Ok   I may be reading this all wrong.. but ... when 2 or more motorcycles are riding on the road they are not allow to be side by side in the same lane........But if 2 motorcycles are riding on the road and are  Police on bikes they can ride side by side in the same lane........ I did not get a ticket yesterday .. was just told that only law-enforcement can ride side by side.....    another reason I left that job many many moons ago....   always was I can do it .. but you can't thinking

I believe they use the phrase "exempt from the law"

http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=VA


§ 46.2-857. Driving two abreast in a single lane.

A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one vehicle, or drives any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, so as to travel abreast of any other vehicle traveling in a lane designed for one vehicle. However, this section shall not apply to any validly authorized parade, motorcade, or motorcycle escort, nor shall it apply to a motor vehicle traveling in the same lane of traffic as a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, or moped.

It's legal now in Wyoming too, but law enforcement have always been exempt. There are MANY traffic laws that they are 'exempt' from!

Last time i saw two bikes riding side by side, they got too close, got hooked together, head-on into a big tree. Pretty well stuck in my mind, and discouraged me from it.

A case of do as I say, not as I do!

   

lol the cops in my town can and do do as they want regardless of any law

I FOUGHT THE LAW AND THE LAW WON

I, too, was witness to my cousin almost having her leg ripped off and the passenger peg completely ripped off the bike she was on, because another rider decided to move a little closer to say something to her husband.

I have to 'cop' out to stupid. I have riden in thrity plus states and being from California, a Motorcycle Officer for the CHP and a recreational rider since 1963 until I moved to Virginia in 2004 I didn't know this was illegal. Nor did I know that in some states 'splitting traffic' was considered reckless. Having been educated and trained to ride in both of these situations and taught the benefits of both riding conditions I have had a really hard time adapting to what I consider to be a contradiction to the purpose and advantages of safely operating a vehicle on two wheels. Please forgive me if you can't safely operate a motorcycle side by side in the average 12' wide lane and split traffic between vehicles when there is on average 5-6' of space between vehicles please don't drive your car next to mine when you are operating on four wheels. I also have a really hard time having to stop behind traffic at signal/stop signs. A motorcycle at the end of a line of stopped traffic when rear-ended by the distracted driver will always loose. I will always put myself between cars when stopped, sorry, habit.

Simple enough to understand, they averaged everything out and made the best decision based on the facts.
Motorcops have professional training and riding skills, don't go bar-hoppin, have protective clothing and equipment on their bikes, getting paid to ride and less likely to do something stupid.

 What prompts people to take a severe mistrust and dislike to authority more than the old "do as I say not as I do". Cops wonder why they don't get any respect? This is one of the first steps in a long journey. I have relatives that are cops (various agencies) and they are not to be trusted even in the family. They never seem to punch out from the job. Good luck out there...

It varies by state. In Mn we can ride side - by - side, but I will only do that with riders I know and trust. If a strange biker starts to creep up on me I will ride the middle of the lane to discourage him. If he persists and comes up on me, I will back off and let him get ahead. I've ridden in large groups side - by - side without a problem.

Laws are there for a purpose and law enforcment personell are given special consideration due to the nature of their jobs. I personally feel uncomfortable riding side-by-side for the same reason Hollywood noted in his experience. Staggered riding in groups is a lot more safe for riders and drivers, many more options when trouble comes at you!

WA State ~ no more than two abreast in a single lane width (bar to bar is legal ~ not THAT kind of BAR!!!) Ha ha!

Very true ~ and here is where Washington State makes 'exceptions' for Law Enforcement Officers (RCW ~ Revised Code of Washington) set forth by Legislature:
 

RCW 46.61.608 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic.

(1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

     (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

     (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

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

     (5) Subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.

2 second rule...for safety's sake. Legally, i believe, each vehicle has it's own space...therefore, sharing that space is illegal. Have done it..yeah it's fun, like i really care about the law...i don't... but truth is...i like my legs to remain uninjured and attached to my body if possible. Space cushion is just that... a cushion and a VERY good idea. And the 2 second rule ...not 4 or 6 is for experienced riders. JMO

As Lucky pointed out, the rules or laws vary from state to state. Any rider should check his or her own state laws to answer the question in their own state. Simply go to the internet, type in the name of your state plus "state statutes" and you are likely to find a link to your state code, and look for a chapter similar to "motor vehicles" or "State Uniform Traffic Control" and read the sections of law within the chapter.

For the State of Florida, Section 316.209 titled: "Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic" states in part:
...
(4) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

Sincerely,
Brad Souders
A Biker Representing Bikers
http://www.HOG-LAW.com