The Basics of Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is a driving maneuver performed by motorcyclists in which they attempt to ride between vehicles on the roadway. This is typically done while traffic is at a near complete stop and the motorcyclist hopes to navigate to the front of the line so that they are one of the first to pull away from a stoplight. In California, lane splitting is actually considered a legal maneuver, at least according to the most recent legislation passed in 2016.
When riding on a motorcycle, the big problem with the line of cars in front of you is that it reduces your options to safely navigate around other vehicles while you continue on your way . As motorcycles are relatively small vehicles, lane splitting is a natural way of maneuvering when in slow-moving or stopped traffic. The key concept here is that lane splitting offers access to more options than remaining deadlocked. In general, motorcyclists who are lane splitting will look out for vehicles whose drivers are not paying attention, which is sadly something that occurs far too often. The bicyclists must navigate carefully between vehicles and be more aware of their surroundings than traditional drivers, which increases the level of fatigue they experience more than regular drivers. Lane splitting offers these people hope of getting to their destination sooner, however.
Lane Splitting Laws in the United States
Motorcyclists traveling through the U.S. may be confused by the different legal stances of various states on whether lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting is permitted in California and has been legalized and subsequently overturned in other states. Visit these states’ Department of Motor Vehicles websites for further information.
California: Lane splitting was first legalized in California in 2016. Since then, the state has enacted a set of guidelines that motorcyclists are expected to follow when lane splitting. These guidelines are designed to keep motorcycles and other vehicles safe on the road.
Other States Where Lane Splitting May Be Legal:
There are a few other states where lane splitting is permitted, at least unofficially. At the time of this writing, these states where lane splitting is either permitted or not prohibited include:
Texas: Texas has no laws against lane splitting, so motorcyclists have unofficial permission to do so. However, local jurisdictional laws may override this and affect the legality of lane splitting.
New Mexico: Lane splitting is not officially legal, but it has not been banned either. Motorcyclists are required to yield to surrounding traffic when lane splitting in New Mexico.
Utah: Lane splitting is legal in Utah, but only for vehicles following the state’s guidelines.
Arizona: In Arizona, lane splitting is technically illegal, but in 2015 traffic officials introduced a "unofficial" lane splitting policy. This means that law enforcement officers are instructed to look the other way on the subject of lane splitting.
Kansas: Lane splitting is not an official part of the law in Kansas, but in 2012 the state’s chief prosecutor stated that it was official policy not to prosecute motorcyclists for lane splitting.
States Where Lane Splitting Is Explicitly Illegal:
At the time of this writing, the following states have statutes explicitly declaring lane splitting to be illegal: Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lane Splitting
When it comes to the pros and cons of lane splitting for motorcyclists, there are a number of things to consider. For example, proponents of lane splitting have argued that it can increase safety for motorcyclists by allowing them to bypass traffic congestion and avoid rear-end collisions. On the other hand, detractors have claimed that it can actually put motorcyclists at risk by increasing the likelihood of them getting hit by other vehicles.
One argument in favor of lane splitting is that it can help to reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow. When motorcyclists are able to easily maneuver through traffic without having to wait in long lines, it can help to reduce overall wait times for everyone else on the road. Additionally, proponents have argued that lane splitting can help to improve traffic safety by reducing rear-end collisions. When motorcyclists are able to avoid stopping and starting all the time in heavy traffic, they are less likely to be involved in an accident with another vehicle from behind.
On the other hand, detractors have pointed out that lane splitting can actually increase the risk of accidents for motorcyclists. When motorcyclists are weaving in and out of traffic, it can be more difficult for other drivers to notice them and allow them to pass. Additionally, some detractors have argued that lane splitting can create unsafe conditions for other drivers on the road. When motorcyclists are cruising along at high speeds in between other vehicles, it can increase the chances of them falling off their bike or crashing into another car.
