According to studies, lane splitting can reduce overall traffic congestion by up to 35%. After the whole weed thing, I view CO as a progressive law state. Lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, or between a line of traffic and the curb. 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. Lane splitting, as commonly understood in California, is not explicitly legal in Washington. Today, many states are considering whether they should change their laws to permit lane splitting. California:. However, to date, none of those bills have passed. In December 2016, State Senator Kirk Watson (D) introduced Senate Bill 288, which would have allowed lane-splitting in Texas, so long as the rider was travelling in traffic moving slower than 20 mph and was going no more than 5 mph faster than other road users. While most laws that apply to full-sized vehicles also cover motorcycles, there are some unique motorcycle laws in Colorado that should also be addressed. Several petitions have circulated online seeking support for lane splitting, but. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co. States Where Lane Splitting Is Illegal. Lane splitting is legal in California, Oregon, and Washington. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Colorado. However, some states have laws that prohibit passing on the right or riding between lanes of traffic, which could be interpreted to include lane splitting and filtering. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. Currently, California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. 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. Let's forget the fact that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, as the "brah" wasn't considering any local laws during this run. It involves weaving in and out of traffic along a road’s dividing stripes as a way to pass motorists and move through traffic. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. Here are the definitions of each practice:Splitting lanes when traffic slows down is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Adding lane-splitting only complicates an already complicated dance of traffic rules and right-of-way laws. However, in Colorado, lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is the process of riding a motorcycle or bicycle between the lanes of traffic on a highway. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, but the Colorado State Patrol reminds motorcyclists that sharing a lane or co-riding with another motorcycle is permitted. While most laws that apply to full-sized vehicles also cover motorcycles, there are some unique motorcycle laws in Colorado that should also be addressed. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co-ride" with one other motorcycle. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. In 2016, the Colorado House Committee rejected a bill introduced by Rep. Skip to main. Read on to learn more about lane splitting. These states have laws that specifically detail when and where lane splitting is acceptable. In California, lane splitting is legal under certain conditions. In lane sharing, you’re allowing other traffic to use the unused portion of a lane. Arizona’s law focuses on lane filtering in specific instances, like the few other states that have legalized this practice. ColoradoLane splitting is outlawed in 49 states in the United States. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. states. Splitting lanes, white-lining, and stripe-riding are all examples of lane splitting. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. The road must have two or more adjacent lanes of traffic that travel in the same direction. California was the first state to adopt a rule to allow lane splitting with motorcycles. In 2016, Assembly Bill 51 was signed into law, which defined lane splitting and allowed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish guidelines for safe lane splitting practices. It is legal, however, for two motorcycles to share one lane in Colorado. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. Splitting is good for both bikers and drivers. Nowhere in Illinois is lane splitting legal, and splitting lanes and can result in fines and points on your license for improper lane usage. However, HB23-1059 was introduced in the 2023 Regular Session, a motorcycle lane splitting study to determine whether lane splitting should be allowed. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. Lane splitting is legal in some states, but in other states, it might not be explicitly defined as illegal. You’re right in the middle of the two of them. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. “A motorcyclist being able to go in between cars when traffic is less than 40. Lane splitting in Colorado is explicitly prohibited and can result in a fine and even points on your license. 2016 Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 - Vehicles and Traffic. Lane sharing of any kind is expressly prohibited in 34 states, including New York and Florida. Safety Concerns: Critics argue that lane splitting can be risky, particularly if riders don’t do it cautiously. In certain places, lane splitting is expressly prohibited. The legality of lane splitting varies greatly across the United States. However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane. ABOUT US; CONTACT US; PRIVACY POLICY; TERMS OF SERVICE; Menu. People won’t give space and won’t be looking for you in the middle of a lane. As a car driver I also appreciate that for every 20 bikes that lane-split past me on the highway to work, is 20 less vehicles in the length of the queue in peak traffic. