Motorcyclists must also keep a safe distance. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. Splitting lanes reduces the amount of space both the motorcyclist and the motorist have in their lane for reacting to maneuvers made by other. Many allow lane sharing for two motorcycles but not lane splitting. Suppose a motorcycle is involved in. S. (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. Several other states have specific concessions where lane splitting or lane filtering is legal. Motorcycle riders can only lane-split when traffic is moving at 50 miles per hour or slower. Safety Reminders Creating a safer highway. It is controversial, and its legality varies from place to place. There is no law in CA that states "how many vehicles per lane". State law also prohibits passing or overtaking a. Even the California Highway Patrol says so. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. states. (CBS4) - A. This has been an uphill battle for many reasons, and currently, there’s no push for lane splitting to be made legal in Pennsylvania. have anti-lane-splitting laws. Learn more about the legality of lane splitting in Georgia and other essential motorcycle laws. Lane-Splitting in California. As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. Splitting is good for both bikers and drivers. Here’s the long answer – there is no speed limit just for lane-splitting. S. Depending on the county you are driving in, the penalties for alleged lane splitting will vary. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. The data also shows that the safest way to lane split is to travel at less than 30 mph, and less than 10 mph above the speed of the surrounding traffic. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. 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. The only state where lane splitting is explicitly permitted by law is California. This is a controversial position, however. Lane Splitting. 316. Lane splitting contains several of. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. In California, lane splitting is legal as long as it is done safely and does not exceed 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic. There is research that suggests lane-splitting is safer for motorcycle riders, which leads to petitions such as this one to legalize it in the many states it's illegal, such as Michigan. 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. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio. Posted on: May 5, 2023. California is the only U. ”. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. 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. ”. In these states, lane splitting is consideredThe Cons of Lane Splitting. Under the legislation, motorcyclists would be able to use lane-splitting on roads with speed limits of less than 45 mph. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them to ensure you’re lane. Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. Lane filtering is one other manoeuvre that usually will get confused with lane splitting. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado,. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. If you ever become involved in a motorcycle accident, a Law Tigers attorney can help. California has always “allowed” lane splitting, but only formalized this into law in 2016. 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. - The road has 2 or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. Is lane splitting legal in Colorado? While you might see a motorcyclist lane splitting in traffic, it is actually illegal in our state. As per the law, lane splitting is allowed as long as it is done in a careful manner. Presently, motorcycle laws in Colorado prohibit lane splitting. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. 1. Specifically, the DOT website says that “passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Lane Splitting Is Sometimes Legal. Legal. S. thePunisher1220 Z 400 •. In some states, it is legal, while in others, it is not. Currently, there’s only one place in the United States where lane splitting is legal for motorcycles—and that’s California. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Lane-Splitting in California. Contrary to some media reports, the new Arizona lane filtering law differs from the California lane splitting law. Lane Splitting is Unlawful. Lane splitting is legal in some states, while it is illegal in others. Not saying that to keep you from making your own choices, but don't snivel if you get a ticket. In certain places, lane splitting is expressly prohibited. Instead, HB 23-1059 seeks to fund a feasibility study to determine what a safe lane splitting law for Coloradans might look like. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. California is the only state that has thus far legalized lane splitting. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. Motorcyclists can co-ride in a lane with one other motorcycle. In NJ, motorcycles can go in the HOV lanes. If you’re a resident of Colorado or planning to visit the state, it’s essential to understand how this law works. The road must have two or more adjacent lanes of traffic that travel in the same direction. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado News / Oct 7, 2021 / 11:29 AM MDTThe Legal Status of Lane Splitting. In states with less freeway traffic, lane-splitting doesn’t need to be legal. Normally, this technique is employed by motorcyclists, cyclists, and motor scooters riders. Lane filtering is legal in Arizona under certain conditions, but motorcycles cannot split lanes in Arizona while traffic is moving. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. Generally, I very much recommend following CA "lane split laws", if only for your own safety. Motorcycle Lane Splitting (AB 51, Quirk): This law defines “lane splitting” as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. 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. While you might see a motorcyclist lane splitting in traffic, it is actually illegal in our. S. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. The road must have two or more adjacent lanes of traffic that travel in the same direction. Presently, Colorado prohibits lane splitting, or passing another vehicle while traveling in the same lane or between rows of vehicles. While it’s only explicitly legal in. The Colorado State Patrol said lane splitting is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, gets his way,. Safety Concerns: Critics argue that lane splitting can be risky, particularly if riders don’t do it cautiously. Animals and Pets Anime Art Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Fashion Food and Drink History Hobbies Law Learning and Education Military Movies Music Place Podcasts and Streamers Politics Programming Reading, Writing, and Literature Religion and Spirituality Science Tabletop Games. the legality of lane splitting varies from state to state. No law. Colorado is considering a bill to allow a study on lane splitting. Lane splitting is a driving approach the place a motorcyclist rides between rows of stopped or shifting autos in the identical lane. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. If you ever become an accident victim, contact our Law Tigers team at 1-888-863-7216 for assistance. However, HB23-1059 was introduced in the 2023 Regular Session, a motorcycle lane splitting study to determine whether lane splitting should be allowed. Régis Guyot, a prefect (state official) said, “It seems preferable to acknowledge [lane. Florida Statute Section 316. 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. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? A new law may help pave the way A new bill has been presented at the Capitol that may help pave the way for lane splitting in Colorado. Lane splitting is an unspoken contract between riders and. Lane splitting has been legal in California for many years. It is not legal for a motorcycle to share a lane with a car or truck. Furthermore, a cyclist has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vVehicle Code § 21658 CVC is the California statute that makes it a crime to weave inside a traffic lane or to straddle a marked line. A handful of states have legalized lane filtering. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. While Arizona may not allow lane splitting currently, laws can change, and staying informed is essential. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. However, to date, none of those bills have passed. Greg Gianforte’s signature on a bill legalizing filtering of motorcycles under certain. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. Abrupt lane changes, unaware drivers, and narrow spaces can lead to accidents. Drivers would become aware, courteous of riders and traffic would ease. In motorcycle lane-filtering, a motorcyclist who is stopped at the rear of two lanes full of vehicles may. no chance of getting hit. However, Colorado has some laws forbidding many of these maneuvers, and bikers who disobey may find themselves pulled over by the highway patrol–or worse. 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. 1, 2017 and formally. If you or a family member was in an accident involving lane splitting in Texas, call an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer at Janicek Law. In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. 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. 1, 2017, and formally defined legal lane. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. Currently, California is the only state in the country where lane splitting is legal. Motorcycles can pass stopped traffic on the shoulder in approved areas as long as the road has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction and the shoulder is wide enough for the motorcycle to use. If the study finds a feasible law for Colorado and the state. This covers every potential use of lane splitting on roads or highways throughout the state. Straddling a line means driving over a marked line as opposed to driving in between two marked lines. To the D bag lane splitting on south bound I25 this afternoon around 3:30 pm, it's only a matter of time that your brains are scrapped off the pavement in another "motorcyclist killed" headline in the news. Let's forget the fact that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, as the "brah" wasn't considering any local laws during this run. ”. Currently, California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting is illegal. You can always pull into a lane and reassess your surroundings before continuing. Lane splitting, also known as “filtering,” “white lining,” or “stripe-riding. Here in Colorado, lawmakers have lobbied for the controversial practice—most recently, in 2016—but that proposal was shot down. This forward-thinking state has allowed motorcycles to lane-split for some time by dint of a vague "it’s not illegal" stance. e. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. ”. Legal. Atlanta 678-888-4878 Savannah 912-207-9277 Call Us 24/7 / Free Consultation 678-888-4878an accident involving. 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. I take that 30 down, but obviously you want to be prepared for people to randomly merge out, stick arms out of the window, pull out of spaces, be. When lane splitting, it should be done between the lane furthest to the left (A. Colorado’s Stance on Lane Splitting As of 2022, the Colorado Department of Transportation explicitly forbids lane sharing or splitting with other vehicles in the state. Gordon Klingenschmitt that sought to lift the ban on motorcycles navigating between rows of traffic. In Utah, the state allows lane splitting, but. Most major cities in PA are trying to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than motorcycle. Vehicles and Traffic. Presently, Colorado prohibits lane splitting, or passing another vehicle while traveling in the same lane or between rows of vehicles. It’s also a dangerous maneuver, so it. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. April 11, 2023 In this article, we'll talk about whether it's legal for motorcyclists to lane split and Colorado's current laws. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. In Colorado, lane splitting is neither explicitly legal nor explicitly illegal, leaving riders to navigate this gray area cautiously and responsibly. June 5, 2022. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. Lane splitting, when defined as a cyclist riding on the line in between two lanes or rows of traffic, is illegal in Colorado, as it is in most U. While North Carolina law does not speak specifically on lane splitting, it does talk about lane sharing. Some motorcyclists engage in lane splitting to circumvent traffic, which can often frustrate drivers of passenger cars and large trucks. 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. Arizona. MENU. Several other states have proposed legislation to make it. California recommends only splitting lanes when traffic is slow, and you keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic. Presently, Colorado prohibits lane splitting, or passing another vehicle while traveling in the same lane or between rows of vehicles. In these states, lane splitting is specifically allowed by law. Now, however, the practice is explicitly banned. See full list on fanglawfirm. They are:For the time being, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Florida. Those guys are dangerous morons. But it is analyzed if the driver sitting in the car is at fault or not. As of January 13, 2020, it has retained its current status and can still be passed. California was the first state to adopt a rule to allow lane splitting with motorcycles. states. S. Here’s the actual provision of the California Vehicle Code (CVC): 21658. Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is the process of riding a motorcycle or bicycle between the lanes of traffic on a highway. House Bill 23-1059, introduced in mid-January, proposes creating a study that looks at potential benefits of allowing lane splitting – the act of traveling in between lanes on a motorcycle, typically only when. With the increasing popularity of motorcycles as a mode of. Alabama is also one of a handful of states that follow the doctrine of contributory negligence in personal. While most laws that apply to full-sized vehicles also cover motorcycles, there are some unique motorcycle laws in Colorado that should also be addressed. The definition of lane splitting, also known as white lining or stripe riding, is the action of driving in the area between two lanes of traffic, where the white line is painted (hence the name). A study into safety concerns was ordered in 2018, but efforts have stalled. 209 (3) specifically governs this act. In Colorado, lane-splitting is explicitly illegal under state law. 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. Lane splitting, also known as white lining or stripe riding, is the act of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. As of the time of writing, lane splitting is not legally recognized in Florida according to Florida Statute 316. Lane filtering is legal in Utah anywhere the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. states. Furthermore, lane splitting can create conflicts with other road users. Lane splitting is just one cause of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania. However, lane splitting is not only annoying, but also extremely dangerous. The legislature afterwards passed a law explicitly allowing lane splitting and that law had no such stipulations. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. However, some states have laws that prohibit passing on the right or riding between lanes of traffic, which could be interpreted to include lane splitting and filtering. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. A rider who is caught lane splitting can be fined. The legality of lane splitting is a hotly debated topic in the United States, with different states having different laws. Read on to learn more about lane splitting. Call (210) 366-4949 today for a free consultation. The “lane filtering” rule had a sunset date of July 1, 2022. The state allows lane splitting. Motorcyclists can co-ride in a lane with one other motorcycle. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. California legalized lane splitting by motorcycles in 2017. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059. I follow the CA rules about lane filtering. that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving. According to the state government, lane splitting for motorcycles reduces traffic jams and improves roadway safety. They are: Alabama, Arizona, California. A motorcyclist could face a traffic infraction if they are caught splitting lanes in Colorado. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it from the committee to the floor of the. In Colorado, specifically, the law states “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. This means it is never legal on the freeway. 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. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. Lane splitting occurs. (Senate Bill 1273) Arkansas. 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. Lane-splitting is currently illegal in Maryland. ”. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. Benefits of lane splitting for other road users. Rep. After being signed by the governor, it went into effect on May 14, 2019. This can, in some cases, improve the flow of traffic. Currently in Colorado, a motorcycle driver cannot pass a vehicle by driving in the same lane or between rows of vehicles, which is known as lane splitting. Current laws in Colorado make it illegal to lane split. People won’t give space and won’t be looking for you in the middle of a lane. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. Let's forget the fact that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, as the "brah" wasn't considering any local laws during this run. In 2016, the Colorado legislature attempted to pass HB 16-1205, which would have legalized lane splitting in limited situations. S. 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. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. "What's wrong with lane splitting?" I thought as I sat in traffic crawling home yesterday. 209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. Photo by Kevin Wing. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1503, motorcyclists must follow the same rules and regulations as other vehicles on the road, which includes not riding between lanes or rows of vehicles. No, lane splitting is currently not legal in Colorado and California is the only state that allows lane splitting, There has been recent buzz around the topic as the state legislature did introduce a Colorado lane splitting law that would commission a study on the feasibility of allowing lane splitting in the state. That ruling puts an end to the gray area wherein riders split lanes, taking the. 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. 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. Sometimes, just because it seems to be a logical action, doesn't mean it is legal. Think of being in between two four-wheeled vehicles in a two-lane highway going in the same direction. However, in Colorado, lane splitting is illegal. In states where it is legal, the rules vary. In other states, it is not explicitly forbidden, rather, up to the discretion of the police. More often, lane splitting refers to riding between faster-moving traffic — a practice that is common globally but within the U. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. In 2016, lane-splitting was made explicitly legal. Under current law in Colorado, it is illegal for motorcycles to overtake or pass a motor. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. Obviously, the point of this is only being able to do it during slow traffic. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. Arizona. (719) 888-HURT. Who we are; Warehouse Branch; Meet our Team; FAQ; Helpful Links;Understanding Lane Splitting in California. C. guidelines around lane splitting, which were released in 2018. It isn’t allowed on freeways. Utah and Montana have legalized it more recently, although the exact parameters differ somewhat from state to state. Unfortunately, lane splitting is illegal in. 