The legalities of convoy - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Suze · 03-11-2009, 12:54 PM

Hi All -

I remember hearing some years back when I lived in CA that caravanning or driving in a convoy is against the law or that there were laws regarding how many vehicles, what speed, distance kept and how the vehicles behave when merging, etc.

Well, I've tried to Google state convoy laws, etc and pretty much came up blank except for this lawsuit.

Washington State Insurance Law Blog: Follow the Leader? Lead Caravan Driver Can Be Liable for Other Drivers’ Negligence

My question to the forum is, do you know of any laws (local or state) that would pertain to smarts in convoys, poker runs, rallys, etc?

The one experience I had participating in a smart caravan was not as successful as we'd hoped. Trying to keep 20+ cars together through traffic over miles is darn near impossible!

I'd hate to see any of us held responsible for the driving of others or any citations issued due to playing follow the leader.

**jwight** · 03-11-2009, 01:14 PM

Just my opinion, but each driver is on his or her own, regardless of any convoy idea. More than any legal issues, there are other considerations like keeping the group together through stop signs, lights, etc; avoiding the accordion effect as much as possible; avoiding "hogging" the highway and having a plan for unforeseen events (flats, potty stops, etc.) Good idea to have a trail vehicle and to use small radios or cell phones (passenger preferably) to keep in touch.

Godfather · 03-11-2009, 01:15 PM

As long as you are obeying traffic laws and not obstucting traffic no one should have a problem. There are laws on the books in some municipalities regarding "Cruising" but are aimed more at the slow moving congestion and burnout mentality of the musclecar crowd.

forestacademy · 03-11-2009, 01:16 PM

Hmm Check with the Harley folks. I know when Harley has large gathering they only release them onto the hyway a small group at a time but I don't know how many that is.

Maybe if you have the leader hauling one of these

you could say it is a funeral procession

BigWarpGuy · 03-11-2009, 01:50 PM

or one of these? a motorcycle hearse.

or one of these side car hearses.

One last trip in style.

I think there was a Smart Hearse. I will look online for it.

John_H · 03-11-2009, 01:51 PM

Do you even need a hearse to have the escort? We had a police escort at the Lombard Street crawl. Maybe we just need to get together a few hundred dollars for some motorcycle cop rental.

We may not be dignitaries but so many smarts are enough to make people stare in awe.

forestacademy · 03-11-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

I think there was a Smart Hearse. I will look online for it.

You meen a smart For2+1

kwagar · 03-11-2009, 02:14 PM

I know of no laws against convoys per se but as a Harley Rider I can assure you that trying to keep a convoy of Bikes or cars together other than on an Interstate Highway is a challenge and can be very un-safe.

At the same time it is obviously fun to run in a pack.

To be safe before any convoy or group drive on surface roads all drivers should have a route map. There should be planned and indentified stops along the way for the cars to re-group. Everyone should be reminded to follow the laws with respect to stop signs, intersections, traffic lights, speed etc.

One can still have great fun on a group drive BUT DON"T PLAN OR EXPECT TO KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER AT ALL TIMES-IT WILL ONLY LEAD TO SOMEONE HAVING AN ACCIDENT AND GETTING HURT.

Trust me I have seen very good Motorcycle Drivers get hurt by losing their perspective regarding keeping with the group at all costs.

Plan ahead-Review the rules and the safety issues and have a good time. It always makes sense to be connected by cell phone or radio and having someone familiar with the route bring up the rear.

BigWarpGuy · 03-11-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forestacademy

You meen a smart For2+1

or For1Gone?

Suze · 03-11-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwagar

........To be safe before any convoy or group drive on surface roads all drivers should have a route map. There should be planned and indentified stops along the way for the cars to re-group. Everyone should be reminded to follow the laws with respect to stop signs, intersections, traffic lights, speed etc.

One can still have great fun on a group drive BUT DON"T PLAN OR EXPECT TO KEEP THE GROUP TOGETHER AT ALL TIMES-IT WILL ONLY LEAD TO SOMEONE HAVING AN ACCIDENT AND GETTING HURT...........

Thanks, Ken - this is exactly how I'm planning the Multnomah Falls run, which is only 36 miles. We'll meet at the dealer, get maps and directions and then meet at the falls sometime later. Easy-peasy!