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. ”. In Ontario, it’s simply not permitted, which can result. Violation of this law may result in fines and penalties assessed by law enforcement. This technique is officially recognized as legal only in the state of California. What is lane splitting? Lane splitting, also known as white-lining or stripe riding, is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. states. However, it is legal to split a lane with a fellow motorbike rider. A bill was proposed in 2016 to allow lane-splitting. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Presently, motorcycle laws in Colorado prohibit lane splitting. It isn’t allowed on freeways. As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. House Bill 23-1059, introduced in mid-January, proposes creating a study that looks at potential benefits of allowing lane splitting – the act of traveling in between lanes on a motorcycle, typically only when. Most major cities in PA are trying to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than motorcycle. Lane Splitting Controversies. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. Clinging: As a rider, you cannot attach your motorcycle to another vehicle, i. California is the only state that has thus far legalized lane splitting. guidelines around lane splitting, which were released in 2018. Lane-splitting is dangerous because: The motorcycle might not be visible to other vehicles who are maneuvering traffic because they’re blocked by another vehicle. Lane splitting is only permitted in the state of California. Lane filtering is not legal in Colorado. “Lane splitting would be for motorcyclists themselves in between traffic at lower speeds of 40 miles per hour,” he said. Under current law, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from overtaking or passing a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between rows of motor vehicles, a practice known as "lane splitting". The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. It’s going to take a while before a new population is aware of a new lanesplitting law. Note that states sometimes change their laws, and some states have revisited lane splitting laws in recent years. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. In these situations, then the legality and whether or not to ticket a driver is. 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. Straying from your lane while on a motorcycle into lanes occupied by other vehicles is commonly referred to as “lane splitting. 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. Utah followed suit in 2019. In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. Although it was never “illegal,” the state of California enacted house bill AB 51 to officially make lane splitting legal. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, gets his way,. Repeated measures to legalize lane splitting or filtering in Texas have not been successful. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. This is apparently legal in California and generally allowed (ie ignored) by cops in many other states. Lane splitting is still prohibited in Arizona as of 2022. If the study finds a feasible law for Colorado and the state. Driving on roadways laned for traffic. They can also only travel at a speed that is no more than 15 miles per hour faster than. Lanesplitting — passing between lanes of stopped or slower-moving vehicles on a motorcycle — is not explicitly legal in any state of the United States. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. ”Bill Summary. A motorcyclist could face a traffic infraction if they are caught splitting lanes in Colorado. Lane-Splitting in California. You knowingly break the law whenever you split lanes. Dovah November 4, 2022 At 4:46 pm. For instance, Colorado is considering a law to study the viability of lane splitting, and Arizona's law legalizing lane filtering was passed just recently in 2022. This can be done either while the traffic in the adjacent lanes is stopped or moving slowly. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. For the other 49 states, the act of lane splitting is either fully illegal, or no clear legislation on the matter currently exists. 7 percent). Motorcycles can pass stopped traffic on the shoulder in approved areas as long as the road has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction and the shoulder is wide enough for the motorcycle to use. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. 4 percent versus 15. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. Learn more about the legality of lane splitting in Georgia and other essential motorcycle laws. Motorcyclists must also keep a safe distance. However, Colorado has some laws forbidding many of these maneuvers, and bikers who disobey may find themselves pulled over by the highway patrol–or worse. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. In California, it is legal to lane split and it is. A bill was introduced in 2017 that would make lane splitting legal, allowing. Troy Kessler with CSP said. California legalized lane splitting by motorcycles in 2017. Lane splitting is legal in some states and illegal in others. It reduces traffic congestion: When motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, they can weave through congested traffic much more easily than cars, which helps ease traffic jams. The New Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Law Explained. Some argue that it can help alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety for motorcyclists. Lane filtering is legal in Utah and Montana under specific circumstances (like a red light). state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. There are various labels for the activity, but if you ride a motorcycle, you’re probably already acquainted with them. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? A new law may help pave the way A new bill has been presented at the Capitol that may help pave the way for lane splitting in Colorado. Splitting lanes reduces the amount of space both the motorcyclist and the motorist have in their lane for reacting to maneuvers made by other. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, has introduced a bill that would require the Colorado. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. 5 F. ”. Given the current trends in Pennsylvania traffic laws, it doesn’t look like it will become legal anytime soon. This spot is referred to as the left or right “tire track. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. - The road has 2 or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. If one Colorado state lawmaker gets his way, lane splitting could soon be legal in the state. The new Arizona split lane laws only apply when cars are stopped in the same lane as the motorcycle, despite the fact that the technical definition of lane splitting relates to any biker moving between lanes (independent of the speed of the cars). In NJ, motorcycles can go in the HOV lanes. no chance of getting hit. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of cars that are driving in the same direction–this maneuver is illegal in Colorado. It is important to check with your state’s Department. A violation of this law is an infraction, and you will receive a ticket and one point on your driving record. Contact us today at 1-888-863-7216 to schedule your free consultation. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. . It is often done on a highway or freeway, where there are multiple lanes going in the same direction. Benefits of lane splitting for other road users. The practice is legal in California, Utah, and Montana, but it is illegal in all other states; Colorado is one of those states where lane splitting is illegal. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Depending on the circumstances, the penalty for lane splitting is fine, ranging from $15 to $100. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. Under current law in Colorado, it is illegal for motorcycles to overtake or pass a motor. Arizona. the legality of lane splitting varies from state to state. In 2016, the Colorado legislature attempted to pass HB 16-1205, which would have legalized lane splitting in limited situations. MENU. Now, however, the practice is explicitly banned. Hawaii. It is considered the best position for keeping a safe distance from. Conclusion: Know the Laws and Ride Safely. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. While some. If lane. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. In response to California’s AB-51, lane splitting is outlined as “a motorbike. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. Lane splitting is illegal in Nevada under NRS 486. Safety Reminders Creating a safer highway. Lane Filtering: Lane filtering is a practice among motorcycle operators. Lane Splitting Is Illegal. I follow the CA rules about lane filtering. It isn’t allowed on freeways. Here in Colorado, lawmakers have lobbied for the controversial practice—most recently, in 2016—but that proposal was shot down. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is explicitly prohibited in Colorado, and the chances for legalization appear dim. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. Will lane splitting ever become legal in Colorado? Whether or not lane splitting will be permitted in Colorado is difficult to predict. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. Sign up for the K99 Newsletter. Even if a motorcycle is only traveling at speeds below 20 miles per hour, a motorcyclist's lack of protection could make for a severe accident. Lane-splitting is currently illegal in Maryland. The law explicitly states that it is illegal to lane split or lane share with cars and that riders are not allowed to pass or overtake a motor vehicle within the same lane. Some have laws that specifically allow it, others have pending legislation, some have no laws, and others make it illegal. In Texas motorcycle riders are not allowed to split lanes in any situation. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. It is legal only in a limited number of states. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. I understand the main reason was for air cooling bikes that couldn’t stand still in queues like cars. Colorado tried to pass a bill in 2016 enabling the traffic move in the state, but the measure failed in an 8-5 vote, despite overwhelming support from the biking community. Lane sharing is also illegal in Idaho. Gordon Klingenschmitt that sought to lift the ban on motorcycles navigating between rows of traffic. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. Is Lane Splitting Legal? In the U. No. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. S. The “lane filtering” rule had a sunset date of July 1, 2022. Oakland, CA 94601. There's a motorcycle who does this every morning on Hubbard heading east into downtown. The 4-year-old law lets motorcycles move between stopped. California recommends only splitting lanes when traffic is slow, and you keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic. However, this was never passed and no further legislation has since been heard making the issue, as of now, settled. It's not mentioned anywhere in the rules of the road. Lane splitting, if done correctly is a great way to increase capacity of strained highway systems. Lane splitting (also called lane sharing, whitelining, or filtering) is the practice of operating a vehicle, most commonly a motorcycle, in the unused space to the left or right of moving or stationary vehicles. Who we are; Warehouse Branch; Meet our Team; FAQ; Helpful Links;Understanding Lane Splitting in California. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them to ensure you’re lane. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. Lane Splitting: As mentioned above, the practice of lane splitting by a motorcyclist is dangerous and illegal. 1. However, a handful of these states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, to name a few) are considering or have. This has been an uphill battle for many reasons, and currently, there’s no push for lane splitting to be made legal in Pennsylvania. Many allow lane sharing for two motorcycles but not lane splitting. In California, former Gov. Under current law in Colorado, it is illegal for motorcycles to overtake or pass a motor. Keep in mind that lane-splitting is not synonymous with lane sharing. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. My badly ventilated jacket (not mesh) and my overpants (mesh) weren't doing much to slow down the river of sweat running down my back. The remaining thirty seven states and Washington D. The state does not have a specific law that addresses lane splitting, leaving room for. There is research that suggests lane-splitting is safer for motorcycle riders, which leads to petitions such as this one to legalize it in the many states it's illegal, such as Michigan. 309-550-7543; Home; Quotes; Why Us? Blog; Contact; About. And then parks illegally all day in front of my office building with yesterday's parking ticket stuck to the motorcycle. Also, you will get more angry and righteous people taking things into their own hands. Lane Splitting: Effective January 1, 2017, section 21658. Lane-Splitting in California. Lane filtering is legal in Utah anywhere the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. Colorado. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. Current laws in Colorado make it illegal to lane split. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. However, a bill proposed by Texas State Senator, Kirk Watson, in December. While this practice is controversial, it has become popular among motorcyclists in recent years as a strategy to minimize traffic congestion and enhance overall traffic flow. Lane splitting is defined as: “Passing another vehicle within the same lane as another vehicle or passing between two vehicles down the center of a lane. State law also prohibits passing or overtaking a. Q: Is there a difference between lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing?As defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658. In California, lane splitting has been legally recognized and codified in the vehicle code since 2016. Motorcycle riders can only lane-split when traffic is moving at 50 miles per hour or slower. In most accounts of lane splitting experiences, people tend to combine splitting and filtering into a single category. Two. No, absolutely do not "send it" between cars. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059 would examine allowing motorcycle drivers to practice lane splitting. Lane filtering in Utah is legal only when the road has two or more lanes in the same direction. Lane splitting or lane filtering is currently illegal in every state except for Utah and California. Lane splitting, also called lane sharing or white lining, is when a motorcyclist maneuvers their bike between lanes or rows of unmoving or barely moving vehicles that are heading the same way. 1, lane splitting is driving a motorcycle with two wheels touching the ground between moving or stopped vehicles that are in the same lane. In short, no. Although it's illegal in most states across the country, there are a few. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. states. States without laws regarding lane splitting or filtering include: Washington DC also does not have laws pertaining to lane splitting. Furthermore, lane splitting can create conflicts with other road users. 51. Read on to learn more about lane splitting. Image Credit: motorcycle. However, it is legal to split a lane with a fellow motorbike rider. The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45 mph. No motorcycle operator shall “overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle overtaken” or “operate a motorbike between the lanes of traffic or between two adjacent rows of automobiles,” according to ARS § 29-903. However, under House Bill 917, it will be legal for motorcycles to go between lanes, provided that they run at five to 15 mph above the surrounding traffic. In Alabama, the legality of lane splitting and filtering is determined by the state’s traffic laws. If that’s you, then it’s important that you know about an amendment to the state transportation code that went into effect on September 1, 2023. 209 (3) specifically governs this act. The definition of lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between rows of moving vehicles. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. The only state that permits lane splitting is California. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. Other states, such as Utah and Montana, have passed laws that allow for “lane filtering,” which is. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. In California, lane splitting is prohibited near freeway exits and onramps. The. I have some questions and comments about this. Once passed, this law will allow lane-filtering events at red lights as long as the cars are stationary. Colorado also prohibits lane sharing with vehicles (though it allows sharing with other motorcycles) and passing any other vehicle in the same lane. Where a special lane for making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been indicated by official traffic control devices in the manner prescribed in the state traffic control manual, a left turn shall not be made from any other lane, and a vehicle shall not. In other states, it is not explicitly forbidden, rather, up to the discretion of the police. In Colorado, specifically, the law states “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Currently, California is. Lane splitting is legal in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Utah. