I found 40 states have a law on the books prohibiting opening a car door into moving traffic. I know for a fact Virginia doesn’t have one because they’re debating the issue this week.
I can’t find a dooring statute for 9 other states. Before I report this as fact, if you happen to know otherwise please let me know.
The states without dooring laws (as far as I know): Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia
TIA for any help
This isn’t what you asked, but you may be interested to know that New York City has its own anti-dooring regulation (34 RCNY 4-12(c)) in addition to the state law (33 VTL 1214).
I would welcome such a law wherever there isn’t one. I would welcome cyclists not riding in door zones more. I’m not sure laws would really reduce their risk much.
I hate this particular problem. Door-zone riding can move a cyclist through otherwise stopped bumper-to-bumper downtown traffic, which is the only time I’m tempted. Even then, splitting lanes is probably more safe than riding in that damned door zone. If traffic is moving, I simply take the lane and avoid the doors altogether. I’m off to read your Anti Dooring post now…
Had to look that anti-dooring post up — that five year old post links to a defunct website, though I think the bus driver story can still be instructional!
yeah, found that out. Agreed about the bus driver anecdote!
I don’t know about law but for Kentucky http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/2006_ky_drivers_manual.pdf
page 66 rules for motorists concerning bicycles
In re: to your question, I have seen mention locally here in the DC area of 45 states already having laws on the books. (See here: http://www.thewashcycle.com/2013/01/norfolk-columnist-bashes-anti-dooring-law.html for instance). Not sure which five you’re missing or if the 45 number is inaccurate, both of which are possible.
Sorry to muddy the waters…
NJ does not have a specific anti-dooring law, but the drivers’ manual does mention that a driver who does door another road user may be liable for the collision:
“A motorist opening a door into traffic may be liable for any collision with a moving vehicle. ”
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/manuals/chap_04_15.html