Are Motorcyclists Allowed to Ride in Between Two Lanes in the US?

Roads are mostly divided into three lanes: left, middle, and right. Most of the time, people choose the left side of the road for riding because the left lane is usually the safest and easiest escape for the rider in case of emergency. The third lane is usually the safest lane for riders.

However, riders change their lane position as needed, so they have more flexibility than a passenger vehicle to change lanes.

So, the rider must be aware of the situation and rules that allow them to change lanes or which lane is appropriate for them to ride in. It can be dangerous to go between two lanes if the rider is not cautious or riding at high speed.

Before we know whether riding a motorcycle between two lanes is allowed or not. Let’s learn what lane splitting is. What precautions does a rider need to consider while splitting lanes? Do all the states allow riding between two lanes?

Lane splitting refers to motorcycle riders riding between lanes where traffic moves in the same direction. It is an easy escape for the riders to maneuver through the traffic in case of congestion.

Sometimes, cars can overlook motorcycles because of their small size. Riding between two lanes makes it easy for other vehicles to view motorcycles clearly. However, lane splitting is one of many practices for passing the lane. The rider must know other ways, like lane sharing and lane filtering, which have their own set of rules for passing the lane.

Lane splitting is sometimes confused with lane filtering. Lane splitting involves riding a motorcycle between two lanes on the road. Meanwhile, lane filtering changes the lane when the traffic is too slow or not moving. Lane filtering keeps the rider safe on the road because the rider changes the lane when the traffic is slow or at a standstill.

Lane sharing is a situation in which multiple types of vehicles share the same lane on the road. In lane sharing, two motorcyclists can ride side by side in the same lane. It is not a common practice in the US. However, in some states like Maryland, lane sharing is legal, but only for experienced motorcyclists. 

Lane splitting has both favorable and opposing arguments. Those who are in favor claim it reduces rear-end collisions. Moreover, there are many other benefits of lane splitting that make it possible to ride a motorcycle between the two lanes. These include: 

Motorcycles are small compared to other passenger vehicles and less visible to large-sized vehicles. When the rider is on the White lines between two lanes, motorcycles are more likely to be in the view of the drivers. 

Motorcycle riders' speeds are not the same as those of cars. Motorcyclists riding between lanes can easily pass through congested traffic without disturbing the traffic flow. 

Motorcycles are small and less noticeable than cars and trucks on roads. Sometimes, for big vehicles, it is too late to notice the bike's brake light. That is why most motorcycles crash and cause severe accidents on the road. So, lane splitting enhances the motorcycle’s visibility, and there are fewer chances of rear-end collisions on roads. 

On the other hand, some people do not favor riding between two lanes. It is because they feel it is not safe. If the vehicles are moving at high speeds, a little disbalance of the rider may cause a crash or a severe accident. This is why most states don’t allow motorcycles to ride between two lanes. It depends on the state where you ride, traffic laws, rider’s skills, and practice. It is not easy for a beginner to ride between lanes on a busy road. 

People on motorcycles are allowed to ride between two lanes, but not in all states of America. Although it saves time and reduces traffic congestion, it also enhances traffic flow. Each state has its own perspective on whether to allow or restrict lane splitting for motorcycles. For example, California was one of the first states in America to allow lane splitting for motorcycles.

Even in states where lane splitting is allowed, the rider's behavior also counts. If the rider's riding behavior is dangerous and prone to mishaps on the road, the laws of spitting lanes will never favor him. According to law, riders are only allowed to split lanes when it is safe. Otherwise, overspeed or other negligence that may cause an accident will go against the rider. 

California passed the law of splitting lanes in 2016 as a practice of riding motorcycles in the same direction between two lanes while the vehicles on both sides are slow or not moving. The rider needs to follow the speed limit, which should be faster than 10 mph above the speed of surrounding traffic. He should not split the lane if it is unsafe. 

Utah regulated the law of lane splitting in 2019. Riders can split between two lanes only if the speed is at most 15 mph.

Oregon is considering regulating House Bill 2314. According to the bill, the rider can split lanes when the traffic around him is around 50 mph. The riding speed limit is 10 mph.

The traffic laws in Texas do not favor lane splitting. It is illegal to split lanes, and the rider may receive a heavy fine for any violation. 

Hawaii has currently prohibited riders from splitting between two lanes. However, the state accepted the regulation in 2018 that allows riders to travel on the shoulder in designated areas, when there is congestion. Shoulder surfing is when the rider is stuck in congested traffic and takes off his bike to the further down line of the road.

