Can Motorcycles Split Lanes In Washington – Is lane splitting legal? | 2022-20 Guide to states where lane splitting is legal including Arizona and Montana!
Whether you’re getting your first motorcycle license or planning a motorcycle trip to a bucket list destination, it’s important to know the local motorcycle laws before you hit the open road.
Can Motorcycles Split Lanes In Washington
Lane splitting is a common but controversial practice among motorcyclists some believe it is safer for riders, while others think it is more dangerous than staying in one lane when traffic is slow or stopped.
Lane Splitting Is Hotly Contested Among Motorcyclists
Lane splitting laws vary by state only one state allows it exclusively, and four other states have enacted laws allowing lane filtering, a modified version of lane splitting. In most states, lane splitting is clearly illegal and you risk not only a ticket but also liability in the event of an accident. Not to mention a handful of state practices.
The practice of riding a motorcycle between marked traffic lanes traveling in the same direction is usually different from lane filtering or riding between closed traffic lanes to reach the intersection. Lane filtering usually occurs at traffic lights to allow drivers to safely move to the front of the line and not be sandwiched between vehicles.
Lane splitting is a complex and confusing legal situation in the United States Many motorists and even some cyclists do not know when lane splitting is permitted and how it differs from lane filtering.
In 2012, a survey found that 53% of non-motorcyclist drivers thought it was legal to split lanes, but California traffic laws at the time did not address lane splitting.
The Motorcyclist’s Guide To Lane Splitting. Being Safe On The Road
In most states the practice of lane splitting is illegal or not specifically mentioned or prohibited Very few states are specifically “lane-splitting legal states,” but a handful consider lane-splitting laws or allow variations such as lane-splitting or lane filtering.
Planning an Arizona motorcycle trip like the Grand Canyon? It is the latest state to legalize a version of lane splitting Arizona becomes the fourth state to legalize lane filtering for motorcycles in 2022. The new Arizona lane splitting law, SB 1273, is very limited but allows motorcycles to pass between traffic lanes. The rule is designed to prevent riders from being rearended or stuck between two cars during a traffic stop.
California is the only state to legalize lane splitting The other three states on the list only allow lane filtering under certain circumstances Lane splitting has never been illegal in California, but AB 51 was signed into law that officially legalized and approved California lane splitting.
Motorcycles should not move more than 10 meters from the flow of traffic when splitting lanes. Motorists are discouraged from dividing lanes when traffic exceeds 30 mph Lane splitting is not permitted for freeway on-ramps and exits
Can Motorcycles Fit In An Urban Context?
Hawaii is known for its narrow streets with scenic drives that make lane splitting and traditional lane filters less than ideal, although permitted. In 2018, Hawaii enacted a new law that allows shoulder surfing as an alternative to lane filtering.
In approved areas, motorcyclists can use the shoulder of the road to pass stopped traffic Hawaii shoulder riding is only permitted on roads with at least two lanes in each direction and enough shoulder to accommodate vehicles safely. It is only allowed to pass stopped traffic
In 2021, Montana became the third state to legalize some form of lane splitting The Montana Senate bill went into effect on October 9, 2021 and allows motorcyclists to split lanes to pass stopped or slower vehicles:
Montana specifically allows lane filtering, or overtaking stopped or slower traffic, traveling more than 10 meters in the same direction. Otherwise, lane splitting is not allowed
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Utah was the first state after California to legalize some form of lane splitting in 2019, Utah enacted lane filtering laws that allow motorcycles to travel between stopped traffic lanes. Line filtering is only allowed when:
If you are riding in one of these states, be aware that even if you do not specifically prohibit lane splitting or lane filtering, you are at risk of receiving a signal. You may be cited for improper lane changes, failure to maintain a lane, or reckless driving. If you are involved in an accident while filtering or splitting lanes, you may be partially or fully responsible (depending on the state) because this practice does not specifically violate other traffic laws.
