Lane Splitting: What Is It And State Regulations

Lane splitting – the practice of motorcyclists riding between the lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is a topic of ongoing debate in the United States. While this maneuver is illegal in most states, recent developments have seen some states move towards legalizing it. For example, Minnesota is set to allow lane splitting in 2025, and Rhode Island has introduced regulations permitting the practice under specific conditions. However, the practice remains controversial, with detractors citing safety concerns. In 2023, law enforcement officials in Nevada spoke out against legalizing lane splitting, highlighting the risks involved. 

This article will explore the concept of lane splitting, and explain how it differs from similar practices like lane filtering and lane sharing. We’ll delve into the potential benefits, such as reduced traffic congestion and shorter commute times, as well as the risks, including increased accident potential and visibility issues. Lastly, we’ll provide a state-by-state breakdown of current laws and regulations surrounding lane splitting, offering a comprehensive understanding of where this practice stands nationwide. 

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between the lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, usually on highways or congested roads. Although many consider it dangerous, this maneuver allows motorcyclists to bypass traffic jams and reach their destination quickly – making it attractive for many riders. 

Occasionally, lane splitting may be confused with lane filtering or sharing, but these are all slightly different. Lane filtering occurs when a motorcyclist weaves between lanes of stationary or slow-moving vehicles, usually at traffic lights or congested areas, at a significantly lower speed than lane splitting. Meanwhile, lane sharing refers to two motorcycles riding side by side in a single lane, which is legal in some jurisdictions but not all. 

Lane splitting in history

Lane splitting has a notably mixed reception in the United States. It originated in California, where it was informally practiced for years before eventually becoming legal in 2017. 

Proponents argue that it reduces traffic congestion and promotes safety by minimizing the time motorcycles spend in stop-and-go traffic, where they are more vulnerable to rear-end collisions. However, critics raise concerns about the potential for accidents and the challenges it poses for other drivers sharing the road. The practice’s legal evolution continues to be shaped by ongoing debates and studies on its impact on road safety. However, many states do not show any signs of legalizing lane splitting any time soon.

The Benefits and Risks of Lane Splitting

Potential benefits of lane splitting

Many proponents argue that lane splitting offers several advantages, particularly in cities with heavy traffic. One of the most notable benefits is reduced traffic congestion. It’s thought that lane splitting can decrease the overall number of vehicles occupying lanes by allowing motorcyclists to maneuver through slow-moving or stopped traffic, freeing up space for other cars and improving traffic flow.

Shorter commute times are another perk for motorcyclists, as lane splitting enables them to bypass traffic jams, reducing their time on the road. This can also have a positive environmental impact by lowering fuel consumption and emissions since motorcycles spend less time idling.

Additionally, studies suggest that lane splitting can improve motorcyclists’ safety by reducing their exposure to rear-end collisions, which are more likely in stop-and-go traffic. A 2015 study by the University of California Berkeley found that motorcycle riders who engaged in lane splitting were less likely to be rear-ended and less likely to suffer head or torso injuries in a collision, provided they adhered to safe speed differentials. 

Risks and safety concerns of lane splitting

Despite this array of benefits, lane splitting also carries significant risks. One of the primary concerns is the increased risk of accidents. Motorcyclists moving between lanes at higher speeds can be challenging for drivers to anticipate, particularly when drivers change lanes without signaling. Driver visibility issues, like blind spots, further exacerbate this risk. 

The same UC Berkeley study noted that lane splitting becomes much more dangerous when motorcycle riders are speeding or when the speed differential between the motorcycle and surrounding traffic is more than 15 miles per hour. 

Legal liabilities also come into play, as the legality of lane splitting varies by region. Disputes over fault in accidents involving lane splitting can be contentious in areas where it is legal, often depending on the circumstances of the collision and local traffic laws.

State-By-State Guide to Lane Splitting Regulations

Alabama

• Lane splitting is prohibited.

Alaska

• Lane splitting is prohibited.

Arizona

• Lane splitting is prohibited, but lane filtering is permitted.

Arkansas

• Arkansas law doesn’t explicitly permit lane splitting, but there is no law prohibiting it. Most proponents believe that the decision to safely engage in lane splitting is up to the motorcyclist’s discretion. 

California

• Lane splitting is legal.

Colorado

• Lane splitting is prohibited, but lane filtering is permitted.

Connecticut

• Lane splitting is prohibited. Senate Bill 629 was introduced in 2019 to allow the practice, but it did not pass.

Delaware

• Delaware law doesn’t explicitly permit lane splitting, but there isn’t a law prohibiting it, leaving motorcycle riders in a gray area. Most proponents believe that the decision to safely engage in lane splitting is up to the motorcyclist’s discretion.

District of Columbia

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Florida

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Georgia

• Lane splitting is prohibited. 

Hawaii

• Both lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal. However, the state does allow motorcyclists to pass stopped cars on the shoulder, a practice commonly called “shoulder surfing.”

Idaho

• Lane splitting is illegal. 

Illinois

• Lane splitting is illegal. 

Indiana

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Iowa

• Both lane splitting and filtering are illegal.

Kansas

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is permitted.

Kentucky

• Kentucky law doesn’t explicitly permit lane splitting, but there isn’t a law prohibiting it either – leaving motorcycle riders in a gray area. Most proponents believe that the decision to safely engage in lane splitting is up to the motorcyclist’s discretion.

Louisiana

• Lane splitting is prohibited.

Maine

• Lane splitting is prohibited.

Maryland

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Massachusetts

• Lane splitting is illegal. 

Michigan

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Minnesota

• Recent legislation was signed to make lane splitting legal in Minnesota, effective July 1, 2025. Lane filtering is permitted.

Mississippi

• Mississippi law doesn’t explicitly permit lane splitting, but there isn’t a law prohibiting it either. Most proponents believe that the decision to safely engage in lane splitting is up to the motorcyclist’s discretion.

Missouri

• Missouri law doesn’t explicitly permit lane splitting, but there isn’t a law prohibiting it either. Most proponents believe that the decision to safely engage in lane splitting is up to the motorcyclist’s discretion. 

Montana

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane filtering is permitted.

Nebraska

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Nevada

• Lane splitting is illegal.

New Hampshire

• Both lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal.

New Jersey

• New Jersey law doesn’t explicitly permit lane splitting, but there isn’t a law prohibiting it either. Most proponents believe that the decision to safely engage in lane splitting is up to the motorcyclist’s discretion.

New Mexico

• Lane splitting is illegal.

New York

• Lane splitting is illegal.

North Carolina

• Lane splitting is illegal.

North Dakota

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Ohio

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is permitted.

Oklahoma

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Oregon

• Lane splitting is still illegal in Oregon, although a bill proposing its legalization has recently passed the Senate. Lane filtering is legal. 

Pennsylvania

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is permitted.

Rhode Island

• Lane splitting is legal under certain conditions, including:

  • Traffic is stopped or moving at a speed under 10 miles per hour.

  • The motorcyclist keeps their speed differential within 10 miles per hour. 

South Carolina

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is permitted.

South Dakota

• Lane splitting, filtering, and sharing are illegal.

Tennessee

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is permitted.

Texas

• Lane splitting and filtering are illegal.

Utah

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane filtering is legal.

Vermont

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Virginia

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Washington

• Lane splitting is illegal, but lane sharing is permitted.

West Virginia

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Wisconsin

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Wyoming

• Lane splitting is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a difference between lane splitting and lane filtering?