In Washington, the practice of riding between two lanes is illegal. The rider is not allowed to ride between lanes. However, Senate Bill 5254 is on deck for the regulation of law for lane splitting.

In Maryland, lane splitting is not allowed. It doesn’t matter if the traffic is moving or stopped; the motorcycles are not allowed to ride between the lanes. However, lane sharing is considered safe where two motorcycles can ride in the same lane Still, House Bill 917 is on the deck to legalize the law regulation for land splitting.

Connecticut also prohibits riding between two lanes. Besides lane splitting, lane sharing is also not allowed. Riders are not even allowed lane sharing. However, Senate Bill 629 is on the deck for the legalization of lane splitting, but it is still illegal to ride between two lanes. 

Montana passed the Law of lane splitting in 2021. Motorcycles are allowed to ride between lanes under some conditions. The rider can split the lane when the traffic is slow or at a standstill. The rider must stay within the speed of more than 10 mph while splitting the lane. They can pass the lane only when it is safe, and the motorcycle’s speed is no more than 20 mph.

Under Senate Bill 1273, Arizona considers it illegal for motorcyclists to go in between two lanes. However, lane filtering is allowed under some conditions. The motorcycle only filters between stopped vehicles. While passing the lane, the speed limit for motorcycles must not exceed 15 MPH. The speed limit on the road must be 45 miles per hour or less. The movement must be in safe circumstances.

According to the recent updates. Lane splitting is still illegal in Colorado, but lane filtering is allowed under some conditions. The ride can pass the lane if:

• The other vehicles are stopped
• There is enough space to pass safely
• The speed of the motorcycle is not more than 15 MPH
• The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane

Any form of lane splitting or lane filtering is illegal in Georgia. The rider may face penalties and harder timer recovery if involved in a car accident while splitting lanes. The riders are limited to the permanent lane attached to the motorcycles. 

Pennsylvania also does not allow any kind of lane splitting or lane filtering. Motorcyclists are strongly prohibited from passing the lane; otherwise, they will face legal consequences in case of violation. 

To ride between two lanes in the state of Virginia is illegal. The state considers it a reckless activity that may cause severe accidents. However, lane filtering is allowed for the two-wheeled motorcycles when the traffic is stopped or slowed at 10 MPH. Still, there are some conditions the riders need to follow.

• The rider is on a divided highway with at least two lanes of traffic in each direction.
• Pass the lane at a limited speed of 20 MPH.
• Make sure the traffic is stopped and slow enough to avoid any mishap
• The rider must pass the lane when it is safe.

Lane splitting while the traffic is moving or stopped is safe, depending on the traffic speed and other circumstances. However, in many cases, it may cause turbulence for the other vehicles. That is why many states do not allow any kind of lane splitting on roads.

However, there are some precautions the rider can follow to avoid any mishaps while passing the lane. Even the states that allow people on motorcycles to go between the lanes have conditions. Here are the points you can follow to have a safe lane splitting:

Usually, the rider's speed limit should be no more than 10 MPH when lane splitting is used. In addition to his speed limits, the rider should also consider the traffic. He must avoid going between two lanes if the traffic speed is more than 30 MPH. 

Lane filtering is only for confident riders. Riders who have practiced keeping their distance and handling situations confidently should take the risk of splitting lanes. Otherwise, the third line is the safest place for the rider.

Riding on the white lane requires balance. An expert rider can sometimes lose his balance between the other vehicles. If you are allowed to ride between lanes, make sure you maintain a good balance of your bike. 

The rider must be aware of the laws and regulations of the location. He must know whether lane splitting is permitted or not. In some cases, if any collision occurs between two lanes, the rider can claim his accident. But if the laws prohibit splitting the lane, then be ready to face the consequences of the law.

People are allowed to ride between two lanes depending on the laws and regulations of the state they are riding in. Many states allow lane splitting, which means motorcyclists can ride between the lanes while riding in the same direction as the traffic. This saves time, and motorcycles can easily escape through the congested traffic without disturbing the traffic flow.

Lane splitting is not legal in some states because of safety issues. It is not easy for beginners or imperfect riders, and a slight imbalance of the motorcycle can cause crashes or severe accidents.

However, lane splitting is not the only practice for passing lanes. Other options, such as lane filtering, lane sharing, or shoulder surfing, are applicable in other states where riding between two lanes is illegal. The rider can pass the lane when the traffic is stopped or slow.

Still, there are some limitations and regulations the riders need to follow. Each state has its own set of rules for riding between two lanes. For example, the average speed of the motorcycle should not exceed 10 mph. Lane splitting is only applicable when the traffic is moving less than 50 mph.