane, then DON'T PASS. The no-pass zone is there for a reason - typically reduced visibility of what's ahead.

 

[Moechalatte]

That's kind of funny actually, because I lived in Ohio when I was learning how to drive, and there were actually a few questions on the written test about tractors and farm equiptment on the road. My driving instructor made it sound like it was a really big deal not to pass tractors, no matter how slow they may be moving... but I never knew anyone who got ticketed for it.

 

[Moechalatte]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>MaryC1999</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
Honestly, I've never been behind a tractor that didn't pull over to the curb when I came up behind them. Then I could safely pass without leaving my lane.....</div>
</div>
<br><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/laugh.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":lol:"> Wow! I wish it'd have been like that in my area in Ohio! I've actually never been behind a tractor that *did* pull over to the curb ... that's very cool.

 

[Wolfie]

I think it should just be illegal for bikes and farm equipment to be on the road. Problem solved. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[Skylark]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Wolfie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I think it should just be illegal for bikes and farm equipment to be on the road. Problem solved. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""></div>
</div>
<br><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/brood.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":brood:"><br><br><br><br>
Great, make it even less practical for bike commuters and farmers to get to their jobs.

 

[MaryC1999]

I don't think they should be banned from the road but I always thought it would be safer if they had bike route lanes. Even if they just widened the breakdown lanes a bit. So many cyclists are on the the really curvy dangerous roads and I'm always afraid they're going to get pegged by someone not paying as close attention as they should.<br><br>
Just an aside.<br><br>
Mary

 

[Wolfie]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>skylark</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/brood.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=":brood:"><br><br><br><br>
Great, make it even less practical for bike commuters and farmers to get to their jobs.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
I was kidding. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> Though I will swear under my breath at a combine when I'm running late.

 

[cftwo]

I think the issue is passing safely. I couldn't see anything in the passages quoted that suggested one couldn't pass very slow moving vehicles (like an Amish buggy) in a no-passing zone. But, I've stayed behind a buggy lots of times when I couldn't see over the rise ahead. Passing then would just be asking for a head-on collision (with a vehicle or another buggy). Because a buggy isn't going so fast, the space needed to pass isn't as much as needed to pass a vehicle moving closer to the speed limit. I think that would be taken into consideration. At any rate, in Ohio, I will pass a very slow moving vehicle in a no-passing zone if I can see quite a ways ahead and know there are no dangers. I've never heard of someone being ticketed for doing so.

 

[froggythefrog]

Oh gosh... the UK is full of windy roads that this American does not percieve as capable of supporting two cars. I often pulled over on the fast, windy country roads when I saw cars coming. On the other hand, I am surprised how courteous British drivers are.<br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>hoodedclawjen</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
in the uk, i'm pretty sure that tractors are required to pull over as soon as than can, in whatever way they can (be it into someones drive, or right into the edge of the hedge, if need be) to give someone enought room to go round them without crossing the centre line, if its dangerous for people to cross the centre line or try and pass them otherwise. this applies if they're travelling slowly, and are being followed by i think 3, or more cars. same rule should really apply to cyclists- if i was riding a bike and being tailed by a row of cars, i'd feel very inclined to signal that i was pulling over, to get onto the curb, or into someones drive, and get off my bike, and let everyone go past me.<br><br><br><br>
its dangerous to be driving something slowly, and to be be being tailed by a queue of traffic, because sooner or later some idiot have way down the line is going to get annoyed and try and overtake everyone, even when they can't see, or will drive up someone elses ass and stress them into doing something dangerous- i've seen it happen, and its not pretty.<br><br><br><br>
i'm afraid that if its deemed not safe to pass, you shouldn't pass. ok, you'll perhaps be late. you'll be maybe going at 5mph for 15 miles, 20 miles, or 30 miles- but, you won't risk being dead and taking out a load of other people with you like you would if you passed where it's not safe!<br><br><br><br>
and if the law says don't do it, then a cop can pull you for it- thats the way it is, and should be. luckily, in the uk, i've never seen loads of cops aimlessly hanging around waiting to bust you like i do in the states and canada. maybe they'll nail you once in a blue moon for speeding on the motorway, or with a traffic camera, but i don't see them that often- in the states and canada they seem to be everywhere, just waiting to p1ss you off for looking at them wrong.</div>
</div>
<br>

 

[froggythefrog]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Wolfie</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
I think it should just be illegal for bikes and farm equipment to be on the road. Problem solved. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/tongue3.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""></div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
I must disgree with you strongly. More roads need to have bike lanes in order to take advantage of America's most abundant natural resource: Human fat.

