This vehicle had created a dilemma about these lane-splitting laws. Our personal injury attorneys can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Although motorcycle lane splitting is strictly prohibited under Georgia law, it is not a total bar against taking legal action after an accident. It’s not enforced at all, but the traffic law actually states that during stopped traffic a motorcyclist must filter all the way to the front for higher visibility, and use the designated motorcycle spots. The Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect on October 1, 2021, making lane-splitting legal in Big Sky Country. Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcycle riders, even though it is not always legal. You cannot lane split in the state of New Hampshire. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. It took effect on Oct. It's legal only in California. Lane splitting, when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic, is not legal in West Virginia or most of the other states in the US. All of the traffic laws that regulate typical overtaking apply even when lane splitting, notably it cannot be done in places where overtaking is forbidden by the lane markings (double center line) or other traffic signs, a vehicle (even single-track) cannot drive on the center line itself and has to keep a safe distance from other road users. Lane sharing of any kind is expressly prohibited in 34 states, including New York and Florida. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. Tim Miley is the Founder of Miley Legal, a West Virginia personal injury law firm he formed in 2006. 1 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,. 2022 New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title XXI - Motor Vehicles Title 265 - Rules of the Road Section 265:26 - Driving on Divided Ways. signed California Assembly Bill 51, which defined and legalized motorcycle lane-splitting. This means that if you’re caught lane splitting, you could be hit with a fine of up to $50. Differences Between Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting. This guide will help you break down the. It allows riders to ride. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. Georgia is a comparative negligence state for motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents ( O. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Source. I now live in NH. Sharing lanes side by side is legal in New Jersey, but not in Minnesota. 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. Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P. State law prohibits this type of riding, and motorcyclists that are in an accident while lane splitting often face liability for the damage. Jan 31, 2023. 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. 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. ” In either case, these practices are illegal in New Hampshire. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 51 into law in California, which officially made lane splitting’s status legal. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. “He hit his lights, tripped the siren. Lane splitting is legal in some states and illegal in others. Bringing the law into line with common practice seemed to make sense. States without laws regarding lane splitting or filtering include: Washington DC also does not have laws pertaining to lane splitting. As Section 265:121 explains: “ No person. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws specifically states that “motorcyclists are not permitted to operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. (212) 514-5007. 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. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. #8. Motorcyclists accomplish lane splitting by driving in the gaps between cars during heavy traffic. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. Assembly Bill No. It’s not enforced at all, but the traffic law actually states that during stopped traffic a motorcyclist must filter all the way to the front for higher visibility, and use the designated motorcycle spots. Lane splitting is illegal in. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. All of the traffic laws that regulate typical overtaking apply even when lane splitting, notably it cannot be done in places where overtaking is forbidden by the lane markings (double center line) or other traffic signs, a vehicle (even single-track) cannot drive on the center line itself and has to keep a safe distance from other road users. Lane splitting must be done at a speed that respects posted speed limits and. According to Virginia Vehicle code § 46. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law statute. Legal Complexities: The legality of lane splitting varies broadly. California legalized lane splitting in 2016 after a University of California at Berkley study showed that lane splitting increases rider safety , but West Virginia has not passed a law legalizing this. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. For many motorcycle riders in Texas, lane splitting remains a lofty wish as it is currently illegal (2023). In the past, lane splitting was not specifically addressed by New Jersey law. Click below for a. Please enter your ZIP to get started: Though there have been some moves to try to legalize the practice, lane splitting is not legal in New Hampshire. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. The splitting rider may not stop in time if they change lanes. • Lane-splitting causes confusion at intersections. 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. A patrol officer may view lane splitting as reckless driving, in which case the. C. Where Is Lane Splitting Legal? The only state where lane splitting is technically legalized is California. Lane Splitting Rules of the Road. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not. New York state’s anti-lane-splitting law is word-for-word Florida’s. In 2016, it became the first state to legalize it. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. 4. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. Montana. . Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. The North Carolina law that most closely addressed lane splitting is GS 20-146. In lane sharing, you’re allowing other traffic to use the unused portion of a lane. 