California Motorcycle Lane Splitting Law – Whether you’re getting your first motorcycle license or planning a must-see motorcycle trip, it’s important to know your local motorcycle laws before you hit the road.
Lane sharing is a common but controversial practice among motorcyclists. Some believe it’s safer for motorists, while others believe it’s more dangerous than staying in one lane when traffic slows or stops.
California Motorcycle Lane Splitting Law
Lane sharing laws vary by state. Only one state expressly allows it, and only four other states have passed laws allowing a modified version of lane separation filtering. In many states, splitting the road is clearly illegal and will subject you to not only a ticket, but also liability in the event of an accident. A few states say nothing about this process.
Lane Splitting May Be Legal In More Places Than We Thought
Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between designated lanes traveling in the same direction. This is different from lane filtering or passing between rows of stopped vehicles, which usually reach the beginning of the intersection. Lane filtering is usually done at traffic lights to allow riders to safely move to the front of the lane and avoid getting caught between vehicles.
Row allocation in the United States has a complex and ambiguous legal status. Many motorists and even some cyclists do not know when lane splitting is allowed and how it differs from lane filtering.
A 2012 survey found that 53 percent of non-motorcycle riders believe lane splitting is legal. However, California traffic laws at the time did not address lane allocation at all.
In many states, the practice of fractionalization is illegal or not specifically mentioned or prohibited. A small number of states are “legal lane-splitting states,” but several states are considering lane-splitting legislation or are considering allowing different versions, such as lane-splitting or lane-filtering .
Lane Splitting Tips
Planning a motorcycle trip in Arizona like a Grand Canyon tour? It is one of the last states to legalize a version of row sharing. Arizona has become the fourth state to legalize lane filtering for motorcycles in 2022. Arizona’s new lane-sharing law, SB 1273, is very limited, but allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic stopped at lights. This law was designed to help drivers avoid the risk of being rear-ended or stuck by two cars when traffic is stopped.
California is the only state to legalize piece sharing. The other three states on this list only allow traffic jams under certain circumstances. Lane splitting has never been illegal in California, but California passed AB 51, which officially legalized and criminalized lane sharing.
When dividing lanes, motorcyclists should not exceed the surrounding traffic flow at a speed of 16 km / h. Users are advised not to split lanes when traffic exceeds 30 mph. Lane splitting is not allowed near freeway ramps and exits.
Hawaii is known for its scenic drives and very narrow roads, which make lane splitting and traditional lane filtering less than ideal, even when permitted. In 2018, Hawaii passed a new law allowing shoulder surfing as an alternative to the lane filter.
Is Lane Splitting Legal In California? Motorcycle Lane Splitting Law
Where permitted, motorcyclists may use the shoulder to overtake stopped vehicles. In Hawaii, driving on the shoulder is only permitted on roads that have at least two lanes and one shoulder in each direction to accommodate the vehicle safely. This is allowed only if overtaking stops the movement.
In 2021, Montana became the third state to legalize share-sharing. A Montana Senate bill took effect on October 9, 2021, and would allow motorcyclists to split lanes to pass or slow down stopped vehicles:
Montana specifically allows for the filtering or passing of stopped or slowing vehicles traveling faster than 10 mph in the same direction. Otherwise, row allocation is not allowed.
Utah was the first state after California to legalize some form of partitioning. Utah’s lane filtering law was passed in 2019 and allows motorcycles to travel between stopped lanes of traffic. Channel filtering is allowed only in the following cases:
California Motorcycle Laws Overview
If you plan to ride in one of these states, be aware that even though the law doesn’t specifically prohibit lane-sharing or filtering, you’re still at risk of a citation. You can be a reason for changing lanes incorrectly, not keeping a lane, or even driving recklessly. If you are involved in an accident while filtering or splitting lanes, you may be partially or fully liable (depending on the state) because the practice is not specifically approved or because of another traffic violation.
Arkansas Code § 27-51-302 requires vehicles to travel “in the same lane as nearly as possible” and to remain in the lane until it is safe to exit the lane.
Is it legal to split the road in Arkansas? Since there is no mention of lane sharing and this vague vehicle code technically means that vehicles are allowed to drive safely outside the lane, lane sharing is practically legal. Arkansas also allows lane sharing with two motorcycles in the same lane.