 

[bethanie]

I've thought about this often lately while cycling through Charlotte. I was listening to Charlotte Talks (radio program on npr) several months ago and the topic was bicycles following traffic laws when driving on roadways. It was around the time of the Cycle Charlotte thingy. One of the topics was stoplights/signs and whether or not cyclists should cycle up to the front of the line. The expert was saying that we shouldn't, we should wait in line with traffic...which I have tried to do since then. But this is difficult since cars don't have a problem scooting around me whenever possible (at stoplights for instance). I have a problem with the idea that we are expected to follow traffic laws as roadway vehicles....but cars don't give us that distinction (for instance I was moving into a turn lane--legally--the other day and while I was moving up to my spot, two cars passed me, even though I was very close to the stop line on the street and it wasn't very safe for them to do so)...and instead look at us as placing somewhere right above pedestrians. I do move over to the side to let cars pass (and normally ride as close to the side of the road as possible). I've always felt the solution to be bike lanes on as many streets as possible...as obviously cyclists AREN'T cars, and are much more likely to be injurred in an accident than people in cars....but not everyone agrees with that solution.<br><br><br><br>
Anyhooo....I think if you are breaking a law and endangering cyclists then yes, you should be given a ticket for it.<br><br><br><br>
B

 

[JLRodgers]

Actually I think police should be able to ticket people that pass in a no-passing lane given different circumstances... there's a few roads around me that are major roads to the town (not to visitors), that if you dind't pass in a "no passing zone" (i.e. about 1/4 the way into the other lane), you could be behind a tractor for 2-3 hours before you could pass! Of course in those spots, the tractors pull into a ditch partially (when it's clear) and wave cars to tell them it's ok (2.5-3 seconds to get around and back in a lane, when there's a 10-20 second window of visibility).<br><br><br><br>
At the same time, I think bicyclists should be able to be ticketed for disobeying traffic laws -- blowing stop signs, swearving over the center line -- not pulling over towards the side of a road if it's a passing area to allow cars around. There was one kid in town that used to ride his bicyle down main street -- and he kept up with traffic at 30-35mph!, one day he did get a ticket though, for speeding (at least he said, never know), he was going about 35 in a 20.<br><br><br><br><br><br>
But like for passing there's a catch with no-passing zones. you only need a set time to pass a vehicle and to get back into your lane. If you're going slower, you can pick up speed quicker than if you're going faster, and therefore need less time to get around.

 

[Dirty Martini]

<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>JLRodgers</strong> <a href="/forum/post/0"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style=""></a><br><br>
But like for passing there's a catch with no-passing zones. you only need a set time to pass a vehicle and to get back into your lane. If you're going slower, you can pick up speed quicker than if you're going faster, and therefore need less time to get around.</div>
</div>
<br><br><br>
... except that they're called "no-passing zones" for a reason... you're not supposed to pass anyone, whether it takes you 3 or 33 seconds. IT'S NOT SAFE.

 

[JLRodgers]

The "no passing zone" is based on being able to see based on the time it should, visibility, and speed limits. If speeds are lower, it's safe to pass in certain areas that it isn't in others, similar to faster speeds. Likewise, there are other roads that it's safe to pass but only in wintertime; in summer/fall/spring it isn't safe (trees bloom/lose leaves + fields, only in wintertime is there a clear view).<br><br><br><br>
two vehicles going 60mph, one passes the other... 60mph = 1 mile a minute or 5280 feet a minute or 88 feet a second. if it takes 5 seconds to pass at those speeds, you've travelled at least 440 feet (over a football field length).<br><br><br><br>
two vehicles going 15mph, one passes the other.... 15mph = 1 mile in 4 minutes, or 22feet a second... takes same 5 seconds to pass, you've only gone 110 feet, 220 if the car manages to go from 15-30 in 0 seconds (about 1/3-2/3 a football field length).<br><br><br><br>
a "no passing zone" would be based on visibility for safe passing for at least 440 feet (although more likely up to double that), NOT safe passing for 110 feet, or even 200 feet, or even 300 feet. If the speed limit were lower, the same "unsafe" zone would be "safe" for they'd be enough visibility.<br><br><br><br>
[I condensed the post... did have more, but the above is the gist]

 

[Dirty Martini]

Thank you, JLR, for that explanation.<br><br><br><br>
That doesn't negate the fact that it's illegal to pass in a no-passing zone because it's typically unsafe to do so.