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. Other states have tried to pass lane filtering laws since then, with limited success. Intersections are already a common location for accidents. According to Florida Statute 316. While this presents some risks, it can actually improve rider safety in some situations, particularly at night. There is currently no legislation in Florida addressing this topic, but it will likely be discussed in the future. However, any motorcyclist pulled over can get a ticket and face fines of $100 or more. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. No, lane splitting in Pennsylvania is not allowed. 060 stipulates that all road users must remain within a single. And no, lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. The short answer is no, Colorado law forbids lane splitting for all drivers. If you ever become involved in a motorcycle accident, a Law Tigers attorney can help. Call (210) 366-4949 today for a free consultation. Lane-splitting is specifically legal only in California. No, lane splitting is currently not legal in Colorado and California is the only state that allows lane splitting, There has been recent buzz around the topic as the state legislature did introduce a Colorado lane splitting law that would commission a study on the feasibility of allowing lane splitting in the state. This meant that it was technically legal, but many police officers turned a blind eye to it. ”. The number of points you get on your license is determined by a judge and depends on the severity of your offense. “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. According to the statute, it is illegal to “operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. It's legal only in California. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of cars that are driving in the same direction–this maneuver is illegal in Colorado. The charges are elevated to a Class 3 felony if the act of lane splitting causes an accident that leaves another person with a bodily injury. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. S. Can you split lanes in Arkansas? Lane splitting can be very dangerous but, everyone on the road has to be equally responsible. 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. With the increasing popularity of motorcycles as a mode of. (1) 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. For roadways that are divided into “two or more clearly marked lanes," motorcyclists may change lanes, but may not drive between them. Lane splitting is different from lane filtering and lane sharing. Filterering between cars and even worse trucks stopped at lights actually puts you, the motorcyclist at greater risk by reducing the space in which you have to operate your bike. You will be far more likely to get blocked, doored or squeezed out. ” So, yes, it is illegal. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. But it is analyzed if the driver sitting in the car is at fault or not. Every state has different laws about lane splitting, or weaving your bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. However, it is legal for two motorcyclists to ride side-by-side in the same lane. In 2016, California passed a law 6 that authorized the state Highway Patrol to develop guidelines for legal lane splitting. S. Some people believe it to be a dangerous practice that should be outlawed, while others see it as a perfectly safe way to navigate traffic. Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. As of May 2023, Oregon and Tennessee are both considering bills to allow lane splitting, but do not currently allow it. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. A study into safety concerns was ordered in 2018, but efforts have stalled. This is a controversial position, however. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. With safety in mind, the California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. The state’s Assembly Bill 51, introduced in 2016, defined lane splitting and provided. S. This maneuver is especially used when traffic is moving. Riding a motorcycle in France is about 20 times as dangerous per kilometer as driving a car, but only a small percentage of serious motorcycle accidents occur while lane splitting. California has always “allowed” lane splitting, but only formalized this into law in 2016. Whether or not lane splitting was involved, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident at no. The practice is unregulated specifically in 11 states and Washington D. Currently, there’s only one place in the United States where lane splitting is legal for motorcycles—and that’s California. Is lane splitting legal in Colorado? While you might see a motorcyclist lane splitting in traffic, it is actually illegal in our state. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. 209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. S. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Colorado is considering a bill to allow a study on lane splitting. Drivers would become aware, courteous of riders and traffic would ease. Lane splitting is legal in some states and illegal in others. Greg Gianforte’s signature on a bill legalizing filtering of motorcycles under certain. Oakland, CA 94601. Think of being in between two four-wheeled vehicles in a two-lane highway going in the same direction. Reply. Lane splitting, also known as “filtering,” “white lining,” or “stripe-riding.