Read this post about Lane Splitting & Filtering in Florida and learn more in our personal injury blog. For instance, it is perfectly legal to bike between lanes of traffic in Los Angeles, even if the traffic is going slowly on one of the city’s numerous roads. Lane splitting is the practice of motorcycles sharing lanes of traffic with full cars or trucks. So, I am working with Cyclist Law and am compiling the research on lane-splitting. Because of that, law enforcement and Nevada lawmakers take this law very seriously. This forward-thinking state has allowed motorcycles to lane-split for some time by dint of a vague "it’s not illegal" stance. Motorcyclists may filter between two-lanes of traffic when the surrounding traffic has come to a complete standstill. 650 states that a rider cannot drive between two lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of. Lane-splitting is the act of a two-wheeled motor vehicle, usually a motorcycle or other motorized bicycle, driving between lanes of traffic on the lines of a road. Indiana. The law bans behavior that deprives vehicles of the full use of a traffic lane. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” stated Sergeant Troy Kessler, Colorado State Patrol. What Is Lane-Splitting? Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two same-direction traffic lanes. Many people who drive passenger vehicles think that lane splitting is an inherently dangerous or illegal thing, but it’s. 2. Only when the road has 2 or more lanes. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. FASTQs will be output with the naming convention <Sample_ID>_S#_<R or I>#_001. A. Lane splitting makes for. The New Jersey Driver Manual advises motorcycle riders not to lane split. Lane splitting – also referred to as “ lane sharing ” – was codified on January 1, 2017 in California Vehicle Code 21658. Law Complex Litigation. CHP ANNOUNCES LANE SPLITTING TIPS SACRAMENTO, Calif. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. Florida Statute 316. Some motorcyclists do this when they are stuck in traffic as a way to navigate around slowed or stopped vehicles. So, if you drive a car or truck, do the right thing: share the road with bikers. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. . As of 2021, California still remains the only state to permit lane splitting, providing that the maneuver is executed in a safe and prudent manner. According to the Colorado General. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. A study on which new California legislation is based says lane-splitting is relatively safe for motorcyclists -- even safer than not lane-splitting. G. The answer, with a burst of complexity, is both yes and no. an accident involving. Reports will be generated with values. (727) 815-8442. The law also allows motorcyclists to engage in lane filtering, which means passing between lanes of slower. Many motorcyclists believe in lane splitting for faster and safer travel. Typically it’s Safer to Switch Between Lane 1 & Lane 2 than Other Lanes. Lane Splitting Can Be Dangerous. § 47-11-1103, lane splitting is only allowed. The first one is commonly known as lane sharing. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. You must abide by the rules while riding a motorcycle as Pennsylvania considers it illegal. Filtering or Lane Splitting, the art of riding a motorcycle through the middle of two lanes of traffic that are heading the same direction, is legal in the UK, but we have questions about the rest of Europe. California recommends only splitting lanes when traffic is slow, and you keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic. Due to the way this law is worded, you cannot lane split under any circumstances. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Study may allow motorcycles to split lanes | 9news. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, lane. G. Motorcyclists are required to remain stationary when traffic is not moving, even if the motorcyclist. Although lane splitting is perfectly legal in parts of the European Union and Asia, the only state in America that has legalized lane splitting is California. Salem, OR 97314-0001. A handful of other states tolerate the maneuver. Remember that while lane splitting is illegal, Michigan law says “a motorcyclist is entitled to full use of a lane, and a motor vehicle must not be driven in such a manner as to deprive a motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Whether lane splitting is safe is an open-ended question for most people, but it is currently illegal in Florida. Additionally, it can be used to describe utilizing space. In these states, lane splitting is. Via: Newark Post. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Lane splitting is a highly debated topic in and out of the motorcycle. Lane-splitting commonly becomes a subject of confusion and debate when California riders venture up the west coast and into. It ought to be the ONLY folder here as the NextSeq only retains data from the most recent run –. You can’t enter another vehicle’s lane while passing. (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. Washington. Filtering is legal in certain circumstances. In 2021, lane-splitting became legal in Montana, making it easier for motorcyclists to navigate congested roads. This move is legal in Florida, as it is in. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland. 100 Wall St 15th Floor. Lane filtering for motorcycles. The answer, with a burst of complexity, is both yes and no. 1. This maneuver is especially used when traffic is moving. Lane splitting is exclusively sanctioned by law in California. Here’s what South Carolina law says about the practice of lane splitting. Lane splitting should be done cautiously and by experienced riders. Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office. If three or more bikers share a lane, it’s illegal. