Over the course of the past few weeks, a number of States have kickstarted 2019 by opening discussions about the possibility of making motorcycle lane splitting or filtering legal. It's legal only in California. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. Here is a COMPLETE guide go lane splitting legal states containing AZ & Montanan + federal in each state. A: Splitting lanes is only legal when traffic is moving 40 miles per hour or slower. Passengers must also have a footrest. Lane filtering is legal in NSW. Today, a cop told me that it was and when I sent screenshots from a law office that says it isnt legal nor illegal and that they would cite you for reckless driving instead, he said “Go ahead and try lane splitting in Kentucky. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the left only if that vehicle is. Put differently, lane splitting involves driving along the dashed line between rows of vehicles, turning it into a temporary, mini-express lane solely for motorcycles. Because of this reason, most of the states refuse to make lane splitting legal. Drivers may collide with lane-splitting riders when changing lanes. According to the University of California Berkeley, lane splitting on a. If you’re a rider and you have ever wondered whether lane splitting on a motorcycle is legal in South Carolina, the answer is a clear no. Brown, Jr. So if you have the money, lane splitting is completely legal . Drivers may not see someone lane-splitting when switching lanes; Lane splitting makes it harder to deal with bad weather or road conditions; Motorcycle accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries or death if they occur while lane splitting; While there may be ways to mitigate some of these dangers, it can’t be proved that lane. In his former life, he ran companies with recognizable brand names. It does not matter their level of experience, their age, or whether. Splitting lanes—the practice of motorcycles passing another vehicle in the same late—is illegal in Nevada. Alaska Lane Splitting Laws Motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Alaska. Motorcycles can, however, share a lane known as “co-riding. That’s called “lane splitting,” and, according to Florida Statue 316. The relevant New York statute states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines. In Ontario, it’s merely not permitted, which. Driver Negligence. Lane filtering is only permitted between stopped traffic. 0605 (a) (3) stating that motorcycles cannot: (B) operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same. Lane splitting, also known as lane sharing, is a practice that was officially legalized in California in August 2016. Splitting lanes—the practice of motorcycles passing another vehicle in the same late—is illegal in Nevada. . Lane splitting is driving through traffic congestion or slow-moving vehicles in the area between two traffic lanes. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California. Lane splitting is a controversial topic among motorists. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. It involves passing between stopped or slowed lanes of traffic. Lane-splitting is specifically legal only in California. Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is not legal in Pennsylvania. OK so, while this doesn't answer your question. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. . This technique is also known as white lining to experienced motorcyclists. It’s also called “lane filtering. Alaska: Illegal: Arkansas: Illegal: No law. C. However, lane filtering and lane splitting are illegal in Georgia. Offenses and Accidents Section 185. ”Most motorcyclists refrain from these actions, but collisions still happen even when no lane splitting occurs. In all other states, it is currently illegal. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. California has had lane-splitting laws on the books for a few years now, and studies were even conducted by Dr. So when an accident occurs due to lane splitting, how it is handled may depend on the officer that arrives at the scene. A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. But, even though it might not be a smart move, is lane-splitting legal in Louisiana? Let's look at the statute. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. Lane splitting, or "filtering", is legal in all European countries except Germany (where it is legal only in stationary traffic). Oklahoma has some unique motorcycle laws, and failing to obey these laws while in the state can leave you with a ticket, a citation, or even jail time. Additionally, riders are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the flow of traffic, and if the traffic is moving at more than 30 miles per hour, lane. Many motorcyclists find lane splitting convenient, especially in. Nonetheless, due to motorcycles being smaller and harder to spot from far away distances; lane splitting can put them in danger of getting hit by drivers when they switch lanes. Lane filtering in Utah is legal only when the road has two or more lanes in the same direction. motorcycle insurance. The law describes it. 316. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider cuts down the middle of two lanes of traffic. (717) 995-8963. In Kentucky, however, there is no specific mention of lane splitting in the state’s motorcycle laws. Motorcycle Laws. Conclusion. Lane splitting – also referred to as “lane sharing” – was codified on January 1,. In California, lane splitting has been legal since 2016, but some restrictions exist. It’s often associated in North America with California – hence the term the “California Roll”, where it’s legal under. Lane splitting is legal in Israel and is nearly universally practiced. What Is Lane Splitting? “Lane splitting” is a term often used interchangeably with “lane sharing” and “filtering,” but these terms technically apply to different actions. Jerry Brown in 2016. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. AAC 02. All motorcyclists should be aware of the value of lane positioning to maximize their visibility to other motorists and better manage traffic situations. Lane filtering is where a motorcycle rider moves past stopped or slow-moving vehicles at 30km/h or less. In January 2017, the aptly-named State Senator Jeff Kruse ® introduced Senate Bill 385, which would have allowed lane splitting in Oregon, if the rider was on a roadway marked for at least 50 mph in traffic moving slower than 10 mph. The minimum age to begin the Kansas motorcycle licensing process is 16 years old. Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, while most states have no laws expressly forbidding it. . Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. Contact us today at 1-888-863-7216 to schedule your free consultation. Over the course of the past few weeks, a number of States have kickstarted 2019 by opening discussions about the possibility of making motorcycle lane splitting or filtering legal. The number of motorcycle riders killed throughout Oregon has been growing in the past five years, AAA said, with 95 killed last year alone. 209 articles 2-4, which read: (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. In the video mentioned earlier in this article ( here’s the link again , just in case), the Utah Department of Public Safety attempts to show what safe lane filtering looks like. Austin is an experienced business leader and passionate rider. Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. Call a Plainfield, IL criminal defense lawyer at 815-666-1285. ”. Lane Splitting Nevada 2022. Lane-splitting is currently illegal in Maryland. Motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Alaska. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other than an autocycle, the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel in the same lane. Today, many states are considering whether they should change their laws to permit lane splitting. This would really help for both vehicle and human overheating in the hot summer months. Stipulations in Texas Laws Regarding Lane Splitting. Motor Vehicles Chapter 35. Motorcyclists are significantly less likely to be injured or killed if they're. A summary of current state laws specific to lane splitting and lane filtering. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Understanding Lane Splitting in California. But it is illegal everywhere in the United States except California. Motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacement of less than 50cc can be AS 28. It’s also legally required that you purchase. ”. California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 21658. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. As a rider, I do wish that lane filtering/splitting was legal under certain conditions. Coastal SoCal, from the border to Monterey, has probably the best year-round climate for riding roads. TAMPA/St. Lane splitting is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at more than 30km/h. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. 1, 2017, and formally defined legal lane-splitting in California. A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. Lane splitting in Utah. Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal riding practices in Georgia, as they put riders at risk of injury and increase the. New law becomes official Sept. However, lane splitting remains widespread in Las Vegas during rush hour traffic near the strip. Lane splitting in Utah. Whether lane splitting is safe is an open-ended question for most people, but it is currently illegal in Florida. Here are the most common causes of car and motorcycle collisions. Yes, lane splitting does in fact save a lot of time from getting stuck in the long, continuous hours of traffic. Lane splitting is allowed in many European countries and last year California became the first U. The intention of legal lane splitting is within slow-moving or stopped traffic. Jaynen00. Only a handful of states don’t have laws against lane-splitting!” NO, this is looking at different data. Lane splitting takes advantage of the slim profile of a motorcycle, allowing it to maneuver between cars and navigate congestion more efficiently. The official pro-lane-splitting bill became active in California on January 1st, 2017. Some riders may attempt to lane split in areas where it is not specifically prohibited, but doing so may put them at risk of being pulled over or ticketed. It’s legal in plenty of other places outside the U. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Most major cities in PA are trying to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than motorcycle. Florida Statute 316. Nonetheless, due to motorcycles being smaller and harder to spot from far away distances; lane splitting can put them in danger of getting hit by drivers when they switch lanes. (727) 500-1076. It occurs when two motorcycles ride side-by-side within the same lane. What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving traffic. Arizona: Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. California is the only state to enact a law that allows lane splitting. Despite efforts to legalize the practice, lane splitting is illegal in Texas and lane splitters may be subject to a $175 fine. The only U. The only requirements are that you do not exceed the speed limit and that you lane split safely. Lane splitting is the practice of maneuvering a motorcycle between marked lanes of slower-moving vehicles. 