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
8 Comments
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…
Pingback: Cyclelicious » An American survey of dooring laws
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