Shaaban & Biedgoly
Lane splitting involves a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles. For motorcyclists, lane splitting can be a convenient way to avoid traffic congestion, but its legality varies widely across the United States. Knowing the lane splitting laws in your state can help you stay safe and avoid legal consequences. As a personal injury law firm handling motorcycle accidents, we want to ensure that you are informed of the laws in your state, as they can have significant implications in the event of an accident.
Here’s a breakdown of lane splitting laws in all 50 states.
States Where Lane Splitting is Legal or Tolerated
California
California is currently the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. The practice was formally legalized as California Vehicle Code 21658.1 and the California Highway Patrol provides guidelines for safe lane splitting, including, avoiding excessive speeds, not splitting lanes at more than 10 mph over the surrounding traffic, and only splitting lanes when traffic is moving at 30 mph or slower.
Montana
Montana legalized a version of lane splitting, referred to as “lane filtering,” in 2021. This law permits motorcyclists to pass between lanes when traffic is stopped, as long as the speed of the motorcyclist does not exceed 20 mph.
Utah
In 2019, Utah introduced a law allowing lane filtering. This practice is only allowed when traffic is stopped, and motorcycles must not exceed 15 mph while filtering. The law aims to reduce rear-end collisions in slow-moving traffic situations.
States Where Lane Splitting is Illegal
In the majority of U.S. states, lane splitting remains illegal. Here’s a closer look at those states:
Alabama
Lane splitting is not permitted in Alabama. Motorcyclists are expected to remain in their designated lane and follow standard traffic rules.
Alaska
Although Alaska is known for its wide-open spaces, lane splitting is not allowed. Motorcyclists must follow the same lane regulations as other vehicles.
Arizona
In Arizona, lane splitting is illegal. However, there have been discussions around changing the law in the future to allow for certain lane filtering in congested areas.
Arkansas
Lane splitting is currently illegal in Arkansas. Motorcyclists must remain in their lane while navigating traffic.
Colorado
Lane splitting is explicitly prohibited in Colorado. Riders must stay within the flow of traffic and avoid moving between lanes.
Connecticut
Lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut, and motorcyclists can be ticketed for attempting to maneuver between lanes.
Delaware
Lane splitting is not allowed in Delaware, and motorcyclists must adhere to standard traffic rules.
Florida
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, though some motorcyclists still engage in the practice. Doing so can lead to fines and liability in the event of an accident.
Georgia
Lane splitting is illegal in Georgia, and motorcyclists are required to stay within their lane in all traffic conditions.
Hawaii
Although Hawaii does not permit lane splitting, the state allows motorcyclists to use the shoulder in some traffic conditions to avoid congestion.
Idaho
Lane splitting is not permitted in Idaho. Motorcyclists must adhere to regular traffic patterns while riding.
Illinois
Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois, and riders caught splitting lanes can face fines.
Indiana
Lane splitting is prohibited in Indiana. Motorcyclists must stay in their lane, regardless of traffic conditions.
Iowa
Lane splitting is not permitted in Iowa, and motorcyclists can face penalties if caught.
Kansas
Lane splitting is illegal in Kansas, and motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, lane splitting is illegal. Riders must remain in their designated lane at all times.
Louisiana
Lane splitting is not allowed in Louisiana, and motorcyclists can be fined if they are caught splitting lanes.
Maine
Lane splitting is prohibited in Maine. Motorcyclists must follow regular traffic rules and stay within their lane.
Maryland
Lane splitting is not allowed in Maryland, and riders can face penalties if caught attempting to split lanes.
Massachusetts
Lane splitting is illegal in Massachusetts. Riders must follow all traffic rules and remain in their lane.
Michigan
Lane splitting is prohibited in Michigan. Riders are required to follow standard traffic patterns.
Minnesota
Lane splitting is not allowed in Minnesota, and motorcyclists caught splitting lanes may face fines.
Mississippi
Lane splitting is illegal in Mississippi, and riders are expected to follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles.
Missouri
Lane splitting is prohibited in Missouri. Motorcyclists must stay within their lane while riding.
Nebraska
Lane splitting is not allowed in Nebraska. Riders must follow the same traffic regulations as other vehicles.
Nevada
Lane splitting is explicitly illegal in Nevada, and motorcyclists are required to stay in their lane.
New Hampshire
Lane splitting is prohibited in New Hampshire, and motorcyclists can face penalties for attempting it.
New Jersey
Lane splitting is illegal in New Jersey, and riders are required to follow standard traffic laws.
New Mexico
Lane splitting is not allowed in New Mexico. Motorcyclists must adhere to regular traffic patterns.
New York
Lane splitting is illegal in New York. Riders are expected to follow standard traffic laws and remain in their lane.
North Carolina
Lane splitting is prohibited in North Carolina, and motorcyclists caught splitting lanes may face penalties.
North Dakota
Lane splitting is not allowed in North Dakota, and motorcyclists must adhere to regular traffic rules.
Ohio
Lane splitting is illegal in Ohio. Riders must follow standard traffic patterns and stay within their lane.
Oklahoma
Lane splitting is prohibited in Oklahoma. Motorcyclists are required to stay in their designated lane.
Oregon
Lane splitting is not allowed in Oregon, although there have been legislative attempts to legalize lane filtering in recent years.
Pennsylvania
Lane splitting is illegal in Pennsylvania, and motorcyclists must adhere to regular traffic patterns.
Rhode Island
Lane splitting is not allowed in Rhode Island. Riders must stay within their lane at all times.
South Carolina
Lane splitting is illegal in South Carolina, and motorcyclists must follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles.
South Dakota
Lane splitting is prohibited in South Dakota. Motorcyclists must follow regular traffic patterns.
Tennessee
Lane splitting is not allowed in Tennessee. Riders must remain in their designated lane at all times.
Texas
Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, although many motorcyclists still engage in the practice, particularly in congested urban areas. However, doing so is at their own risk.
Vermont
Lane splitting is not permitted in Vermont. Motorcyclists must adhere to the same traffic rules as other vehicles.
Virginia
Lane splitting is illegal in Virginia. Motorcyclists are expected to follow regular traffic patterns.
Washington
Lane splitting is prohibited in Washington, although there has been some discussion about legalizing lane filtering in the state.
West Virginia
Lane splitting is not allowed in West Virginia, and riders must follow regular traffic laws.
Wisconsin
Lane splitting is illegal in Wisconsin. Motorcyclists must remain in their lane at all times.
Wyoming
Lane splitting is prohibited in Wyoming. Riders are required to follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles.
Conclusion
Lane splitting remains a contentious issue in many states, with California leading the way in allowing the practice and other states beginning to explore variations of lane filtering. Whether you’re riding in a state where lane splitting is legal or not, it’s important to remain aware of the laws and exercise caution on the road. In the event of an accident, the legality of lane splitting can play a significant role in determining liability.
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, or have questions about the motorcycle laws in your state, contact Shaaban & Biedgoly today for your free consultation.