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it from the committee to the floor of the. But let’s not rely on said. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. Brown, Jr. While two motorcyclists can operate. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. There is evidence (Hurt, 1981) that traveling between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars (i. In Nevada, lane splitting is illegal. This law states it is illegal for motorcycles or mopeds to pass another vehicle within the same lane. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. ”. this actually is correct. “ (c) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines. Lane Sharing Is Legal. Whether you're a new motorcycle rider or are a recent Florida transplant, all riders should know that an action known as "lane-splitting" is illegal in the state. About Us; Our Attorneys; Our Case Results; Our Community Involvement;Driving two abreast in a single lane. 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 Laws. Berkeley study, lane splitting and lane filtering appear to be relatively safe strategies and practices provided they are done in traffic traveling at 50 mph or less and. I drive around the Valley a lot for work (construction) and I've had at least 6 bikes lane split while on the freeway in the…Laws on lane splitting (sometimes called lane sharing, lane filtering, shoulder surfing) vary from state to state. Lane Splitting Law in Texas. In fact, Indiana statute says that a vehicle cannot deprive another vehicle of the full use of its traffic lane and lane filtering or splitting would necessarily deny the adjacent motorist the full use of their lanes. The only state where this practice is legal is California — the other 49 states strictly forbid motorcyclists from driving in between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting, also known as “filtering,” “white lining,” or “stripe-riding,” is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives between two rows of motor vehicles traveling in the same direction. (813) 686-7588. Brown, Jr. Lane-splitting is illegal in Indiana. guidelines around lane splitting, which were released in 2018. While many consider the practice to be safe and helpful in reducing congestion, others believe the practice only increases the likelihood of collisions. Most states do not consider lane splitting legal but they also do not explicitly say it is prohibited. (1) An operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle may engage in lane filtering when: (a) the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle is on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely; (b) the overtaking motorcycle is not operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles an hour when. Lane splitting essentially encroaches on the space of other. Watch now. The state did not have a law that formally allowed lane splitting until 2016. In most states, including Florida, lane-sharing is legal. State law prohibits this type of riding, and motorcyclists that are in an accident while lane splitting often face liability for the damage. Ultimately, though lane splitting is not expressly outlawed in North Carolina, all road users have a legal duty to use reasonable care to avoid causing accidents. Virginia legalized this practice in 2012. If caught lane splitting in Colorado, a motorcyclist could face a traffic infraction. Indiana does not have a law authorizing lane filtering just like it does not have a law authorizing lane splitting. Lane-splitting is the practice of riding between lanes of traffic or sharing a lane with another motor vehicle. There is currently no legislation in Florida addressing this topic, but it will likely be discussed in the future. With this freedom comes a greater responsibility for motorcyclists and drivers to share the road and create a safer highway environment. Under New York State laws, motorcyclists are permitted to the full use of a lane. 880 21st ave n. That doesn’t stop motorcyclists from putting themselves and others at risk of serious injury and even death by engaging in this dangerous behavior. ”. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which can help them avoid being hit from behind by another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic or other precarious traffic. It's legal only in California. Currently, lane splitting is. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. Motorcyclists must pass using a separate lane, like other vehicles. Call (210) 366-4949 today for a free consultation. In most of these 12 states, the decision of. Lane splitting penalties Lane splitting in Texas can come with penalties if a highway patrolman decides to pull you over. For example, there is no law dictating the maximum. G. Do not do it. Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic on a roadway. 180 to 486. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. Nevada Lane Splitting Injuries and Laws. For the other 49 states, the act of lane splitting is either fully illegal, or no clear legislation on the matter currently exists. Petersburg, FL 33704. With this freedom comes a greater responsibility for motorcyclists and drivers to share the road and create a safer highway environment. Also, you have the option of lane splitting: it’s a legal grey area, but not something enforced by the Japanese police. It is when motorcycle riders use a single lane as two lanes and share the lane with another motorcycle rider. was handed a careless driving ticket along with a $500 fine. Lane splitting is a controversial topic among motorists. The Legality of Lane Splitting in California. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. Consider the Width of the Lane, Surrounding Vehicles, Roadway, Weather, & Lighting Conditions. Motorcyclists who violate the transportation code by lane splitting could face multiple $100 fines and/or jail time, according to Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs law firm. Lane filtering. Except I don't see it as waiting my turn. June 5, 2022. Lane splitting. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. e. Indiana Legislation Addressing "Lane-Splitting" Indiana has no specific legislation addressing the maneuver; however, it is dangerous and can have fatal consequences. Stipulations in Texas Laws Regarding Lane Splitting. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. The only kind of legal lane splitting in Colorado is when the splitting involves two motorcycles using the same lane. In 2016, it became the first state to legalize it. Proposals to allow lane splitting have been introduced repeatedly in Oregon but stalled in the Legislature. 503-986-4198. In the House. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office. Other drivers do not expect a vehicle to be in that space. Motorists. For riders across the State of Kentucky, it’s important to know what lane-splitting is, how it can reduce injuries, and the laws that regulate this practice. Texas law does not explicitly permit or forbid lane splitting. 1. California. While some states are considering new legislation, California is one of only three states in the U. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. Notably, lane splitting is not legal in the state of Nevada. Lane splitting in Hawaii is aptly referred to as shoulder surfing. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. “Whether a rider strikes a car side mirror, runs into a car, or travels too fast when a motorist attempts to change a lane, riding predictably helps everyone’s safety on the road. Florida Statute 316. Code § 9-21-10-6, motorists cannot deprive other vehicles of full use of a traffic lane. Since lane splitting is dangerous to everyone on the road, Nevada laws impose fines on riders caught practicing this dangerous trend. The law would have allowed motorcycles to pass between cars or pass on the right in traffic moving at less than 5 mph under the following conditions:Understanding Lane Splitting in California. In Indiana, lane splitting is considered illegal. I dare you. No, lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina. fastq. C. Lane filtering is the act of. However, in California, lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider travels down the center line, in-between rows of stopped vehicles, or when a motorcycle passes a vehicle in the same lane. Lane splitting is still illegal in Indiana According to Indiana Vehicle Code IC § 9-21-10-6: A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a traffic lane and a vehicle may not. What NC law says about lane splitting. According to the U. Lane splitting is not legal in Texas as of 2023. Lane splitting in Indiana is illegal. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2021. It is a common practice in many countries outside the US, however when it comes to states within the United States, lane-splitting is only legal in California and Utah. ” Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia? Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not take up a whole traffic lane. Someday, lane splitting may become legal in Oregon. The Nevada Revised Statutes section 484B. Other states are considering adding the term to their laws and making it legal. 2. Repeat offenders stand the chances of losing. It is controversial, and its legality varies from place to place. Utah Lane Splitting. The aye. Tiffani Nielson of the State Patrol. Lane Filtering – Utah was the first state to allow lane filtering in 2019. However, at present. But with this practice comes questions about its legality and safety. The splitting rider may not stop in time if they change lanes. A bill passed through the Senate but stalled in the House. Hawaii LANE SPLITTING — Defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658. The benefits include reducing traffic congestion, improving travel time for motorcyclists, and. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it from the committee to the floor of the. Study may allow motorcycles to split lanes | 9news. Once passed, this law will allow lane-filtering events at red lights as long as the cars are stationary. Lane-sharing is legal in NC under GS § 20-146. Oakland, CA 94601. Learn more about lane splitting. Lane sharing of any kind is expressly prohibited in 34 states, including New York and Florida. When lane-splitting is permitted, you have three vehicles using two lanes. In Louisiana, splitting lanes is illegal. Indiana Code 9-21-10-6 explicitly prohibits motorcycles from passing other vehicles within the same lane. California is currently the only state in which it is legal to engage in lane splitting. C. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. For a free. Only when the road has 2 or more lanes. Cal. It is legal only in a limited number of states. In December 2016, State Senator Kirk Watson (D) introduced Senate Bill 288, which would have allowed lane-splitting in Texas, so long as the rider was travelling in traffic moving slower than 20 mph and was going no more than 5 mph faster than other road users. Motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other motorists, which means they should occupy a full lane, stay in the same direction, and not maneuver between traffic lanes. In the United States, lane splitting is illegal in most states, with a few states allowing it with some exceptions. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. It’s always done in the same direction that traffic is moving. 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 washington state legislature passed a law in 2019 making it legal to lane split on motorcycles. Lane-splitting is illegal in Indiana. Experts in this state do recommend that motorcyclists only go ten miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic and that they avoid lane splitting over speeds of 30 miles per hour. Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case. 2. However, a bill proposed by Texas State Senator, Kirk Watson, in December. 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. According to Ind. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. It puts you too close to other vehicles. Code § 9-21-10-6, motorists cannot deprive other vehicles of full use of a traffic lane. On the other hand, lane sharing operates under different rules. Penalties are no less than $190 for first-time offenders. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, there were 397 motorcyclist injuries and 9,472 incidents involving unsafe lane changes associated with lane-splitting in 2005 alone. In Utah, the lane filtering law states that it can be done: Only on roads with speeds limits of 45 mph or less. Riding between marked lanes of traffic allows them to get to the front of the line. On February 6, 2023, House Bill 1046 was introduced in the state of Missouri. Call (704) 370-2828 to receive a video or phone consultation with our lawyers to explore your legal options or fill out our contact form. TAMPA/St. by John E. (859) 287-0299 (859) 550-2900. Petersburg. The normal traffic accident is caused by one vehicle doing something that caused damage to a second. Until then, moving violations are a possibility for those caught lane splitting. 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. When I first started riding in 2011 I understood that throwing my leg over a motorcycle meant accepting a certain level of risk, and as every motorcyclist knows, the enjoyment derived from riding far outweighs this risk. According to Indiana Vehicle Code IC § 9-21-10-6: A motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a traffic lane and a vehicle may not be driven or operated in a manner that deprives another vehicle of the full use of a traffic lane. 060, specifically prohibits lane splitting in the Lone Star State, requiring all motor vehicle operators (including motorcyclists) “shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane…”. The study found that motorcycle riders were less likely to be rear-ended in. In other words, lane splitting—the act of. app!No, it's definitely not legal in NJ. However, only 53 percent of drivers know that lane-splitting is legal. This is permitted as long as the rider maintains a low speed. Senate Bill 574 would have legalized a limited form of motorcycle lane filtering in Oregon. This is referred to as lane sharing when two or more motorcycles travel side-by-side in the same. Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Indiana? Lane-splitting is illegal in the state of Indiana, according to Indiana Code 9-21-10-6. Determining the possible value of your claim. In 2016, Governor Edmund G. Senate Bill 422 would allow motorcycle riders to travel between lanes of traffic, but only on freeways and at low speeds. Petersburg, FL 33704. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic that is moving in the same direction. It isn’t allowed on freeways. Lane splitting, also called lane filtering, is a hotly debated topic among state lawmakers, the motorcycle community and motor vehicle drivers. We've just gotta do it like the riders in California did back when it use to be a legal grey area there too. Lane splitting is defined as: “Passing another vehicle within the same lane as another vehicle or passing between two vehicles down the center of a lane. Parking is a real mess. Lane splitting is legal in California, Oregon, and Washington. According to the American Motorcyclist Association's website, every state except California bans the practice of lane splitting. See moreLane splitting is illegal in the state of Indiana. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. This gray area typically leads to confusion among riders, and the ambiguity can further complicate matters in the event of an accident. Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P. 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. It is legal only in a limited number of states. -. In California, the only state that has a law regarding lane splitting, this maneuver is allowed but only if it is done in a “safe and prudent manner. 52°. While riding in Manhattan, it's not legal either but most cops do not mind just don't go rev bombing your way to the front (which some people feel is necessary). 880 21st ave n. After being signed by the governor, it went into effect on May 14, 2019. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. They are:Basically lane splitting saves bikes from crushing rear-ends Reply. The changes, which went into effect on January 1st, 2018, now make it illegal for motorcycles to split lanes with other vehicles. The act of lane splitting, in general, involves driving between lanes in order to pass a congested or slow-moving vehicle. A. This is also the case in most other states. And while you are here, go register for your FREE Law Tigers. Fighting for you in court, if necessary. For many motorcycle riders in Texas, lane splitting remains a lofty wish as it is currently illegal (2023). 