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. Violation of this law may result in fines and penalties assessed by law enforcement. Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing. com. Even if it is legal, lane splitting can be a dangerous practice. A: Currently, lane splitting is only legal in eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Depending on the circumstances, the penalty for lane splitting is fine, ranging from $15 to $100. The bill would have permitted motorcyclists in slow traffic (moving 5 mph or less) to travel forward. 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. Read our blog or contact Orr Law Firm today to learn if lane splitting is legal in Colorado. You should not use lane splitting when traffic is moving more than 29 M. Motorcycle riders must overtake using a separate lane, similar to other vehicles. 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. 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. Not to mention the assholes who don’t know it’s legal will inevitably swerve to block you. Colorado: Illegal: Delaware: Illegal: No law. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, has introduced a bill that would require the Colorado Department of Transportation to work with the Colorado State Patrol to do a feasibility study of permitting lane splitting. 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. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. Florida Statute 316. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. towing). Utah officially. In California, lane splitting has been legal since 2016, but some restrictions exist. Assembly Bill No. Lane splitting in Utah. S. In 2016, the Colorado House Committee rejected a bill introduced by Rep. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. S. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. What it did show, is that you're a salty driver that hate people that pass you up. This law states it is illegal for motorcycles or mopeds to pass another vehicle within the same lane. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059. Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcycle rider driving between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. Straying from your lane while on a motorcycle into lanes occupied by other vehicles is commonly referred to as “lane splitting. The bill requires the Colorado department of transportation, in collaboration with the Colorado state patrol, to. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. Other states have tried to pass lane filtering laws since then, with limited success. However, Utah and Montana have restricted laws regarding lane splitting. Gov. Troy Kessler with CSP said. S. HB 4122 is the first. However, lane splitting is illegal in Florida for motorcyclists. It involves weaving in and out of traffic along a road’s dividing stripes as a way to pass motorists and move through traffic. In this article, we’ll. 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. However, splitting lanes is illegal. Repeated measures to legalize lane splitting or filtering in Texas have not been successful. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. —. The practice is legal in California, Utah, and Montana, but it is illegal in all other states; Colorado is one of those states where lane splitting is illegal. California has no laws explicitly prohibiting lane splitting, and is the only U. Lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, or between a line of traffic and the curb. It's legal here, but you still have the squids going far above the filtering speed limit, as if ghe cars around them don't exist. Lane-splitting is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between two lanes or rows of slowly moving or stopped traffic. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. The legality of lane sharing can vary widely depending on the laws and regulations of your area. This means that if you’re caught lane splitting, you could be hit with a fine of up to $50. Session: 2016 Regular Session Subject: Transportation & Motor Vehicles Bill Summary Currently, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from driving between rows of. The remaining thirty seven states and Washington D. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Open the Article -. That said, if you’re caught, you face a $100 fine and potential. 4. As a car driver I also appreciate that for every 20 bikes that lane-split past me on the highway to work, is 20 less vehicles in the length of the queue in peak traffic. It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster - danger increases as overall speed increases. Injury rates leap up in all categories when both of these conditions are violated. Motorcyclists caught lane-splitting may face fines, points on their license. California Vehicle Code Section 21658. ”Stipulations in Texas Laws Regarding Lane Splitting. Lane splitting or filtering would be very difficult and dangerous on their streets, so shoulder surfing became a legal alternative in 2018. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. Clinging: As a rider, you cannot attach your motorcycle to another vehicle, i. 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. The law explicitly states that it is illegal to lane split or lane share with cars and that riders are not allowed to pass or overtake a motor vehicle within the same lane. However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. (2. Filtering is a high risk endeavor rewarded with opportunities to maximally accelerate on. While some. It is considered the best position for keeping a safe distance from. (a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. 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. The law authorizes the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. You run a major risk in receiving a ticket if you lane split outside of California so ride with caution. The answer is yes. A study into safety concerns was ordered. California. 060 of the Texas Transportation Code, all drivers and motorcyclists must drive within a single lane. Furthermore, the only state where it is explicitly legal is California. The new Arizona split lane laws only apply when cars are stopped in the same lane as the motorcycle, despite the fact that the technical definition of lane splitting relates to any biker moving between lanes (independent of the speed of the cars). The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. ”. Lane splitting may be illegal in Illinois, but motorcyclists have certain rights on the road that protect them from blame if a collision occurs. . In Colorado, lane filtering is legal as long as the motorcycle rider does not exceed 30 mph and is.