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. Lane-splitting laws in Colorado. In the state of Washington, it is legal to lane split, or filter, as long as it is done safely and cautiously. "A. That ruling puts an end to the gray area wherein riders split lanes, taking the. 3. On a defendant’s first conviction for lane splitting, the maximum penalty for lane splitting is a fine of $150. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. ”. 20, no rider is permitted to go between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. ”Receive expert legal help for lane-splitting claims, reach out to us for a free consultation to fight for the compensation you deserve. 7 percent). Lane splitting has been legal in California since 2016, although there are qualifications. As a result. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. Hawaii. 1963, 330:1. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. Read on to learn more about lane splitting, why it’s illegal, and what the ramifications are for someone who’s in an accident while lane splitting. ”. For many years, California was the only state to allow lane splitting. You're just being a nuisance if you're going more than ~20mph over the rate of traffic and going to get yourself killed. August 12, 2022. Tap to Call 877-809-5352. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. 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 splitting is illegal in. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. 156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. Some states allow similar behaviors like filtering but not lane splitting, including Arizona, Montana, and Utah. #1 is lanesplitting, which (done rationally) is a safety benefit as well as a traffic and efficiency benefit. Here is a FULLY escort to lane splitting legal states including AZ & Montana + laws in each state. 2. The far left lanes are considered safer for lane splitting than the right lanes. Lane-splitting is common (and frankly tolerated) in the. It’s often associated in North America with California – hence the term the “California Roll”, where it’s legal under. Lane splitting is not legal in the United States (in most states), that being said, there are some exceptions. 2022 has been a month of rapid, unseen normalization for lane-filtering throughout many different states in the US. ”. But some states do not permit lane splitting. Regardless of its commonality, lane splitting is unsafe and illegal — and lane splitting without knowing the implications can be dangerous. Who we are; Warehouse Locations; Meetings our TeamUnderstanding Lane Splitting in California. ”THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF LANE SPLITTING. Fierce Protectors of the Injured™. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. Petty Traffic Violation Penalties. Mutual acceptance of that. This is apparently legal in California and generally allowed (ie ignored) by cops in many other states. True lane splitting is legal only in the state of California. Call Sevenish Law Firm, P. A: Lane sharing is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same time are in the same lane. (803) 226 9089. Virginia legalized this practice in 2012. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. However, lane splitting is a somewhat confusing legal subject in North Carolina. Lane splitting is illegal in Michigan, as is lane filtering. Lane splitting laws vary across different states in the United States. Riding on the shoulder is not lane-splitting and is not legal. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the left only if that vehicle is. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. 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. Splitting isn’t permitted by law, and filtering is mandatory. 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. Adam Ramirez, J. In 2016, California passed a law 6 that authorized the state Highway Patrol to develop guidelines for legal lane splitting. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. 8 Prior to this change, California law did not explicitly prohibit lane-splitting (personal communications, January 2022). Section 21658. State Statutes. Maximum Sound Level - Max sound level of no more than 106dBA when measured 20" from the exhaust pipe at a 45 degree angle; NH 266:59 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 lane splitting is not legal in New Hampshire, sometimes you will see a motorcyclist engage in the act. The idea behind this law is that lane filtering is actually safer for motorcycles than sitting in traffic. Neither explicitly legal nor illegal, lane-splitting has had the tacit approval of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Proponents said the bill was a compromise from past attempts to legalize lane splitting in Oregon and drew a distinction between the proposal and the law in California, where riders can travel in. NH Section § 473:15 Liability for damages. California, Utah, Montana, Hawaii and Arizona allow some form of lane splitting in state law. Whether you're a new motorcycle rider or are a recent Florida transplant, all riders should know that an action known as "lane-splitting" is illegal in the state. In Germany, for example, lane splitting moving traffic is prohibited, but slowly moving between lanes of stopped vehicles (“filtering”) is tolerated, though not expressly allowed. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. This is when a motorcycle drives between two vehicles, splitting two different travel lanes in order to pass them. While there are states that explicitly prohibit this action, in others, it’s up to the Highway Patrol to determine if it’s unsafe. In the Michigan Vehicle Code Section 257. Motorcycles can share a lane with other motorcycles in New Hampshire as long as they are riding abreast. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45 mph. Here in Springfield, a rider slipped between two moving cars sparking the question. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. The prohibition on lane splitting appears in Section 55-8-182 of the Tennessee Code. ” Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia? Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not take up a whole traffic lane. 51. Lemon Law Coverage - Yes (except mopeds); New Hampshire (NH) New Motor Vehicle Arbitration, Title 31 - Chapter 357D. In France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and most other countries, the practice is not just lawful, it’s expected. The 2016 bill is dead in NH. Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing. In a study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, researchers examined 6,000 motorcycle crashes and found that 17% of them occurred while a rider was lane splitting. – I. As of 2022, lane splitting and lane filtering are both against the law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. §. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. No, they can’t. 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. Motorcycle insurance is mandatory in Maine, with minimum coverage levels for bodily injury and property damage specified. There are countless rules and regulations and one of them is lane. Who we are; Warehouse Locations; Join our Team; FAQ; Helpful Links; Electric Ships; News & Events; Track; Fare. Currently, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Texas. Two. lane splitting laws in california In 2016, Governor Edmund G. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. Here's what you need to know about state laws regarding lane splitting: Practically Illegal in Most States. Lane splitting is legal in some states and countries, but riders must be careful not to cause a wreck. The legislation was introduced in the past to try and change the prohibition of it. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. 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. So even if you do split lanes in Arkansas, you can get away with it. Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcycle rider driving between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, lane. Most Popular. Florida roads can be challenging and traffic-choked. Proposals to allow lane splitting have been introduced repeatedly in Oregon but. 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. 7 percent). Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal riding practices in Georgia, as they put riders at risk of injury and increase the. They smack mirrors, ride dangerously fast in slower traffic, and act with. Technically, lane splitting is the term for riders who are moving while the traffic around them is also moving. . Category: DUI/DWI. It became legal in January 2017 [1]. For instance, it’s legal in California but illegal in some other states. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. You can consider it legal as there has been no mention of lane splitting in the Arkansas law. S. Despite some efforts to legalize it in New Hampshire, the law still prohibits it. We’ll come to your home or the hospital to meet with you, if necessary. Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. In most of these 12 states, the decision of. This section of the North Carolina motor vehicle code specifies that vehicles are. After being signed by the governor, it went into effect on May 14, 2019. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. However, if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, our Law Tigers team can help. 100% FREE CONSULTATION. You have enough room to safely lane split. In most states, including Florida, lane-sharing is legal. Now, however, the practice is explicitly banned. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. 4. March 6, 2015 4:52 pm ET. Filed Under: Lane-Splitting, Traffic Violations Tagged. RSA 262-A:19. The American Motorcyclist Association, an advocacy group that represents more than 200,000 motorcyclists nationwide, supports lane-splitting and is working to make it legal in other states. The situation with lane splitting in Arkansas is a tad bit confusing. Until then, moving violations are a possibility for those caught lane splitting. A summary of current state laws specific to lane splitting and lane filtering. Under New Hampshire state law, motor vehicles also. Where Is Lane Splitting Legal? In the U. ”Is lane splitting legal in south carolina today. For the time being, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Florida. Currently, it’s only explicitly permitted in a few states, and specifics vary among areas allowing the practice. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. The Texas Transportation Code requires all drivers and motorcyclists to drive within a single lane. Whether lane splitting is safe is an open-ended question for most people, but it is currently illegal in Florida. As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving. Committee recommended, and a house voice vote concurred, that is was "Inexpedient to Legislate". California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45 mph. 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. Missouri law on this topic is not explicit. Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is the process of riding a motorcycle or bicycle between the lanes of traffic on a highway. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. If lane. Lane splitting on a motorcycle is a dangerous practice that is currently illegal in New York and most other states in the country. ”. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. 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. There's a motorcycle who does this every morning on Hubbard heading east into downtown. While many motorcyclists ignore this. The law is not entirely clear on the practice. While motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in an accident, drivers or passengers of other vehicles may also be injured in a high-speed collision or an. See full list on motorbiscuit. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. Add a Comment. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. But some states do not permit lane splitting. No, it's definitely not legal in NJ. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. 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. §. Passing legislation to permit lane splitting may be the easiest part of the process. While many bikers do it anyway, lane splitting in Oklahoma may result in a citation, fine, and points on. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. While there are states that explicitly prohibit this action, in others, it’s up. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other. When traffic moves slowly, this practice is known as “lane-splitting. S. Montana. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. While lane splitting is only legal in California, lane filtering is permissible. The Texas Transportation Code requires all drivers and motorcyclists to drive within a single lane. Lane splitting is legal in Massachusetts under legislation passed in 2017. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on. Conclusion. According to Code O. While many states don't have any explicit legal. ” When vehicles are stopped altogether, it’s called “lane-filtering. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs. The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45. Let's forget the fact that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, as the "brah" wasn't considering any local laws during this run. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. Johnson said a WSP lieutenant spotted a motorcyclist lane splitting on northbound State Route 167 Wednesday morning and attempted to stop the rider. G. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. 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. California has always “allowed” lane splitting, but only formalized this into law in 2016. Lane Splitting Basics. In other words, lane splitting—the act of. It was neither legal nor explicitly illegal as it is now. The official pro-lane-splitting bill became active in California on January 1st, 2017. ”. 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. Cops could probably find a law already on the books to cite you for if they wanted to give you a hard time about it. In Louisiana, splitting lanes is illegal. Lane splitting is illegal in Wisconsin. 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. Traffic is going less than 20 mph or is at a stop. We also serve in Edgefield County, SC. Motorcycle Laws in New Hampshire ⚠️ ATTENTION: Need to register or title your motorcycle? Be prepared to satisfy any insurance requirements. ”. 231:59-a Emergency Lanes. Chasen Cohan, Esq. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. Motorcyclists may ride around or between vehicles in clearly marked lanes to avoid traffic congestion and reach their destinations more quickly. In Germany, for example, lane splitting moving traffic is prohibited, but slowly moving between lanes of stopped vehicles (“filtering”) is tolerated, though not expressly allowed. The first one is commonly known as lane sharing. Reads 85. SITE MAINTAINED BY CLIXSY State laws on lane splitting vary greatly in different states. When done between vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, it is called “lane filtering. There is currently no legislation in Florida addressing this topic, but it will likely be discussed in the future. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Under New Hampshire state law, motor vehicles also need to ensure that motorcyclists around them can make full use of the lane. In a study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, researchers examined 6,000 motorcycle crashes and found that 17% of them occurred while a rider was lane splitting. This can be done either while the traffic in the adjacent lanes is. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. A: Lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting, as the term can imply something similar. While it may be annoying, passing another vehicle in the same lane as you, also known as lane splitting, is illegal in Iowa. . If you are injured during an accident while lane splitting, it should have no bearing on an insurance claim. It is legal only in a limited number of states. 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. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Utah recently legalized it to a degree with you only being able to filter traffic if it’s. S. Violators of this law may face fines. Our firm can fight for you. 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. Comments / 0. 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. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. So even if you do split lanes in Arkansas, you can get away with it. The washington state legislature passed a law in 2019 making it legal to lane split on motorcycles. Michael Padway. However, since splitting lanes is not preferred, is it really worth the risk? Although due to safety concerns. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not. 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. The Committee is currently debating the bill. Posted in Motorcycle Accident on May 17, 2023. First, here’s a little background: On Aug. What NC law says about lane splitting. Lane splitting may or may not be legal in Kentucky. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. Lane splitting is in fact illegal in the state of New Hampshire. 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. Lane splitting in Utah. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. The following year it reported 18. "Johnson said a WSP lieutenant spotted a motorcyclist lane splitting on northbound State Route 167 Wednesday morning and attempted to stop the rider. If a police officer sees you riding between two driving lanes, you can be stopped and issued a ticket. (a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Why is Lane Splitting Legal in. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. Lane splitting is currently only legal in California, while filtering is not specifically addressed by any state laws. Although it was never “illegal,” the state of California enacted house bill AB 51 to officially make lane splitting legal. What NC law says about lane splitting. The goal of the law is to help reduce traffic congestion and make commutes safer for everyone. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. ”. This is common in California where motorcycles are allowed to do this as long as. 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. ”Here’s the long answer – there is no speed limit just for lane-splitting. Here the people cannot drive their cars between rows of slow. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. It's legal only in California. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. Lane splitting may occur when motorcyclists are traveling in heavy traffic. True lane splitting is legal only in the state of California. .