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. For the time being, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Florida. Lane splitting can be a great way to avoid traffic congestion and. Lane splitting occurs. Reads 85. Penalties for lane splitting in Texas. Oklahoma Lane Splitting Laws. Here in the state of Connecticut, it remains illegal for cyclists to engage in either of these practices. Aside from the potential safety benefits, lane splitting has other advantages. A motorcycle may not travel in between designated lanes, regardless of whether the traffic is moving or stopped. Lane splitting, which is also known as “white-lining” or “filtering forward,” is highly dangerous and illegal in the State of Indiana. California is the only state in the USA where lane splitting is legal. While many consider the practice to be safe and helpful in reducing congestion, others believe the practice only increases the likelihood of collisions. There is no law prohibiting riders in Michigan from riding between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. The Colorado department of transportation may notify the public of these changes. (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. CHP ANNOUNCES LANE SPLITTING TIPS SACRAMENTO, Calif. In California, the bill that made lane splitting officially legal also allowed the California Highway Patrol to “develop lane splitting educational safety guidelines in consultation with other state traffic safety agencies and at least one. For most riders in the U. 1, 2017 and formally. § 40-6-312 bars them from: Passing a vehicle in the same lane. § 46. Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. Hawaii allows for motorcycles to use the shoulder when traffic is stopped. (212) 514-5007. Even though motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a single lane, O. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle in the spaces between rows of stopped or slow-moving traffic (an area referred to as “the channel”). It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has said that lane splitting is dangerous for drivers and motorcyclists. Most states do not explicitly state lane splitting as legal, except in California. Motorcycle Safety Program Page. Lane-splitting motorcyclists were also less likely to have been using alcohol and less likely to have been carrying a passenger. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced. January 29, 2021. According to SC Code Section 56-5-3640, the following are prohibited in South Carolina:Lane Splitting is Illegal in New York. Posted on: October 17, 2022. HB 4122 is the first. The Texas Transportation Code requires all drivers and motorcyclists to drive within a single lane. 361, inclusive, are applicable and uniform throughout this State. . Lane splitting is believed to be a. In a study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, researchers examined 6,000 motorcycle crashes and found that 17% of them occurred while a rider was lane splitting. The normal traffic accident is caused by one vehicle doing something that caused damage to a second. 20, no rider is permitted to go between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. 3. Virtually all side streets and highways have white lines used as a boundary to indicate the division between multiple lanes of traffic. That being said, lane splitting is only considered illegal since you cannot find any specific laws that permit or allow motorbike riders to move between automobiles that are within their lanes. It also protects the right of a motorcycle rider to full use of a lane. Lane splitting is discouraged when the flow of traffic is faster than 30 mph and it is recommended that riders white-line between the first and second lane (left and middle lanes of a three-lane. ) View Recent Bill Text. Do Not Split Lanes When the Traffic Flow is 50 Km/hour or Faster. Lane filtering – a motorcyclist weaving between slower-moving traffic or traffic that is stationary 3. In some states, motorcyclists can navigate around traffic using a technique known as lane splitting. 1 (a) was added to the California Vehicle Code. Under Ind. Why Is Lane Splitting Illegal? In 2016, the state’s House Committee rejected a bill that would allow lane splitting in certain situations, citing safety concerns regarding the practice. Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle or bike between two cars heading in the same direction, often in the area of the road near the painted white line. Code § 9-21-10-6, “a. As of 2022, a handful of states have legalized some form of lane sharing. Utah followed suit in 2019. This practice is considered illegal in our state, as it’s seen as a potential safety hazard for all road users. In Oklahoma, lane splitting is defined as a cyclist (on a motorcycle, scooter, or another bike) passing a vehicle in the same lane of traffic. No, it isn’t explicitly legal to lane split in Washington as the laws surrounding it is not explicit. Though little research on lane-splitting has been conducted in the United States, advocates cite two different reports suggesting the practice reduces the number of rear-end collisions involving motorcycles—the Hurt Report (1981) and data from the United States Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Even though motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a single lane, O. This includes Indiana. In 2016, lane-splitting was made explicitly legal. In Kentucky, however, there is no specific mention of lane splitting in the state’s motorcycle laws. ” Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to determine liability in your lane-splitting accident in Mooresville, Monroe, or Uptown Charlotte. They also say that lane splitting requires more focus on the part of both driver and rider, so it’s unsafe for those new to riding motorcycles. )lane splitting is conducted through the flow of traffic at full speed. The penalty for lane splitting is a fine from $15 to $100, depending on the situation. C. 55°. The cop didn't search the biker or the motorcycle without cause, so no issue there. In the state of Washington, it is legal to lane split, or filter, as long as it is done safely and cautiously. A study of lane splitting by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley determined that lane splitting was relatively safe at slower speeds. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio, North Carolina and Montana, lane splitting exists in a state of limbo — neither legal or illegal.