Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1252(d) — More Than Two Motorcycles Abreast

Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (“VTL”) §1252(d), three motorcyclists are prohibited from riding next to each other in a single lane of traffic. It is a distinct traffic violation that can result in a separate traffic ticket for all three motorcyclists.

In practice, this violation centers entirely on how a group of riders shares a single traffic lane. While New York law permits two motorcyclists to operate side-by-side—known as riding abreast—in a standard lane, that privilege strictly tops out at two. The moment a third rider pulls up parallel to form a trio across the lane, or if a group clusters closely enough that three bikes occupy the same horizontal space between the painted lane lines, the threshold is crossed. Whether moving at highway speeds or bunched up at a red light, having more than two bikes traveling parallel in a single lane immediately gives police officers a reason to pull the three riders over and issue citations.

How Much Is a VTL 1252(d) Ticket in NY?

• Fine and surcharge: The first-offense fine is $0–$150, plus a mandatory $88 (city courts) or $93 (justice courts) surcharge.
• Jail: Up to 15 days in jail, although jail is highly unlikely in practice.
• Points: VTL 1252(d) carries 2 points.
• Insurance impact: A 2-point conviction appears on your DMV abstract and can be reported to your insurer at renewal, potentially raising your insurance rates.

VTL 1252(d) — Statute

The language of VTL § 1252(d) reads:

Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

This is read together with VTL 1252(a), which explicitly permits two motorcycles to ride abreast in one lane while simultaneously prohibiting any other vehicle from depriving a motorcycle of its full lane use.

VTL 1252 — Related Motorcycle Lane Violations

• 1252(b): Prohibits overtaking and passing in the same lane as the vehicle being overtaken.
• 1252(c): Prohibits lane splitting — operating between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines of vehicles.
• 1252(d) — this section: Prohibits more than two motorcycles abreast in one lane.

Disputing a VTL 1252(d) Ticket

Possible defenses include: the officer miscounted the formation (e.g., two-abreast with a staggered motorcycle behind); the motorcycles were in different lanes and not three-wide in a single lane; or the ticket was issued to a rider who was not among the three or more riding abreast (i.e., was in a proper two-abreast position). This violation often arises in group rides where police observe the procession from a distance; ambiguity in the officer's observations can be a viable challenge.

Because this ticket carries 2 points and can affect your motorcycle insurance, it is worth contesting.

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