Arkansas Code § 27-51-302 requires vehicles to be “in one lane as nearly as practicable” and to remain in that lane unless otherwise safe to do so.
Is lane splitting legal in Arkansas? Because there is no mention of lane splitting and this vague vehicle code technically means that vehicles can drive outside the lane while it is safe, lane splitting is actually legal. Arkansas also allows lane sharing with two motorcycles in the same lane
Laws Every Washington State Motorcyclist Should Know
Lane splitting in Delaware is not addressed by any law although it is indeed legal, it is clearly not allowed and you may be cited for other moving violations.
Lane splitting is not illegal in Washington, DC but it is not specifically allowed. Washington, DC Has no statutes related to lane splitting
Idaho Statute § 49-637 is vague in that vehicles must travel “in one lane as nearly as practicable” which is vague and does not mention lane divisions. However, you should know that the Idaho Rules of the Road Handbook for Motorcyclists specifically states that “the practice of lane splitting is not legal in Idaho.”
Lane splitting is not clearly legal or illegal in Kentucky. Kentucky statutes do not address lane splitting or filtering
Do Lane Splitting Motorcyclists Make California Roads Safer?
Lane splitting is not specifically addressed by Mississippi law meaning that it is up to the discretion of law enforcement whether a motorcyclist is engaged in reckless driving through split lanes.
Legislation to legalize lane splitting, or lane filtering, was introduced in Mississippi, but it died in committee in 2016.
Lane splitting is not legal and illegal in Missouri The law does not address riding a motorcycle between traffic lanes or vehicles so it is left to the discretion of law enforcement whether to issue a citation for a related moving violation.
Lane splitting is neither illegal nor legal in New Jersey. However, the New Jersey Driver’s Manual warns against lane sharing and says, “Do not move into the lane of stopped vehicles.”
Spokane Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Is lane splitting legal in NC? Lane splitting is not frowned upon in North Carolina, but it is not illegal either, however, practices like lane sharing are discouraged.
Is lane splitting legal in Ohio? Not exactly, but it’s not illegal either Ohio law doesn’t have specific rules about lane splitting or filtering, but it can put you at risk of a ticket for a related offense such as failure to maintain a lane or failure to change lanes.
Ohio law requires motorcyclists to “take care” when in stopped or slow-moving traffic. The vague language means that interpretation can be left to an officer or an insurance company
Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 requires motorists to drive “in one lane as nearly as practicable” on a roadway with two or more marked lanes and permits them to pull out of the lane only when such a movement can be safely performed. The rule leaves some room for interpretation, and lane splitting is a common sight in Texas, but failure to maintain a lane can easily result in a moving accident.
Lane Splitting In Washington State (usa)
Lane splitting is not expressly illegal in West Virginia. West Virginia Code §17C-7-9 is similar to other states on the list, with a vague requirement that vehicles move “in one lane as nearly as practical.
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-242 makes lane splitting illegal in Alabama. The law prohibits riding a motorcycle “in a traffic lane or between adjacent lanes or traffic lanes.”
AAC 02.427 makes lane splitting illegal in Alaska, prohibiting motorcycles from traveling or passing vehicles in the same lane or driving between vehicles or lines of traffic.
Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, but the Colorado State Patrol reminds motorcyclists that lane sharing or co-riding with another motorcycle is allowed.
What Is Lane Splitting And Is It Dangerous?
Connecticut Code Section 14-289B prohibits motorcyclists from riding any vehicle other than a motorcycle in the same traffic lane or from “operating a motorcycle in the traffic lane.” Legislation to allow lane splitting in 2019 died in committee.
Florida is one of the most popular places for motorcycles in the country. If you’re planning to enjoy some of Florida’s best motorcycle riding or you’re heading to the state for Biketoberfest or Bike Week, make sure you know Florida’s splitting laws.
Lane splitting is illegal in Florida according to Florida Statute 316.20. The law prohibits operating a motorcycle “in a traffic lane or in an adjacent line or line of vehicles.”
Is lane splitting legal in GA? Georgia is one
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