Lien distribution in Delaware is not regulated by law. While this is practically legal, it is not expressly permitted and you can still be cited for other traffic violations.
California Highway Patrol Releases Lane Splitting Tips
Lane splitting isn’t illegal in Washington, but it’s also not allowed. Washington, DC does not have a lane-sharing law.
Idaho Statutes §49-637 is unclear as to whether vehicles must travel “in the same lane as possible,” which is vague and does not address lane splitting. Note, however, that the Idaho Motorcyclists’ Guide to the Road Rules specifically states that “lane splitting is not legal in Idaho.”
Lane splitting is not exactly legal or illegal in Kentucky. The Kentucky statute does not address line allocation or filtering.
Lane sharing is not specifically addressed in Mississippi law. So, whether a motorcyclist is driving recklessly or not is up to law enforcement agencies.
California Lane Splitting Law: Expert Guide
Mississippi introduced legislation to legalize lane-splitting, or lane filtering, but it died in committee in 2016.
Splitting the road in Missouri is neither legal nor illegal. The law does not provide for driving a motorcycle between traffic or traffic lanes, so it is up to the law enforcement authorities to issue a certificate for the offense committed.
Lane splitting is not illegal or legal in New Jersey. However, the New Jersey driver’s manual warns against lane-splitting and says, “Don’t drive between rows of stopped vehicles.”
Is lane sharing legal in North Carolina? Lane-splitting is not allowed in North Carolina, but it’s not illegal either. However, this practice is also not recommended for row allocation.
Where Is Lane Splitting Legal?
Is lane sharing legal in Ohio? Of course not, but it’s not forbidden either. Ohio law doesn’t have specific provisions for lane splitting or filtering, but it can put you at risk of a ticket for a related offense, such as failing to maintain a lane or making an improper lane change.
Ohio law requires motorcyclists to use “caution” when crossing stopped or slow-moving traffic. This vague language means that interpretation can be left up to the agent or insurance company.
Section 545.060 of the Texas Transportation Code requires motorists traveling on a roadway with two or more designated lanes to travel in “approximately the same lane” and only when “The movements can be performed with complete safety.” allows the varnish to come out. This law leaves some room for interpretation. and lane splitting are common in Texas, but it can easily turn into a feeling of not holding onto the road.
Lane splitting is not exactly illegal in West Virginia. West Virginia Code §17C-7-9 is similar to other states on this list in that there is a vague requirement that vehicles be driven “in a single lane as far as possible.”
Motorcycle Lane Splitting Law In California
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-242 makes subdivision illegal in Alabama. The law prohibits riding a motorcycle “between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lanes or rows of vehicles.”
AAC 02.427 makes lane splitting illegal in Alaska by prohibiting motorists from overtaking or passing vehicles in the same lane or from moving between vehicles or lanes or lanes.
Lane sharing is illegal in Colorado, but the Colorado State Patrol reminds motorcyclists that they are allowed to share a lane with other motorists or drive.
Connecticut Code Section 14-289b prohibits motorcyclists from passing or passing any vehicle other than a motorcycle in the same lane of travel, or from “operating a motorcycle between lanes of travel.” Legislation authorizing lane sharing died in committee in 2019.
Dangerous Motorcycle Lane Splitting In California
Florida is one of the top destinations for motorcyclists in the country. If you’re planning to enjoy some of Florida’s best bike rides or visit the state for Biketoberfest or Bike Week, make sure you know Florida’s lane sharing laws.
According to Florida Statute 316.20, lane splitting is illegal. The law prohibits riding a motorcycle “between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lanes or rows of vehicles.”
Is lane sharing legal in GA? Georgia is one of the few states where lane splitting and lane filtering are strictly prohibited under Georgia Code Section 40-6-312. Walking together.
California motorcycle lane splitting rules, texas motorcycle lane splitting, motorcycle lane splitting legal, motorcycle lane splitting laws, is motorcycle lane splitting legal, california motorcycle laws lane splitting, motorcycle lane splitting, motorcycle lane splitting states, texas motorcycle laws lane splitting, motorcycle lane splitting california, lane splitting law, ca motorcycle lane splitting law