All in all, it remains to be seen how lane splitting will ultimately impact road safety and driver behavior. However, there are clearly both advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account. As more information becomes available, we will be in a better position to draw conclusions about the efficacy of this practice for motorcyclists.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering
Lane splitting is the practice of passing stopped or slow-moving traffic on a motorcycle. Lane splitting involves riding a motorcycle between two lanes of vehicles in slower or stopped traffic. Lane splitting does not share the common elements of normal lane changes, where the motorized vehicle moves from one lane of travel to another by first checking blind spots and side mirrors for other vehicles and hazards. California law does not prohibit lane splitting.
Lane filtering is moving forward on a motorcycle in stopped or slow-moving traffic, but only when traffic is stopped. Lane filtering is a right of way movement. An example of lane filtering on a motorcycle is moving forward at a stoplight in a long line of vehicles. This requires careful observation for vehicles that may be changing lanes into your path . Lane filtering is best practiced during the day, however, and vehicles that are stopped can be difficult to see at night and in the rain. Lane filtering can create some safety problems. Filtering motorcyclists come in from the left and right at intersection. They literally cut in front of, or move behind, vehicles to move forward in line. This can be very dangerous depending on lane configurations. Right lane filtering can put motorcyclists in a precarious situation with right-turning vehicles, especially big trucks. Filtering motorcyclists must always make sure they are visible to other drivers, which means using their headlights and wearing bright colors, especially during low-light and low-visibility conditions. Lane filtering is not permitted in West Virginia. West Virginia requires motorcycles to be in lines of traffic and prohibits the practice of filtering.
Global Perspectives on Lane Splitting
Beyond the United States, other developed countries have grappled with the question of lane splitting. The lane splitting laws of Japan, Austria, Romania and several others countries are more permissive than those of the United States.
In Japan, motorcycles were first exempted from restrictions on passing in stopped motorcar traffic in 1962. The revised Traffic Rules (update of the Traffic Control Act) of 1974 expressly permitted motorcycles and mopeds to pass other vehicles when moving at a speed exceeding that of a stopped vehicle in the same lane: "In passing by a moving vehicle, a rider may pass through the spaces between moving and stopped or parking vehicles, and between stopped vehicles." Motorcycles may occupy the lane adjacent to the right lane. The law also permits motorcycles to be driven on sidewalks with certain restrictions. Lane splitting is entirely lawful throughout Japan.
Austria, Romania, Brazil and several other countries also permit motorcycles to split lanes. In Romania, lane splitting has long been permitted because it makes traffic congestion tolerable and saves time for cyclists. Meanwhile, such practice is heavily criticized in oil-rich Qatar, where authorities regard lane splitting as a sign of traffic indiscipline.
American and foreign studies of lane splitting have produced contrasting results, reflecting the public’s divergent views on the subject. A poster session in 2014 at the International Motorcycle Safety Conference in Long Beach, California highlighted the differences between American and foreign research on lane splitting. In the U.S., lane splitting has been characterized by a lack of clear and uniform data to distinguish whether the practice produces positive or negative effects on traffic congestion and biker safety. Foreign conferences, on the other hand, such as the Japan Transport Research Forum (JTRF) and the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), have released step-by-step pro lane splitting reports that agree on the benefits of lane splitting to the public. The Netherlands and JTRF recommended that the U.S. adopt the position the safety of all road users should be maximized, not just those of the motorcyclists.
Safety Considerations for Drivers and Motorcyclists
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has established safety tips for motorcyclists, which include wearing appropriate safety gear and taking a motorcycle safety course. In addition to these general motorcycle safety tips, the NHTSA advises motorcyclists and scooter riders against weaving among slowed or stopped traffic, and to refrain from passing between lanes where the opposing lane of traffic is also stopped . To minimize the likelihood of collisions between motorcycles and other vehicles that may yield to motorcycle riders, the NHTSA encourages car and truck drivers to frequently check their mirrors and blind spots and watch for motorcyclists. When stopped, car and truck drivers are counseled to place their vehicles in gear and release pressure on the brake pedal when stopped in traffic, particularly on hills where rolling back or rear-end collisions can be problematic.