According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. What NC law says about lane splitting. Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2017. Lane-sharing or lane-splitting rules vary by state. northeast. Lane splitting is a driving approach the place a motorcyclist rides between rows of stopped or shifting autos in the identical lane. Whether a rider is using lane splitting for safety or impatience, is it legal in Louisiana? The short answer is. The splitting rider may not stop in time if they change lanes. Straying from your lane while on a motorcycle into lanes occupied by other vehicles is commonly referred to as “lane splitting. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. 6. Our personal injury attorneys can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, lane. Lane-Splitting in California. This vehicle had created a dilemma about these lane-splitting laws. Our legal team has helped numerous clients that have been involved in all kinds of car accidents. The law further restricts the lane splitting to roads with speed limits under 50 mph thus eliminating the ability to do this on any Utah interstate. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. Lane filtering, also known as lane splitting or lane sharing, where motorcycles share lanes with cars and trucks to reduce traffic congestion, is a widespread practice around the world. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. Chicago, IL 9 hours ago. signed California Assembly Bill 51, which defined and legalized motorcycle lane-splitting. However, even there the laws could be about to change with a new bill allowing lane filtering only when traffic is travelling 30mph (48km/h) or less and riders can only filter at 10mph (16km/h) faster than surrounding traffic. This is also known as “threading the needle. Lane splitting laws vary across different states in the United States. . As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. Neither explicitly legal nor illegal, lane-splitting has had the tacit approval of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles. states. In lane sharing, you’re allowing other traffic to use the unused portion of a lane. Lane-splitting is common (and frankly tolerated) in the. But now other states are pushing to legalize it too. “It is very safe as long as you are keeping your speed reasonable compared to the surrounding traffic,” said Nick Haris, a lobbyist for the group. Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal riding practices in Georgia, as they put riders at risk of injury and increase the. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. Motorcycles cannot exceed 10 miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic when lane splitting in California. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. Montana. Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. SB 273, a lane splitting law passed by the Texas legislature in 2019, was introduced in 2019. ”. See full list on motorbiscuit. Lane splitting must be done at a speed that respects posted speed limits and. Even when traveling at low speeds, motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries. This meant that it was technically legal, but many police officers turned a blind eye to it. The law defines lane-splitting as driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. The motorcyclist must be: On a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, Not going faster than 15 mph, California. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. This section of the North Carolina motor vehicle code specifies that vehicles are. The state’s law was modeled after California law which defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. . Virginia legalized this practice in 2012. So even if you do split lanes in Arkansas, you can get away with it. True lane splitting is legal only in the state of California. As of 2022, lane splitting and lane filtering are both against the law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. ”. Alligator Spotted on Lake Michigan Beach Monday. "Johnson said a WSP lieutenant spotted a motorcyclist lane splitting on northbound State Route 167 Wednesday morning and attempted to stop the rider. Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. 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. As such, many motorcyclists think. According to studies, lane splitting can reduce overall traffic congestion by up to 35%. When traffic is at a standstill, but motorcycles keep moving, that is a different practice called “filtering. Motorcycle Lane Splitting State-by-State Laws in 2023 - Motorcycle Legal Fundation; Lane Splitting & Filtering Are Legal in the Following States - Mission Personal Injury. Previously, Texas had no laws addressing lane splitting at all. A: Currently, lane splitting is only legal in eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Currently, there are seven states that are considering legalizing lane splitting or lane. While lane splitting is legal in California, you could still face liability if you get in a crash. 2022 New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XXI - Motor Vehicles Title 265 - Rules of the Road Section 265:26 - Driving on Divided Ways. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. A large part this is due to a decrease in. A: Lane sharing is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same time are in the same lane. It is legal only in a limited number of states. 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. Stipulations in Texas Laws Regarding Lane Splitting. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the left only if that vehicle is. Allegations of lane splitting in Florida motorcycle accident claims. Utah passed a law to allow riders to lane filter in 2019, while Hawaii made shoulder surfing legal in rush hour traffic situations in 2018. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more lanes clearly marked for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: I. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. 1. Had Gixxer brah been busted by police, lane splitting would have been the least of his legal worries. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. Riding a motorcycle in France is about 20 times as dangerous per kilometer as driving a car, but only a small percentage of serious motorcycle accidents occur while lane splitting. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. Where Is Lane Splitting Legal? The only state where lane splitting is technically legalized is California. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. AMA Board Chairman Russ Ehnes and Montana lawmakers. This didn't explain why it should be illegal. However, a handful of these states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, to name a few) are considering or have. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. Boundary by Acquiescence. Even though motorcyclists can travel side by side, most riders stick to a single lane. What states don’t have laws making lane splitting legal or illegal? Montana allows lane splitting, but only if traffic is traveling above 20 mph. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. Legal Complexities: The legality of lane splitting varies broadly. 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. 2022 New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XXI - Motor Vehicles Title 265 - Rules of the Road Section 265:26 - Driving on Divided Ways. Since lane splitting is illegal in the state of Wisconsin, a motorcyclist who violates the laws in this manner may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from an accident. “He hit his lights, tripped the siren. However, some laws and regulations can be applied to lane splitting. Some states directly outlaw lane splitting, while others do not specifically address the issue. Motorcycle Laws in New Hampshire ⚠️ ATTENTION: Need to register or title your motorcycle? Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements. Author Bio. C. No motorcycle operator shall “overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle overtaken” or “operate a motorbike between the lanes of traffic or between two adjacent rows of automobiles,” according to ARS § 29-903. Section 265:121 explains: “no person shall drive a motorcycle on a roadway between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Vehicle drivers should be aware that it’s illegal to intentionally block or impede a motorcyclist in any way. Lane splitting, moving at speed between slower traffic lanes, especially where the bike is moving much faster than the rest of traffic, is a completely different thing. Proposals to allow lane splitting have been introduced repeatedly in Oregon but. §. ”. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. Splitting isn’t permitted by law, and filtering is mandatory. Broderick Law Firm, LLC. In most accounts of lane splitting experiences, people tend to combine splitting and filtering into a single category. ” (California law AB-51, according to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation ). It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Safety Reminders Creating a safer highway. Via: Newark Post. It was neither legal nor explicitly illegal as it is now. Advocates point out that lane splitting reduces congestion, allowing motorcycles to move forward through traffic and take up less space on the road, thus reducing congestion. A: Lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting, as the term can imply something similar. In 2016, it became the first state to legalize it. I haven’t seen a study that demonstrates that lane splitting is safe, and I. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. GREY States: Lane splitting is not specifically illegal, but neither is it legal. Section 265:121 explains: “no person shall drive a motorcycle on a roadway between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. When done between vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, it is called “lane filtering. 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 . Differences Between Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting. No, lane splitting is not legal in the state of. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. The survey revealed that approximately 87 percent of motorcycle riders in California engage in lane-splitting. States Where Lane Splitting is Legal. Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcycle rider driving between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. You can consider it legal as there has been no mention of lane splitting in the Arkansas law. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. Currently, it’s only explicitly permitted in a few states, and specifics vary among areas allowing the practice. It became legal in January 2017 [1]. . Given the current trends in Pennsylvania traffic laws, it doesn’t look like it will become legal anytime soon. Justia Free Databases of US Laws, Codes & Statutes. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Lane splitting is strongly discouraged when the traffic flow exceeds thirty miles per hour. Lane sharing is allowed with up to two motorcycles abreast in one lane. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. (Required) Lane splitting is common among motorcyclists and bicyclists. Filed Under: Lane-Splitting, Traffic Violations Tagged. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. California is the only state in which lane splitting is legal. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. Committee recommended, and a house voice vote concurred, that is was "Inexpedient to Legislate". 20, no rider is permitted to go between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. According to the state government, lane splitting for motorcycles reduces traffic jams and improves roadway safety. 2022 New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XXI - Motor Vehicles Title 265 - Rules of the Road Section 265:23 - One-Way Roadways and Roadways and Rotary Traffic Islands. Some states allow similar behaviors like filtering but not lane splitting, including Arizona, Montana, and Utah. " Tough luck, trikes. As of January 13, 2020, it has retained its current status andcan still be passed. What NC law says about lane splitting. As Section 265:121 explains: “ No person. , so you shouldn’t do it under any circumstances. Massachusetts, however, strictly prohibits this at all times. Despite some efforts to legalize it in New Hampshire, the law still prohibits it. Lane splitting is a controversial topic among motorists. June 5, 2022. (a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400. This is referred to as lane sharing when two or more motorcycles travel side-by-side in the same lane and in the same direction. State Statutes. Utah officially. Neither explicitly legal nor illegal, lane-splitting has had the tacit approval of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Lane splitting is illegal in New Hampshire, and motorcyclists aren’t permitted to ride more than two abreast in a single lane of traffic. No, it's definitely not legal in NJ. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law statute. So, there’s not a state law that says no lane splitting or no. While there are states that explicitly prohibit this action, in others, it’s up to the Highway Patrol to determine if it’s unsafe. While many motorcyclists ignore this. Understanding Kansas motorcycle laws is an important step in preventing accidents. In the bill, the term is explained and California Highway Patrol is given the authority to develop corresponding safety guidelines for motorcycle operators. 