HB461: HB461 Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act; enact

Georgia law currently requires all drivers to obey traffic signals and generally does not address the problem of lightweight vehicles, like motorcycles and bicycles, failing to trigger sensor-based traffic lights. HB 461 creates a narrow exception: if a motorcycle or bicycle rider reasonably believes a signal is stuck because it did not detect their vehicle, after observing at least two full light cycles, they may proceed through the intersection if no other vehicle is approaching within 500 feet and they proceed cautiously. The rider bears the burden of proving they followed the rules if there is a dispute or accident. The bill also updates crosswalk law so drivers must stop when a pedestrian activates a rectangular rapid flash beacon (a flashing warning light at a crosswalk), and it makes it illegal to activate one of these beacons without intending to cross the street. Finally, it revises motorcycle lane-use rules, including removing an existing ban on riding two motorcycles side by side in a single lane, while keeping the general ban on driving between lanes of traffic. The Act would take effect upon passage and repeals conflicting laws.

• Creates a limited exception letting motorcycle and bicycle riders proceed through a traffic signal they reasonably believe is malfunctioning, after observing at least two full light cycles and confirming no vehicle is within 500 feet.
• Places the burden of proof on the rider to show they followed the new rule if they are involved in an accident while using this exception.
• Requires drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians at crosswalks equipped with an activated rectangular rapid flash beacon, a pedestrian-triggered flashing warning light.
• Makes it illegal for a pedestrian to activate a rectangular rapid flash beacon at a crosswalk if they do not actually intend to cross the road.
• Removes the existing statewide ban on motorcycles riding two abreast (side by side) in a single lane, while keeping the ban on riding between lanes of traffic or between rows of vehicles.
• Updates the legal definition of 'rectangular rapid flash beacon' in Georgia's motor vehicle code (O.C.G.A. § 40-1-1).

Motorcycle and bicycle riders, drivers of other motor vehicles, pedestrians who use marked or unmarked crosswalks, and police officers, since certain rules do not apply to officers performing official duties. Moped operators are also referenced through a conforming cross-reference change.

Motorcyclists and bicyclists sometimes get stuck at signals that don't sense their lighter vehicles; this bill gives them a legal way to proceed safely instead of waiting indefinitely. It also strengthens pedestrian protections at flashing crosswalk beacons and changes how closely motorcycles can ride together in a lane.

• Section 1 names the bill the 'Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act.'
• Section 2 revises the definition of 'rectangular rapid flash beacon' in O.C.G.A. § 40-1-1.
• Section 3 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-6-20 to let motorcycle or bicycle riders disregard a signal they reasonably believe is inoperative, if no vehicle is within 500 feet and they proceed cautiously; the rider bears the burden of proof and must have observed at least two light cycle changes.
• Section 4 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-6-91 to require drivers to stop for pedestrians when a rectangular rapid flash beacon is activated, and makes it unlawful to activate the beacon without intending to cross.
• Section 5 amends O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312, removing the ban on motorcycles riding two abreast in one lane while keeping the ban on riding between lanes or rows of vehicles, and keeps limits on passing stationary vehicles at low speed.
• Section 6 makes a conforming cross-reference change to the moped law in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-350.
• Section 7 repeals conflicting laws.

1. 2026-02-24House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
2. 2025-04-04House Withdrawn, Recommitted (House)
3. 2025-02-26House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (House)
4. 2025-02-18House Second Readers (House)
5. 2025-02-13House First Readers (House)
6. 2025-02-13House Hopper (House)

• Brad Thomas (R, HD-021)Primary sponsor
• Alan Powell (R, HD-033)
• Danny Mathis (R, HD-133)
• Derrick McCollum (R, HD-030)
• Brent Cox (R, HD-028)

• motorcycle safety
• traffic signals
• crosswalk safety
• pedestrian beacons
• motor vehicle law