Lane splitting – when a motorcyclist rides in between two cars going in the same direction – is a hot topic of debate among motorcyclists, drivers, lawmakers and insurance providers.Â
While it can offer benefits in traffic-congested areas and help motorcyclists get where they’re going faster, it also comes with risks and legal ambiguity depending on where you ride.
Lane splitting is also sometimes called white-lining and it refers to a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically on highways or city roads. This is different from:
Lane splitting can help reduce traffic congestion and may improve safety in stop-and-go traffic, but it also increases the risk of collisions, especially if other drivers are unaware or don’t expect motorcycles to pass between lanes.
Lane splitting laws vary significantly across the U.S. and around the world. California is the only state that legally allows lane splitting, as outlined in the California Vehicle Code. This includes being allowed to move between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane on both divided and undivided streets, roads and highways.[1]
The California laws do stipulate that riding on the shoulder of the road is not lane splitting and is illegal.
Source: The Zebra
Meanwhile, five other states allow lane filtering, meaning motorcycles and move between rows of cars, but with more stipulations:
Oregon also has active legislation pending that considers lane filtering. For the remaining states, they either explicitly mention in their motor vehicle laws that lane splitting and lane filtering are not permissible or leave some gray area.Â
Motorcyclists can be ticketed or cited for improper lane usage or reckless driving in these states.
The impact of lane splitting on motorcycle insurance can depend on the state, the insurance provider, and the circumstances of any incident.
Interestingly, lane splitting is legal or permitted in many countries around the world, particularly in Europe. The primary argument for lane splitting proponents is that it reduces traffic congestion and is safer for motorcyclists. The reason it is argued to be safer is that it presents fewer chances for motorcyclists to be rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic. Â
A study on motorcycle lane-splitting safety in California found that lane-splitting riders were less likely to be rear-ended than non-lane-splitting motorcyclists. That said, the same study showed that lane splitting didn’t eliminate crashes; the lane-sharing drivers just crash differently. The study also found that while motorcyclists who were lane-splitting were less likely to be rear-ended, they actually were more likely to rear-end other drivers.[7]
The main factors in injuries and accidents with lane splitting were excessive speed and reckless driving.
If you're riding in a state or country where lane splitting is permitted:
Lane splitting remains a controversial but increasingly acknowledged part of motorcycling. If you're a rider, it's critical to know your local laws, ride responsibly and understand how your insurance policy treats lane splitting. For drivers, awareness and caution can help keep everyone safer on the road.
California Motorcycle Safety. [California Highway Patrol]
Laws of the road. [AMSAF]
Lane filtering in Colorado. [Colorado State Patrol]
Lane Filtering For Motorcycles. [Montana Code]
Lane filtering. [Ride to Live Utah]
Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center. [Minnesota Department of Public Safety]
Split Decision: Are Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering Safe? [Rider Magazine]
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