1 states: 191. m. 2. In Alabama, the legality of lane splitting and filtering is determined by the state’s traffic laws. From La. gov -. Lane filtering is available in Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. Motorcyclists typically lane split to avoid stopping in heavy or stopped traffic. The second type happens when a motorcycle rides between two lanes – often on the. (COLORADO) – The Colorado State Patrol is sending a clear reminder to motorcycle riders that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. ”. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. signed California. The short answer is no–lane splitting is illegal in Nova Scotia. Lane splitting is legal for motorcyclists in California, and. Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcycle riders, even though it is not always legal. Now the California Highway Patrol has issued safety guidelines on the topic — guidelines that apply not. 1. The state does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. 427 makes lane splitting illegal in Alaska by prohibiting motorcycles from. According to Oregon state law, a Class A violation could result in a maximum fine of $2,000, and a minimum fine of $225. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. The amendment arose in Texas State. [1] [2] It is sometimes called whitelining, or. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. 1. ”. Lane filtering is legal in Utah anywhere the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. Alaska driving laws require motorcycle helmets all underage riders and all passengers. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. Skip to content. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. Lane-splitting, sometimes called “white-lining,” refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding on the road lines between lanes, including lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or in between opposing directions of traffic. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. Lane splitting, also referred to as lane sharing or filtering, is a common practice in many parts of the world. But that doesn't mean our laws are any clearer! The Ontario Ministry of Transportation states that filtering is “extremely dangerous,” but they make no reference to an actual law. For example, lane splitting in Hawaii is illegal because of narrow roads, but motorcycle riders can pass on the shoulder lane if traffic is at a standstill. From La. 1. ” The simplicity of this definition is the problem—it doesn’t draw the line between splitting and filtering. French riders staged protests in multiple cities in 2021 when the possibility of a lane-splitting ban in that country was raised. Is lane splitting legal in Texas? Truth is, Texas has no law that explicitly mentions lane splitting. 660 (4) A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or bicycle shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the. In the video mentioned earlier in this article ( here’s the link again , just in case), the Utah Department of Public Safety attempts to show what safe lane filtering looks like. Overtaking and Passing Certain Stationary Vehicles. (a) For the purposes of this section, “ lane splitting ” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. Motorcyclists are required to stay within their designated lanes while riding on public roads and highways. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. C. No, absolutely do not "send it" between cars. Motorcycles can, however, share a lane known as “co-riding. Lane splitting is a pretty controversial topic. (706) 437 9122. Yep - exactly right. First, not only is lane-sharing or lane-splitting legal in California, but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. S. com. Lane-splitting is illegal but lane-sharing by 2 scooters seems to be ignored by most law enforcement. The law now puts the state in the company of California, Utah, and Montana. Lane splitting was never illegal in California, but AB 51 was signed into law, making it officially legal and sanctioned. In all other states, it is currently illegal. However, lane sharing is legal, and two motorcycles can ride beside each other, or slightly staggered, in the same. 1, 2021. Some states, like Texas, are considering changing their laws to allow lane-splitting . However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. Utah officially. Jerry Brown in 2016. Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing. Lane splitting is not legal in Texas as of 2023. 309-550-7543; Home; Quote; Wherefore Us? Blog; Contact; Nearly. Again, lane splitting refers to the practice of driving a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically on a multi-lane road or highway during a traffic jam. The state does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting is illegal. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio. . We’ve been serving clients in Texas for over 25 years and have experience trying a wide variety of cases, including motorcycle accidents. The traffic must be stationary or slow-moving and the way ahead must be clear. Lane splitting, also called white-lining, nose riding, or lane sharing, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes or lines of stopped or slow-moving cars. The following year it reported 18. Lane splitting is not legal in the United States (in most states), that being said, there are some exceptions. You have to remember that unless your vehicle laws specifically outlaw lane splitting, it may in fact be in a legal grey area. Whether or not a state has official laws against lane-filtering doesn’t really affect local LEO’s perception of it. For the other 49 states, the act of lane splitting is either fully illegal, or no clear legislation on the matter currently exists. However, like in most of the US, it was generally frowned upon. Proponents said the bill was a compromise from past attempts to legalize lane splitting in Oregon and drew a distinction between the proposal and the law in California, where riders can travel in. However, Utah and Montana have restricted laws regarding lane splitting. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. Riding between marked lanes of traffic allows them to get to the front of the line. States Where Lane Splitting is Legal. Legal lane splitting moves traffic forward faster, but yes, the way some riders lane split can be perceived as negative. Whether or not a state has official laws against lane-filtering doesn’t really affect local LEO’s perception of it. S. Lane-sharing or lane-splitting rules vary by state. The details of the law are outlined below, in our original piece from when the Arizona state legislature signed this bill into law in March, 2022. 185. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. Splitting lanes in Arkansas, Delaware, Washington, DC, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia is not legal, nor is it illegal, but if you do it, you might get a citation. ”. The passage of Senate Bill 1273, sponsored by Sen. Lane splitting is a gray area in many US states. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the same lane side-by-side. For instance, it’s legal in California but illegal in some other states. Keep in mind that lane-splitting is not synonymous with lane sharing. As a motorcyclist, it is important to know the laws on lane splitting in your state. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. Legal Complexities: The legality of lane splitting varies broadly. “Lane splitting” or “lane filtering” will be legal in Montana beginning Oct. In some states, it is not explicitly illegal while in others, like Tennessee, it is banned under state law. Lane splitting is legal for motorcyclists in California, and. Lane filtering should be the focus as it’s the most effective way to safely and efficiently provide solutions and incentives for riding in urban high traffic areas. Conversely, some states do not consider lane splitting a. 51. In Kentucky, however, there is no specific mention of lane splitting in the state’s motorcycle laws. California. , you. No, lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut and has a section ( Sec. After being “not illegal” and common practice for many years, it was made explicitly legal in 2016. Lane splitting allows motorcycles to occupy space on the highway that isn. 937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140. 309-550-7543; Home; Quote; Why Us? Posted on: May 5, 2023. It’s not enforced at all, but the traffic law actually states that during stopped traffic a motorcyclist must filter all the way to the front for higher visibility, and use the designated motorcycle spots. Section 21658. General Provisions. According to this law, lane splitting is defined “as driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. I quick look Alaska is not, its specifically banned. Motorcyclists typically lane split to avoid stopping in heavy or stopped traffic. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. The only kind of legal lane splitting in Colorado is when the splitting involves two motorcycles using the same lane. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not. The best way to determine the answer is to consult with an attorney. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. Arguments for lane. It reduces traffic congestion: When motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, they can weave through congested traffic much more easily than cars, which helps ease traffic jams. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. The California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. Lane splitting is currently legal in California and Arizona. Lane splitting is not particularly legal in the United States. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the. Motorcyclists sometimes use lane splitting to avoid being rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic. Georgia’s Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code §40-6-312 states that motorcyclists cannot operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows or lines of traffic. Go is a COMPLETE tour toward lane splitting legal states including AZ & Montana + laws in each state. ”. ”. According to Code O. According to the Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook, it is also illegal for a motorcycle rider to pass or overtake a vehicle in the same lane as is sharing a lane with cars. ”Lane filtering/splitting is defined by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as “using or sharing a lane already occupied by one vehicle by another vehicle such as a motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway. To clarify, lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides in the space between two lanes, driving in the gap between two cars. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. The American Motorcyclist Association, an advocacy group that represents more than 200,000 motorcyclists nationwide, supports lane-splitting and is working to make it legal in other states. Lane Splitting Rules of the Road. The state allows lane splitting. ”. August 12, 2022. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. The latter refers to two motorcycles ridden side-by-side within a lane. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. Lane splitting is a term to describe a motorcycle passing between lanes of adjacent slower-moving traffic. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it from the committee to the floor of the. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. Why Is Lane Splitting Legal in California? California’s Vehicle Code specifically permits the practice of lane splitting, which it defines as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. However, state law may not place any strict limits in terms of speed, but it is recommended that motorcyclists avoid splitting lanes by moving faster than 10 mph more than the drivers around them or when surrounding. The Step-by-Step Guide California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Now the California Highway Patrol has issued safety guidelines on the topic — guidelines that apply not. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. But with this practice comes questions about its legality and safety. 3 min read. If you stay within 30-45 miles of the coast, the weather is pretty temperate. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. How to Safely Lane Filter Just because lane filtering is now legal in. (Senate Bill 1273) Arkansas: Not specifically prohibited in state law. California would be the first state to sanction the traffic. Reply . Missouri law on this topic is not explicit. This legislation update allows motorcyclists to split lanes provided that: The rider observes a speed limit of 20 mph. Even in California, not every form of lane splitting is legal. Although SC law does not explicitly use the terms “lane splitting” or “lane filtering,” SC Code Section 56-5-3640 says: (a) 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. Learn more from the skilled motorcycle crash lawyers at Zaner Harden Law . Remember, Florida Statute 316. Although lane splitting is illegal in Wisconsin, motorcyclists may violate traffic laws in this manner, and accidents can occur as a result. What NC law says about lane splitting. 7 percent). It’s often associated in North America with California – hence the term the “California Roll”, where it’s legal under. You can only ride between lanes of traffic stopped at a light. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. ” There is a lot of traffic in California, the weather is good, and there are many more motorcycle riders than in. However, the law states that only two riders. Lane splitting – also referred to as “lane sharing” – was codified on January 1,. For. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. Petty Traffic Violation Penalties. Motorcycle lane splitting is legal in Alaska, which means you need to be vigilant and check for motorists opening their doors or preparing to change lanes. 2) It is dangerous to split traffic on a motorcycle just like it is on a bicycle. Then it was lagalised with specific verbiage in the vehicle code. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. A: Currently, lane splitting is only legal in eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. 1, 2021. S. The firearm can be within reach and clearly visible, or you can conceal it. In the United States, lane splitting is illegal in most states, with a few states allowing it with some exceptions. Arizona Lane splitting in Arizona is currently illegal. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. However, lane sharing is legal, and two motorcycles can ride beside each other, or slightly staggered, in the same lane. Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic on a roadway. 4. This is common in California where motorcycles are allowed to do this as long as. You could even lose your motorcycle license through repeated violations. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. The lane width is sufficient to allow safe passage. Lane splitting is legal in California because the state recognizes it as a tool to decrease traffic congestion. Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is a driving maneuver in which a motorcycle rider travels between two lanes of slower-moving or stopped traffic. States Where Lane Splitting Is Illegal. While lane splitting is dangerous, a 2015 study found motorcycle riders who split lanes in congested traffic are considerably less likely to be hit from behind by other drivers, suffer head or body injuries , or incur fatal injuries . ”. Lane filtering is allowed in Arizona, but only in certain conditions. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. Some of these are considering legislation to legalize the practice, but those bills have not come. Here are three ways lane splitting helps both drivers and motorcyclists. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. No, lane-splitting is not legal in Las Vegas or anywhere else in the state. States Where Lane Splitting is Legal. Lane splitting is not permitted in Mississippi, but it is not illegal in other states. Is Lane Splitting Legal? In the U. Even if it is legal, lane splitting can be a dangerous practice. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. While lane splitting is legal in some. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. Oakland, CA 94601.