Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws by State: A Practical Guide – Go Health Pro

What is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is a riding technique where a motorcyclist travels between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles, usually moving no more than about 10 mph faster than the surrounding traffic. Once traffic speeds up again, the rider merges back into a normal travel lane.

What states allow for Lane Splitting or Lane Filtering?

Most U.S. states either explicitly or implicitly consider it illegal. State legislatures typically decide whether to permit or ban the practice, often in collaboration with law enforcement and motor vehicle authorities.

States that Explicitly Allow Lane Splitting or Lane Filtering

1. California
   • Status: Fully legalized lane splitting.
   • Details: In 2016, Assembly Bill 51 (AB-51) formally defined and legalized lane splitting. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) then developed guidelines to help both motorcyclists and other drivers understand safe lane splitting practices.
   • Impact: California is widely seen as a model for other states considering similar legislation.
2. Utah
   • Status: Lane splitting itself is not legal, but “lane filtering” is allowed under certain conditions.
   • Details: A 2019 law permits motorcycles to move between lanes of stopped traffic at intersections (or in other slow-speed scenarios), but at very low speeds. This is different from the broader practice of lane splitting at highway speeds.
3. Arizona
   • Status: Lane splitting is not fully legalized, but limited lane filtering is allowed (effective as of 2022).
   • Details: Riders can pass between lanes of stopped traffic on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or below. This is specifically designed to let motorcyclists filter forward at traffic lights and reduce the chance of being rear-ended.
4. Montana
   • Status: Allows lane filtering in specific, slow-speed conditions.
   • Details: In 2021, Montana enacted a law enabling motorcycles to filter if traffic is either stopped or moving at 10 mph or less, and the rider does not exceed 20 mph.
5. Hawaii
   • Status: Does not allow traditional lane splitting or filtering, but does allow a variation sometimes called “shoulder surfing.”
   • Details: Under particular conditions, motorcyclists can use the shoulder to pass congested traffic, although this is more restrictive compared to California’s law.

States that Explicitly Prohibit Lane Splitting

1. Massachusetts
   • Status: Prohibited by law.
   • Details: State regulations require all vehicles to remain fully within a marked lane. Passing or operating a motorcycle between lanes is considered illegal.
2. Most Other States Generally do not allow lane splitting.
   • Details: While some are silent on the matter, law enforcement and transportation agencies typically interpret existing statutes to prohibit it, due to rules requiring vehicles to stay in a single lane.

States Where Lane Splitting Is Under Consideration or Has Failed to Pass

1. Texas
   • Status: Repeated attempts to legalize lane splitting have been proposed since at least 2015, but none have passed legislative committees.
   • Details: Proposed bills typically stall in the Senate Transportation Committee.
2. Oregon, Washington, and Others
   • Status: Various bills introduced in recent years have sparked debates, but many either fail in committee or never receive a full vote.
   • Details: Momentum for these bills often stems from motorcyclist advocacy groups and safety data referencing successful implementations in California and select international jurisdictions.

Purpose and Benefits of Lane Splitting

When performed responsibly, lane splitting offers benefits to both motorcycle riders and automobile drivers:

• Safety: Riders can avoid potential rear-end collisions during stop-and-go traffic by moving ahead between vehicles.
• Congestion Reduction: Since motorcycles take up less space when weaving through lanes, overall traffic flow can improve.

Best Practices for Lane Splitting

If you are riding in a state where lane splitting or lane filtering is legal, consider these safety tips:

1. Stay Between Left-Most Lanes
   Fewer cars attempt to exit or enter highways from the left lanes.
2. Maintain Adequate Space
   Ensure at least two feet of clearance on each side of your bike.
3. Scan Ahead
   Limited escape routes mean constant vigilance is critical.
4. Watch for Lane Changes
   Drivers may shift lanes unexpectedly, especially in slow traffic.
5. Control Your Speed
   Ride slowly, in a gear that allows quick response and reduces noise that might startle drivers.
6. Cover Your Controls
   Keeping two fingers on your brakes and clutch can reduce reaction time.
7. Plan to Merge Back
   As traffic speeds up, move safely back into the flow of vehicles.

Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering

• Lane Splitting: Typically refers to riding between lanes of slow or moving traffic (e.g., during a traffic jam or congested freeway conditions).
• Lane Filtering: Usually refers to passing between lanes of vehicles stopped at an intersection or in very slow traffic. Once the light turns green (or traffic starts moving), you merge back in front.

Potential Hazards of Lane Splitting

Even though lane splitting can be safer in heavy traffic than sitting still in a car’s blind spot, riders should remain cautious. Risks include:

• Sudden moves by nearby vehicles (often without signaling)
• Reduced space if drivers shift aside for emergency vehicles
• Extra-wide mirrors, lumber, or other objects protruding from trucks or cars
• Poor road conditions (potholes, debris, raised reflectors)
• Adverse weather or low-visibility conditions (rain, snow, darkness)

Conclusion

If you plan to ride in a state that permits lane splitting or filtering, familiarize yourself with local guidelines and practice defensive riding techniques. Motorcyclists who set a responsible example on the road can help promote safe and considerate lane splitting policies nationwide.

Related Topics

• Motorcycle Insurance Requirements: Ensure you meet or exceed your state’s coverage minimums.
• Riding Safely Through Construction: Many of the same principles—alertness, balance, and patience—apply when navigating work zones.

SOURCES

1. California Assembly Bill 51 (AB-51) Text: California Legislative Information – AB-51
2. Utah Lane Filtering Law: Utah State Legislature – H.B. 149 (2019)
3. Arizona Lane Filtering Legislation: Arizona State Legislature – S.B. 1273 (2022)
4. Montana Lane Filtering Law (SB 9): Montana Legislature – SB 9 (2021)
5. Massachusetts General Laws – Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 4A: Mass.gov – General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
6. American Motorcyclist Association – Lane Splitting Position: AMA Position Statements
7. Hawaii Shoulder Use for Motorcycles: Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) – §291C-153
8. Texas Proposed Bills on Lane Splitting: Texas Legislature Online
9. Washington State Legislature – Past Lane Splitting Bills: Washington State Legislature