Where Is Lane Splitting Legal?

Lane splitting is a common topic of debate for motorcyclists and drivers. It can help reduce traffic and save time, but unclear laws can lead to fines, accidents, or legal trouble. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have created this guide, which defines lane splitting, answers, “Where is lane splitting legal?,” and explains the laws regulating lane splitting in different states.

Where Is Lane Splitting Legal? Answers From Andrew Kryder, Esq.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is the practice of operating a motorcycle between marked traffic lanes traveling in the same direction. Although common, it remains a controversial topic among drivers and policymakers.

Motorcycle Lane Sharing, Lane Filtering, Lane Splitting, and Shoulder Surfing—What Is the Difference?

Although the terms “lane sharing,” “lane filtering,” “lane splitting,” and “shoulder surfing” are often used interchangeably, there are differences among them, and states treat them in various ways.

Lane Sharing

This is when more than one motorcycle travels side-by-side in the same lane.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist passes between two moving or stationary vehicles while they are all going in the same direction.

Lane Filtering

Lane filtering refers to a motorcyclist who moves between stationary or slow-moving vehicles, typically in traffic jams or at stoplights. States rarely make lane filtering legal on freeway on-ramps, in school zones, or in construction zones.

Shoulder Surfing

Shoulder surfing refers to the practice where a motorcyclist uses the road shoulder to pass stopped or slow-moving traffic, typically in heavy traffic or at intersections.

States Where Lane Splitting Is Legal

Lane splitting is legal in some states, helping motorcyclists move through traffic efficiently and safely.

California

The California vehicle code legalized lane splitting starting January 1, 2017 when section 21658.1 was added to the California Vehicle Code. For traffic safety, the California Highway Patrol advises maintaining a speed difference of no more than 10–15 mph when lane splitting, avoiding lane splitting above 50 mph, and being extra cautious around large vehicles.

Minnesota

By law HF 5247, motorcycle lane splitting and filtering became legal in Minnesota starting July 1, 2025, with restrictions on speed and permitted locations.

States with Legalized Variations

Some states ban lane splitting but permit a lane filter for motorcyclists in specific situations, like in traffic jams or at stop lights.

Arizona

Arizona’s Senate Bill 1273 legalizes lane filtering under specific conditions.

Colorado

Colorado passed Senate Bill 24-079 that states riders should ensure there’s enough space to pass on a vehicle’s left within the same lane.

Montana

Montana passed 61-8-392, the law that permits lane filtering under specific speed and traffic conditions.

Utah

Utah enacted its lane filtering law in 2019. Motorcyclists can filter between stopped cars on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less—but only if riding at 15 mph or slower.

States Without Specific Lane Splitting Laws

Many states ban lane splitting or remain in a legal gray area by not having explicit laws permitting or prohibiting lane splitting.

Arkansas

The state’s traffic code (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-302) requires vehicles to stay within a lane unless a safe lane change can be made.

Connecticut

Lane splitting remains illegal in Connecticut; however, the legislature is considering changes in 2025 with Senate Bill 1083.

Hawaii

While Hawaii allows motorcycles to use the full lane and doesn’t explicitly ban lane filtering, it does not allow motorcycles to move between clearly marked lanes to pass stopped traffic. Lane surfing is no longer legal in Hawaii (HRS §291C-49).

Illinois

Lane splitting is illegal in Illinois, as motorcyclists must follow the same traffic rules as other vehicles, including not passing between lanes (Illinois Traffic Code 625 ILCS 5/11-709).

Indiana

Lane splitting for motorcycles is not legal in Indiana. There is no specific statute allowing the practice, and Indiana Code § 9-21-10-6 requires motorcyclists to adhere to standard traffic rules, including staying in a single lane.

Iowa

Iowa traffic laws prohibit motorcycles from lane splitting. Iowa Code Section 321.275 specifies that a motorcycle or motorized bicycle shall not be operated between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

Kentucky

Kentucky falls into a legal gray zone. Lane splitting isn’t explicitly banned. However, motorcyclists should be cautious, as it may be considered unsafe to split lanes (according to the Kentucky Motorcycle Operators Manual).

Maryland

Maryland does not allow lane splitting; it is illegal under state law (State Statute § 21-1303).

