In which State, it is Legal to Lane Split in US?

The laws regarding lane splitting vary significantly from state to state.

Lane splitting, the practice of motorcycles riding between lanes of traffic, is a controversial topic that raises both safety and legal concerns.Understanding these distinctions is crucial for motorcyclists to stay safe and avoid legal trouble.

Geeky Takeaways:

• Lane splitting is fully legal in only one state – California.
• Lane filtering, with restrictions, is legal in Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah.
• Debate continues over the safety implications, but some studies suggest it reduces certain risks for motorcyclists.
• The legality of lane splitting varies greatly from state to state and is subject to change.

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting involves a motorcyclist riding in the space between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. It’s sometimes called “white-lining” due to riders traveling on the painted lane dividers. This practice is often used in slow-moving or congested traffic situations.

What is the difference between lane splitting and lane filtering?

• Lane Splitting: Riding between lanes of traffic moving at regular speeds.
• Lane Filtering: Riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic.

States Where Lane Splitting is Legal in US

California is the only state where lane splitting is fully legal. While there are no specific laws codifying the practice, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has issued guidelines for safe lane splitting:

• Avoid speeds exceeding traffic flow by more than 10 mph.
• Refrain from lane splitting when traffic exceeds 30 mph.
• Stay away from splitting near freeway onramps and exits.

States Where Lane Filtering is Legal in US

• Arizona: Lane filtering is permitted under specific conditions, including a maximum speed limit of 45 mph, rider speed not exceeding 15 mph, and traffic being completely stopped.
• Hawaii: While not explicitly legal, Hawaii allows “shoulder surfing”, where motorcyclists can pass stopped vehicles using the shoulder.
• Montana: Lane filtering is allowed with a maximum rider speed of 20 mph, and a speed differential of no more than 10 mph from surrounding traffic.
• Utah: Lane filtering is legal with similar conditions to Arizona: a maximum 45 mph speed limit, rider speed not exceeding 15 mph, and traffic being stopped.

States Without Specific Laws in

Some states lack explicit laws regarding lane splitting or filtering. In these locations, the legality falls into a gray area and can be subject to interpretation by law enforcement:

Arkansas	Idaho	Missouri	Ohio
Delaware	Kentucky	New Jersey	Texas
Washington, D.C.	Mississippi	North Carolina	West Virginia

States Where Lane Splitting is Illegal

The majority of states still prohibit lane splitting. Notably, several states are actively considering legislation to potentially legalize the practice.

Alabama	Indiana	Michigan	North Dakota	Tennessee
Alaska	Iowa	Minnesota	Oklahoma	Vermont
Colorado	Kansas	Nebraska	Oregon	Virginia
Connecticut	Louisiana	Nevada	Pennsylvania	Washington
Florida	Maine	New Hampshire	Rhode Island	Wisconsin
Georgia	Maryland	New Mexico	South Carolina	Wyoming
Illinois	Massachusetts	New York	South Dakota

Safety Considerations

Regardless of its legal status, lane splitting carries inherent risks. Research, such as a 2015 study by the University of California Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research & Education Center, suggests lane-splitting riders are less likely to suffer severe injuries in collisions. However, it remains a practice that requires heightened awareness and skill.

However, opponents argue that lane splitting increases the risk of accidents, especially with drivers who may not be expecting a motorcycle to be moving between lanes.

Conclusion

It’s crucial for motorcyclists to stay informed about the laws regarding lane splitting and filtering in the states where they plan to ride. These laws are rapidly evolving, so check for updates regularly. Even where legal, riders should always prioritize safety, wear protective gear, and exercise extreme caution when practicing lane splitting or filtering.

Note: The information provided is sourced from various websites and collected data; if discrepancies are identified, kindly reach out to us through comments for prompt correction.