How many states can you lane split in?

Asked by: Heather Reed

Currently, the only state that explicitly allows lane splitting is California. Several other U.S. states are considering adopting legislation to making lane splitting legal. These states are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oregon, and Texas. Lane splitting is illegal in every other U.S. state.

Where is lane splitting legal in the US?

California

California – California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legalized; motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. California is the only state in America to make lane splitting legal officially.

Is California the only state you can split lanes?

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. Jerry Brown in 2016. In fact, although lane sharing occurs in other states, California is the only place where the practice has been made legal.

Why California lets motorcycles legally split lanes while 49 other states do not?

A: California is indeed the only state where motorcycle lane-splitting is legal. Why? California recognizes lane-splitting as a tool to decrease traffic congestion, and the volume of freeway traffic here is higher than in most other states.

Is lane splitting legal in Florida?

Lane-Splitting is Illegal in Florida. 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. According to Florida Statute 316.20, no rider is permitted to go between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles.

Why is lane splitting legal in California?

Why? California recognizes lane-splitting as a tool to decrease traffic congestion, and the volume of freeway traffic here is higher than in most other states.

Can you lane split in Hawaii?

Lane splitting (the practice of driving between lanes), is a maneuver that some motorcyclists use to get through traffic more easily. This practice is also commonly referred to as filtering or white lining. Though many motorcyclists in Hawaii participate in lane splitting, it is not legal.

Can you lane split in Texas?

Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 states that all road users must remain within a single lane, which essentially makes lane splitting illegal. Although enforcement may be rare, you could be pulled over for lane splitting, and you could find yourself in legal trouble if you do it and an accident occurs.

Is white lining legal in California?

Currently only one state in the US allows lane splitting. Utah, Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut are considering lane sharing laws in their state legislatures, but none of these laws are on the books yet. As of August 19th, 2016, lane splitting is officially legal in California.

Can you lane split in New York?

Lane splitting or white lining is a colloquial name for splitting traffic on a motorcycle. As most riders in the New York metro area know, this practice is both common and illegal.

Can motorcycles split lanes in NJ?

Despite this, lane splitting is illegal in New Jersey. The reasoning is that inexperienced motorcyclists may attempt the maneuver at excessive speeds and create dangerous conditions for themselves and/or other motorists. Another concern is that drivers can be “blind” to those on motorcycles.

Is lane splitting legal in NY 2021?

Lane Splitting is Illegal in New York

However, New York law does not allow motorcyclists to ride between lanes in which other vehicles are moving or stationary and lane splitting is, therefore, an illegal maneuver.

Is lane splitting legal in Pennsylvania?

Lane splitting is not allowed in Pennsylvania. Lane splitting is just one cause of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania.

Is filtering illegal?

Filtering, as an act, is legal and if you do it safely the police should not stop you. Filtering in an unsafe manner is illegal, however that very much depends on the speed of the traffic you are filtering past and the speed at which you pass them. Filtering is also illegal in a no overtaking zone.

Is lane splitting legal in Maryland?

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist tries to ride between two vehicles in adjoining lanes in order to pass them. Lane splitting is dangerous and illegal in Maryland.

Are motorbikes allowed to skip traffic?

Rule 88 of the Highway Code confirms a motorcyclist is entitled to filter “in slow-moving traffic” so long as it is performed safely and the rider takes care and keeps their speed low.

What is the difference between lane splitting and filtering?

“Lane splitting” refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. “Filtering”refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between stopped motor vehicles to the front of the pack, typically at a signalized intersection.

Can cyclists overtake on the right?

Lane splitting

Overtaking on the right wherever possible is, of course, generally the safer option in most circumstances, as undertaking on the left is more dangerous to the cyclist and should only be done when traffic is stationary.