Massachusetts

Lane splitting is not legal in Massachusetts. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89, Section 4A, motorcycles must not operate between marked lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles.

Michigan

Lane splitting is not legal in Michigan. There is no specific statute in Michigan law that permits the practice, and it is generally prohibited under traffic laws, requiring vehicles to remain within a single lane (MCL 257.637).

Mississippi

State law does not permit lane splitting; motorcycles are required to stay within their lane and are not allowed to pass other vehicles within the same lane. MS HB854 (to allow lane splitting) died in committee in 2016.

Missouri

Under Missouri Section 304.015, the law does not specifically address or prohibit lane splitting, leaving its legality open to interpretation.

Nevada

Lane splitting, according to Nevada Revised Statute 486.351(2), is illegal in the state. State law requires motorcyclists to share traffic lanes with vehicles and prohibits riding between lanes.

North Carolina

North Carolina does not have a statute that explicitly allows or prohibits lane splitting, but it is generally considered illegal under traffic laws, requiring vehicles to stay within a single lane [§ 20-146(d)(1)].

Ohio

By Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.55, motorcycles are required to use a single lane and are prohibited from passing in the same lane. Lane splitting is not explicitly addressed.

Oklahoma

By law (Statute 47-11-1103), motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds cannot pass between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction unless the rider is on an authorized emergency vehicle, like a police motorcycle.

Oregon

Lane splitting is not legal in Oregon, as per ORS 814.240, which requires motorcycles to stay within a single lane. A police officer may legally lane split when on an official call.

Texas

Prior to 2023, Texas law didn’t explicitly address lane splitting. However, the enactment of House Bill 4122 (HB-4122) officially banned the practice.

Virginia

Lane splitting is not legal in Virginia. According to Virginia Code § 46.2-841, motorcyclists are prohibited from passing or overtaking another vehicle within the same lane. Riding between lanes of traffic is not allowed.

Washington

Lane splitting is not permitted in Washington. Per RCW 46.61.608, drivers are prohibited from lane splitting.

Wisconsin

Lane splitting is not legal in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin traffic code does not explicitly permit lane splitting and operates under statutes that require vehicles to stay within a single lane (Wis. Stat. § 346.13).

Other States Without Specific Lane Splitting Laws

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Factors States May Evaluate When Considering Legalizing Lane Splitting

Lawmakers consider the pros and cons of lane splitting and lane filtering laws.

When motorcyclists lane split, there are multiple benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, smoother traffic flow, and shorter commute times—as motorcyclists can navigate through congested areas more efficiently. It may also lower pollution levels by minimizing idling times and speeding up commutes. Additionally, a UC Berkeley study found that careful lane splitting can improve rider safety by lowering the risk of rear-end collisions in stop-and-go or stopped traffic.

Lane splitting raises several safety concerns, including the risk of accidents caused by side-swiping or collisions with other vehicles. Other drivers who are unfamiliar with lane splitting may react unpredictably, increasing the danger. Legalizing it could also complicate traffic enforcement, requiring additional training and clearer regulations. Additionally, some drivers may view lane splitting as unsafe or unfair, potentially leading to increased road tension.

Who’s at Fault When a Collision Occurs While a Motorcyclist Is Lane Splitting?

One of the critical considerations for motorcyclists engaging in lane splitting is the legal liability in accidents.

States Where It’s Legal

In states where lane splitting is legal, liability depends on whether the motorcyclist lane splitting followed state guidelines. If a rider was disobeying the speed limit or accused of reckless driving, they could be partially or fully responsible for an accident. However, if they followed state best practices, liability may fall on the driver involved.

States Without Specific Laws

For states without clear laws that legalize lane splitting, motorcyclists engaging in splitting lanes may face additional complications. Since the practice isn’t explicitly legal, it’s difficult to argue that a rider was operating lawfully at the time of an accident. Even if the motorcyclist wasn’t at fault for the collision, ambiguity in law leaves more room for disputes over liability.

Lane Splitting Safety Tips and Legal Advice for Motorcyclists

Lane-splitting riders should know local traffic laws, prioritize safety, and keep proper documentation. Using dash cameras and wearing visible protective gear can not only reduce risks but also provide evidence in the event of an accident with other motor vehicles.