19, the governor signed Assembly Bill 51, which formally defines lane splittingand makes California the first state to formally make lane-splitting legal. The washington state legislature passed a law in 2019 making it legal to lane split on motorcycles. 1963, 330:1. Petty Traffic Violation Penalties. Unless you are a police officer and you are responding to a 911 call or otherwise performing your duties as an officer of the law, you are not allowed to ride your motorcycle between lanes of traffic in Tennessee. FOLLOW US ON. What it did show, is that you're a salty driver that hate people that pass you up. In 1987, before the law was passed, 77 percent of motorcyclist fatalities involved victims over the age of 21, with 69 percent of those injured over the age of 21. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. This is illegal in Oregon and can be dangerous. In the U. Legal status in Taiwan. Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcycle riders, even though it is not always legal. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. ” When vehicles are stopped altogether, it’s called “lane-filtering. 4. Prior to the law, in 2018 the state had 28 fatalities involving motorcyclists. Motorcyclists accomplish lane splitting by driving in the gaps between cars during heavy traffic. Motorcycle riders are expected to follow all the same driving rules and protocols as other drivers on the road. Learn More. 4. However, lane filtering was made legal here in 2019. 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. It occurs when two motorcycles ride side-by-side within the same lane. Some of these are considering legislation to legalize the practice, but those bills have not come. Notwithstanding RSA 231:59 or any other provision of law, a town may raise and appropriate, and the selectmen may expend, money for the repair of any class VI highway or private way which has been declared an. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas The Current Legislation. Lane sharing of any kind is expressly prohibited in 34 states, including New York and Florida. Lane-splitting – also known as “white-lining” or “filtering” – is a motorcycle-riding technique in which a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Petersburg, FL 33704. It is important to check with your state’s Department. Motorcyclists commonly practice two types of lane splitting in Virginia. The state ranks the highest in accidents involving motorcyclists than any other state in America. New Hampshire. California is the only state that allows lane splitting on the road. The state allows lane splitting. Whether lane splitting is safe is an open-ended question for most people, but it is currently illegal in Florida. The Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect on October 1, 2021, making lane-splitting legal in Big Sky Country. RSA 262-A:19. 060 stipulates that all road users must remain within a single. Lane splitting, also known as “white lining” and even “lane filtering” in some regions, is a practice where a motorcyclist rides their bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on a multi-lane road. In some states, motorcyclists can navigate around traffic using a technique known as lane splitting. Several states have already voted to allow some form of lane splitting, filtering, or shoulder. In most states, lane splitting is explicitly illegal and puts you at risk of not only a ticket but being found liable if there is an accident. This technique is officially recognized as legal only in the state of California. com. C. California: The only state where lane splitting and lane filtering on multilane roadways are both legal practices. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. When traffic moves slowly, this practice is known as “lane-splitting. This is common in California where motorcycles are allowed to do this as long as. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Lane splitting is not particularly legal in the United States. Currently, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Texas. No matter what you call it, lane splitting is not legal in Minnesota—and it’s reckless and dangerous. However, under House Bill 917, it will be legal for motorcycles to go between lanes, provided that they run at five to 15 mph above the surrounding traffic. G. Nowadays, this lane splitting is in the practice of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or other two-wheeled vehicles available in the market. But some states do not permit lane splitting. 100% FREE CONSULTATION. Lane splitting laws are evolving; make sure to look up your local guidelines. Evening and weekend meetings can be arranged upon request. Source. Several states have already voted to allow some form of lane splitting, filtering, or shoulder. As a motorcycle rider, that means you need to remain stationary when traffic is stuck, even if you feel that you can slip through the lanes and reach your destination. In most accounts of lane splitting experiences, people tend to combine splitting and filtering into a single category. 100 Wall St 15th Floor. Adam Ramirez, J. 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. Lane splitting is the practice of maneuvering a motorcycle between marked lanes of slower-moving vehicles. Lane splitting is in fact illegal in the state of New Hampshire. Montana is actually one of many states that don’t really have any laws for or against lane splitting. June 09, 2023 Are Lane-Splitting and Lane-Filtering Legal in New Hampshire? Category: Motorcycle Accidents , Tips . As easy as it may be for motorcycle enthusiasts, lane splitting is not legal on Massachusetts roadways. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws expressly states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting is illegal in our state. However, like in most of the US, it was generally frowned upon. Your girlfriend is absolutely right—lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. At 170 mph, you're traveling 249 feet-per-second, which means. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. State laws on lane splitting vary greatly in different states. Lane splitting refers to a motorcycle rider riding between lanes of stopped or slower-moving vehicles, typically in congested traffic. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other. The bill was named AB-51. 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. Tap to Call 877-809-5352. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. Lane splitting by motorcycles has been allowed by California law for nearly two years. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. Lane Splitting Advantages. Lane splitting in Utah. In 2016, the Assembly Bill No. However, most police officers should have better things to do than bother you about filtering to the front at a stop light. If three or more bikers share a lane, it’s illegal. (888) 424-2736. Read on. If you are injured during an accident while lane splitting, it should have no bearing on an insurance claim. “This bill would define ‘lane splitting’ as driving a motorcycle, that has 2 wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. Lane splitting is legal in Massachusetts under legislation passed in 2017. ”Is lane splitting legal in south carolina today. Lane splitting is illegal in. state that expressly allows lane splitting in its laws is California. However, a handful of these states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, to name a few) are considering or have. The legislation was introduced in the past to try and change. Lane splitting is illegal in Michigan, as is lane filtering. What NC law says about lane splitting. In order to address safety concerns, lawmakers this year included a provision to the lane-splitting bill that would make violating the law’s provisions a class A violation, punishable by up to a. Georgia is a comparative negligence state for motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents ( O. Two. These states have laws that specifically detail when and where lane splitting is acceptable. While lane splitting is legal in some states like California, it is illegal in Texas. In 2016, Gov. Motorcyclists often wonder if lane splitting is legal in Nova Scotia. Section 265:121 explains: “no. app!Even in California, not every form of lane splitting is legal. August 12, 2022. Petersburg. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. ”. There are a few "guidelines" the CHP put out. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. Oakland, CA 94601. Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing. Motorcyclists may ride around or between vehicles in clearly marked lanes to avoid traffic congestion and reach their destinations more quickly. 2-857, A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one. Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws states that if any road has been divided into multiple lanes, the driver of a vehicle must drive entirely within a single lane and cannot move from that lane. Arizona and Virginia could soon join California on the. The traffic must be stationary or slow-moving and the way ahead must be clear. Under New Hampshire state law, motor vehicles also. Lane splitting is not mentioned in any of Kentucky’s traffic laws, so it is not explicitly legal nor is it explicitly illegal. Lane splitting on a motorcycle is a dangerous practice that is currently illegal in New York and most other states in the country. No, lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina. NH Section § 473:15 Liability for damages. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. However, lane splitting is a somewhat confusing legal subject in North Carolina. "A. The law defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle, that has 2 wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, as specified. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. Lane splitting is illegal in Wisconsin. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. lane-filtering is through. ”. 51. 660, article 5 states: A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility. Other states including Oregon, Texas. Statistics show fewer motorcyclist get hurt in areas where lane-splitting is legal. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. “Splitting” a lane refers to passing between two lanes, while lane sharing describes two vehicles traveling side-by-side in the same lane. 19, the governor signed Assembly Bill 51, which formally defines lane splittingand makes California the first state to formally make lane-splitting legal. There are countless rules and regulations and one of them is lane. A summary of current state laws specific to lane splitting and lane filtering. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. That ruling puts an end to the gray area wherein riders split lanes, taking the. Such repair may include removal of brush, repair of washouts or culverts, or any other work d Twenty-nine states have laws prohibiting lane splitting, though many are reconsidering their stance. 16 High Street, Suite 3, Manchester, NH 03101 (888) 332-5855 [Map & Directions]. The far left lanes are considered safer for lane splitting than the right lanes. The state’s Vehicle Code explicitly prohibits the practice, stating that “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Posted on: October 17, 2022. In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained. But it a cop doesn’t care, then there’s no enforcement. You have enough room to safely lane split. California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legalized; motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. Lane splitting can leave you vulnerable to the unexpected and reduces your space cushion. The law is not entirely clear on the practice. No, they can’t. Drivers cannot deviate from their lanes. , California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. In the state of Washington, it is legal to lane split, or filter, as long as it is done safely and cautiously. Georgia is a comparative negligence state for motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents ( O. However, since splitting lanes is not preferred, is it really worth the risk? Although due to safety concerns. The intention of legal lane splitting is within slow-moving or stopped traffic. 1, 2021. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. But it’s actually about lane splitting, which is illegal in New Mexico. It depends on the laws and regulations of the specific jurisdiction. Here the people cannot drive their cars between rows of slow. Universal Citation: NH Rev Stat § 265:26 (2022) 265:26 Driving on Divided Ways. Compare this to California’s clearly defined lane-splitting law. Splitting isn’t permitted by law, and filtering is mandatory. Now, however, the practice is explicitly banned. – I. 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. In California, for example, lane splitting is allowed when traffic is moving at a speed of less than 50 miles per hour and the motorcycle is traveling no more than 10 miles per hour faster than the cars it is passing. According to Florida Statute 316. Unlike California, where lane splitting was.