The state is technically neutral on the subject. Out-of-state riders should familiarize themselves with the laws of each state. Penalties for Lane Splitting in New York. state to allow lane splitting; the practice is currently prohibited throughout the rest of the. Oakland, CA 94601. Oakland, CA 94601. The new. Lane-splitting involves a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. So, Is It Legal in Ohio? No, lane splitting is not legal in Ohio. This means that if the court determines that the motorcyclist is at fault to any degree — even 1% — that person cannot seek any financial recovery. Lane splitting is often seen as a method for motorcyclists to make. In other states, such as New York and Connecticut, the practice has been explicitly banned. The bill authorizes the. California was, for decades, the only state that allowed lane splitting. The state allows lane splitting. Lane-splitting is legal in a few states, most notably California, but not legal in Illinois. However, there is no clear path forward for a lane splitting bill to become law in this state. Gjelten September 4, 2023, 3:51 pm E. Lane-splitting is a common practice in many areas of the world. . Understanding Lane Splitting in California. Motorcyclists may filter between two-lanes of traffic when the surrounding traffic has come to a complete standstill. Any motorcyclist that gets into an accident while practicing lane splitting could be held liable for any personal injuries or damages they cause. Driving a lane splits. California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legalized; motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. A bill to legalize lane splitting passed the legislature in 2021 with bipartisan support, but then-Gov. Traffic is going less than 20 mph or is at a stop. 1905 Lana Avenue NE. License Laws in Arkansas: 3. 61. United States v. However, the law states that only two riders. Those. ”. Ultimately, lane splitting should only be done in states where it is legal, and any motorcyclist who attempts this should use the utmost care in completing the maneuver. B. Only California directly permits lane splitting. Lane splitting refers to when motorcycles ride in the middle lane, between stalled or slow moving traffic. Whether you're a new motorcycle rider or are a recent Florida transplant, all riders should know that an action known as "lane-splitting" is illegal in the state. Lane splitting is legal in California, Oregon, and Washington. However, motorcycles can share a lane or. So far, only California has definitively legalized lane splitting/filtering. It is illegal in all other. On the other hand lane splitting, is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at an unsafe speed. ”The first state to permit lane splitting is California. Lane sharing is another act that is legalized in different ways, but. No, lane splitting is not legal in Alabama. What states is lane splitting legal in 2021? Currently, the only state that. Lane-splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle in between lanes of slow or stopped traffic. Arizona. 1-800-525-7111. While motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in an accident, drivers or passengers of other vehicles may also be injured in a high-speed collision or an. As in most states, lane splitting is illegal. S. Currently, lane splitting is only legal in a handful of US states. Crossing center line is not a per se traffic violation under New Mexico traffic laws. Lane-splitting is legal in California—with the caveat that motorcyclists lane-split only when traffic slows to 40mph or below, and that riders only travel ten miles per hour faster than the slow traffic around them. Filtering or Lane Splitting, the art of riding a motorcycle through the middle of two lanes of traffic that are heading the same direction, is legal in the UK, but we have questions about the rest of Europe. The law allows two-wheeled motorbike riders to pass other cars in the same lane and direction of travel if they are going at 15 miles per hour or less. California recommends only splitting lanes when traffic is slow, and you keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic. But some states just have no rules on the book governing lane splitting. (1) overtake and pass, in the same. As a result, it is more difficult to safely operate a motorcycle. Lane Splitting Laws. Lane splitting has been debated in Oregon, and there was even a recent bill proposed in the Oregon legislature that passed a preliminary hearing in 2019. But not only is lane splitting legal in California, it is illegal for other motor vehicles to intentionally block or impede a motorcyclist in a way that could harm the rider. There, motorcyclists can lane split, with a recommendation to not split lanes over 30 mph. Motorcycle enthusiasts have been trying to get lane splitting legalized, at least in certain circumstances, for years. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. However, the law states that only two riders. They can also legally pass vehicles proceeding in the same direction within the same lane. Lane splitting is illegal in just about every state in this country except for California, where they have passed laws that allow this practice. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. Arizona passed a law that goes into effect in September of 2022, and Montana enacted its lane-splitting law in 2021. C. Since lane splitting is illegal in the state of Wisconsin, a motorcyclist who violates the laws in this manner may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from an accident. Lane. Plus, they point to states like California where lane splitting is legal and accidents like rear-end collisions are actually lower. Assembly Bill No. It is legal only in a limited number of states. What is the fastest street legal street bike? Here Are The 10 Fastest Road-Legal Motorcycles 8 Kawasaki Ninja H2 – 209 mph. Arizona became the 4th state to make lane filtering legal for motorcycles in 2022. For example,. Lane-sharing is legal in NC under GS § 20-146. Here in Springfield, a rider slipped between two moving cars sparking the question. Currently, California is the only state that allows lane-splitting, and even then, it’s only allowed under certain circumstances. The weather and road conditions permit safe and reasonable. In fact, the first comprehensive study related to lane splitting came out of California through UC Berkley. Lane-splitting commonly becomes a subject of confusion and debate when California riders venture up the west coast and into. Is lane-splitting legal in Ga 2021?California was the first state to allow lane-splitting for motorcyclists. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. 14th Annual Toys for Tots Event: Toy Drop-off . In these states, lane splitting is consideredCalifornia is the only state that has made lane-splitting legal. Motorcyclists may try to lane split to pass slower-moving vehicles in heavy traffic. 51, 2016) and Utah (H. The maneuver is permitted when “on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely. The short answer is yes. Zach Courts. Senate Bill 5378 (SB 5378) would allow lane-splitting only during slow traffic conditions - up to 10mph faster than the flow of traffic, but no faster than 25 mph - and only on numbered highways. It is a way for motorcyclists to bypass congestion. As of 2022, a handful of states have legalized some form of lane sharing. Only California directly permits lane splitting. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. The 2015 Texas transportation law specifies that cars must remain entirely inside a single lane (not between. Jerry Brown in 2016. It’s legal in plenty of other places outside the U. Brown, Jr. Currently, lane splitting is legal in California, Oregon, Nevada, and Washington. Missouri law on this topic is not explicit. A. For example,. For instance, the Texas Senate Transportation Committee has previously deliberated on bills intended to legalize lane splitting. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. “ (a) An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic: (1) shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane. Call us now to set up a free case review: (615) 338-9500. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. (COLORADO) – The Colorado State Patrol is sending a clear reminder to motorcycle riders that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. Here in Georgia, § 40-6-312 of the Georgia traffic. 1. No, lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. S. In short, no. Utah followed suit in 2019. In these states, lane splitting is. The rider of a motorcycle, moped, or scooter is required to follow the same procedures as any other driver when passing another vehicle on the road. And while some states do not specifically address lane splitting, Illinois does, and the relevant Illinois law states: "The driver of a 2 wheeled vehicle may not, in. The aye. Lane filtering is the process of a motorcycle rider moving past stationary or slow-moving vehicles safely at a speed of 30km/h or less. Lane splitting is illegal in every other U. The law allows motorcyclists to travel up to 15 miles per hourIs Lane Splitting Legal in Chicago and/or Illinois? Lane splitting is illegal in both Chicago and the state of Illinois. In most states, lane splitting is illegal, and can result in a ticket or even arrest. ” This can result in serious. Other states, including Washington and Oregon, are considering making lane splitting legal, while one state – Utah – explicitly allows lane filtering but not lane splitting. . What I have heard anecdotally is that no one in the greater Seattle area is getting pulled over just for filtering. 2018). Doing so may result in a moving violation. Lane splitting is allowed on motorways, on roads with separated lanes for the opposing directions and two lanes into each direction and where the speed limit is above or equal to 70 km/h. is different than your current legal name. 5. Bills proposed in other states have similar guidelines, though none have attracted enough support to get anywhere. Lane splitting is illegal. In Massachusetts, motorcyclists may not use the same. Additionally, motorcyclists cannot overtake another vehicle within the same lane, which means that lane splitting is illegal in our state. Updated: Oct 7, 2021 / 11:52 AM MDT. Lane splitting, however, is prohibited. In states where lane splitting is illegal, motorcyclists may be subject to fines or other punishments for breaking the law. Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, while most states have no laws expressly forbidding it. They are:If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident with a lane-splitting motorcyclist, the experienced attorneys at Labrum Law can determine whether you have a case. Merging Vehicles. However, Kansas does allow two motorcycles to ride side by side in one single lane of traffic, which is called lane sharing. Both lane splitting and lane filtering are hot topics for Georgia motorcycle riders. S. Arizona passed a law that goes into effect in September of 2022, and Montana enacted its lane-splitting law in 2021. She vetoed that bill, citing concerns about public safety and compliance issues. Kate Brown vetoed the bill, convinced that it wasn't safe. UtahUnder current law, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from overtaking or passing a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between rows of motor vehicles, a practice known as "lane splitting". Lane filtering is only acceptable in Arizona under. “Lane splitting” refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. Jan 31, 2023. 503-986-4198. Several other states do not allow lane splitting but allow similar behaviors. Driving a motorcycle in between cars in a manner consistent with lane splitting or lane filtering is illegal. While many bikers do it anyway, lane splitting in Oklahoma may result in a citation, fine, and points on. No. Doug Ducey has signed a law legalizing lane filtering after the bill cruised through both the Senate and House chambers with strong bipartisan support. 55 of the Ohio Revised Code, which is where you can find these rules, allows for two motorcycles to ride side by side within one lane. The current bill now moves to the House for consideration. In Utah, motorcyclists can pass between 2-lanes of traffic, but only when traffic is stopped (a practice called “filtering”). However, Utah and Montana have restricted laws regarding lane splitting. However, while lane splitting is not explicitly prohibited, it may be illegal under. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. While lane splitting is common in many countries worldwide, the United States leaves traffic laws in the hands of each state. I also see a lot of bikers not lane-splitting. , lane splitting and lane filtering aren’t permitted—with the current exception of California and. )lane splitting is conducted through the flow of traffic at full speed. While this legislation is generally worded for cars, a strict interpretation makes lane-splitting for motorcyclists illegal. The motorcyclist must be: On a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, Not going faster than 15 mph, See full list on rideapart. The. DMV - Transportation Safety Office. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. This new standard was established in 2016, although lane splitting was informally allowed in the years prior to the change. Someday, lane splitting may become legal in Oregon. Currently, lane splitting is not legal in New Mexico. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. California traffic engineers have determined that lane splitting helps traffic flow. The State of Illinois does not have any specific lane-splitting law in the books, but standard right-of-way laws do prohibit it. B. July 20, 2021. Jerry Brown in 2016. As traffic increases on state highways, some motorcyclists find themselves stuck in traffic jams that they believe could be avoided if. In other states, the practice is either unlawful or completely unmentioned in the text of state legal codes. 3. One of the only states where “white lining” is legal is California, while most states may have no laws expressly forbidding this practice, it doesn’t mean you cannot be stopped, ticketed, or in other legal jeopardy for doing it. However, even though it is allowed, the California lane. 20. The law was passed to legally define lane splitting so California Highway Patrol officers could more easily discern between legal and illegal lane splitting. For this reason, out-of-state bikers operating in Ohio need to be ready to follow the local rules. While some states are considering new legislation, California is one of only three states in the U. The only time that motorcyclists are not obligated to remain in. There does not seem to be any widespread support in the. Lane splitting is illegal in the state of West Virginia, just as it is in every other state except for California. The state of North Carolina does not currently have a specific law which bans lane splitting, thought it is always. In fact, although lane sharing occurs in other states, California is the only place where the practice has been made legal. In Mexico, it’s legal and tolerated (be polite and friendly though!), but los gringos in the USA and Canada aren’t as accepting. Finally, in 2016, they declared it legal across the state through Assembly Bill No. New York’s Lane Splitting Laws. Texas law states that motorcyclists, like other drivers, must drive within a single lane. Laws on lane splitting (sometimes called lane sharing, lane filtering, shoulder surfing) vary from state to state. If you’ve ever been startled out of the doldrums of your afternoon commute by a thundering, lane-splitting Harley Davidson and cursed whoever is responsible, you’re not alone. RCW 46. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. Despite the previous. A majority of states ban it in all situations. Because it is illegal in most states — including Virginia — there is really little data on the number of accidents lane splitting. states ban it explicitly, but most states—including Delaware—do not address the practice at all. “Splitting” a lane refers to passing between two lanes, while lane sharing describes two vehicles traveling side-by-side in the same lane. Now, with a new governor in. Alcohol and Drug Use. Our legal experts will ensure you have the best outcome possible. Once passed, this law will allow lane-filtering events at red lights as long as the cars are stationary. While there is currently proposed legislation to allow lane splitting, it is not legal in Virginia. First, not only is lane sharing or lane splitting legal in California but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. A motorcyclist could face a traffic infraction if they are caught splitting lanes in Colorado. ” New York is far from the only state that bans lane splitting, and several other states don’t have any laws about it on their books. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2021. There are also a number ofCalifornia is the only state where lane splitting is legal. At the present time, only one state—California—has specifically declared lane-splitting to be legal. Why in America do drivers lose their minds and in other other. Posted: Nov 13, 2021 / 01:43 PM EST. Motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other motorists, which means they should occupy a full lane, stay in the same direction, and not maneuver between traffic lanes. In Queensland, lane filtering is only legal when you hold an open licence and:Four states permit the maneuver. The issue of legalizing lane splitting in Texas has come up several times in the state's legislature. Under no circumstances is lane splitting allowed in New Mexico. About a dozen states don't really address the topic, while all other states prohibit it. Operators must be at least 16 years old and have obtained a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license to operate a motorcycle on public roads. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. However, some states have laws that prohibit passing on the right or riding between lanes of traffic, which could be interpreted to include lane splitting and filtering. Experts in this state do recommend that motorcyclists only go ten miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic and that they avoid lane splitting over speeds of 30 miles per hour. In Ontario, as of my information cutoff in September 2021, lane filtering. PHOENIX — A new law is revving up many different opinions. In previous times, some Texas legislators attempted to change lane-splitting laws to no avail. . In the few states where lane splitting is legal, laws have been passed to explicitly ensure its legality. Posted: Nov 12, 2021 / 12:12 PM. As for safety, I can show you a study proving. However, even there the laws could be about to change with a new bill allowing lane filtering only when traffic is travelling 30mph (48km/h) or less and riders can only filter at 10mph (16km/h) faster than surrounding traffic. The state House of Representatives on Monday gave its blessing to Senate Bill 574, a proposal that allows motorcyclists to drive. It is important to check with your state’s Department. However, this does not mean that it is legal. Montana passed a bill in 2021 allowing lane. The state is committed to reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads by enforcing laws that are designed for safety. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. What states can bikes lane split? Currently only one state in the US allows lane splitting. Lane splitting is a motorcycle maneuver in which a rider passes between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Riding in between lanes (lane splitting) is not allowed and is illegal. It’s worth noting that lane splitting is legal in many other countries, including most. The only state where lane splitting is allowed is California. Utah uses the term lane filtering to describe the practice and defines it thusly: “Lane filtering” means, when operating a motorcycle other than an autocycle, the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped in the same direction of travel in the same lane. Note that states sometimes change their laws, and some states have revisited lane splitting laws in recent years. California law allows lane splitting only when the surrounding traffic is moving at 30 mph or less. Not specifically prohibited in state law. First, not only is lane-sharing or lane-splitting legal in California, but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. Mar 30, 2022. Gjelten September 4, 2023, 3:51 pmThe debate over lane-splitting is contentious, to say the least. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. After years of attempts, lane splitting might be coming to Oregon. “ (a) The operator of a motorcycle shall be entitled to the full use of any single traffic lane, but the operation of more than two motorcycles abreast in any single traffic lane is prohibited. Examples would be improper passing, unlawful lane use, reckless driving, ect. Lane splitting (also known as riding the stripe or white lining) refers to the practice of driving a motorcycle between lanes of moving traffic. It is a very dangerous, and generally illegal activity. It’s important to note that in Canada and nearly all of the United States (apart from California, and three other states) – lane splitting is uniformly prohibited. Salem, OR 97314-0001. Kate Brown vetoed the bill, convinced that it wasn’t safe. S. 209 (3) reads “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles,” making this practice illegal throughout the state. Montana bill S. S. Jerry Brown recognized lane splitting in 2016 when he signed a bill into law. In the last few years, several states have legalized lane splitting, and more may follow in the coming years. Is filtering legal? In the U. The key to lane splitting not being expressly prohibited in Missouri motorcycle riding laws is that you cannot be targeted for it by police or insurance companies if you are doing it safely. A: Lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting, as the term can imply something similar. Motorcyclists may ride the line between the two lanes to get to the front of the line, but the motorcycle rider may travel no faster than. 20. is no. This applies to any form of compensation, up to. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. Lane splitting is legal in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Utah. What this means for those states is that lane-splitting is neither legal nor illegal. The law goes into effect 90 days after the state. Passing Stop-and-Go traffic. 2021. Lane filtering is also illegal in Georgia, though there have been many petitions to make this practice legal. Lane splitting is illegal. A few years ago, California passed a law that allows some degree of lane splitting to prevent gridlock. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. B. A single motorcyclist in the middle of their lane is more likely to fall. A few states, such as California, allow lane splitting. Lane splitting, where a motorcycle weaves between two lanes of cars, is illegal in most states. 209. [1] [2] It is sometimes called whitelining, or stripe-riding. Utah, Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut are considering lane sharing laws in their state legislatures, but none of these laws are on the books yet. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. This means that each state gets to decide what motorist behaviors are legal or not. 9, which goes into effect October 1, 2021, says that. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. 21658. Idaho; Kentucky; Mississippi; Missouri; New Jersey; North Carolina; Ohio; Texas; West. Multiple state bills asking for the legalization of lane splitting have been introduced recently, but as of 2021, New Mexico continues to outlaw lane splitting. Those states include: Arkansas; Delaware; Washington, D. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. The new Arizona lane splitting law, SB 1273, is very limited but it allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic stopped at a light. Hawaii. Lane splitting is legal in California, and legislation to make it legal in other states is also in the works. The Legal Landscape in Florida: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, lane splitting remains a complex and debated topic in Florida. Lane filtering bills have been a hot topic in the Oregon state house for years, but in 2021, SB 574 passed both the Senate and the House. B. to legally recognize lane filtering for motorcycles. However, it is legal to split a lane with a fellow motorbike rider. 1972). Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Montana. 30 to 40 mph is fast enough to move along without startling anyone and still avoid lane changes. In 2016, the Colorado legislature attempted to pass HB 16-1205, which would have legalized lane splitting in limited situations. Due to the right-of-way laws, it is considered a traffic. New Mexico Lane Splitting Laws. Vehicles must move entirely over to the adjacent left lane (if legal) to pass a motorcycle. Lane Splitting in Florida. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. S. Thus far, the only state with a lane splitting law that explicitly legalizes the maneuver is California. Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of moving traffic heading in the same direction, whereas lane filtering is when a motorcyclist rides. In 2021, that number capped at 592. However, state law may not place any strict limits in terms of speed, but it is recommended that motorcyclists avoid splitting lanes by moving faster than 10 mph more than the drivers around them or when surrounding. Lane splitting remains against the law in the State of Florida. Takeaways: If you are a motorcyclist living in Arkansas or someone planning a. However, since lane-splitting is regarded as unsafe, it may be challenging to make a successful claim without legal help from experienced Missouri motorcycle accident attorneys. Lane splitting, also known as lane sharing or filtering, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic in the same direction as that traffic. ”. For many years, California was the only state where lane sharing was explicitly legal. Some people wonder, is lane splitting legal in Virginia? Lane splitting means riding a motorcycle between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic that is going in the same direction. Lane splitting is legal in some states, while it is illegal in others. It is also commonly referred to as filtering. There were no bills proposed for the 2021 Texas legislative session, meaning those hoping for lane. In Texas, the practice of lane splitting, or lane sharing is explicitly illegal. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? [LATEST Update] 2023. Despite these efforts, no legislation has successfully been passed that would permit lane splitting in the state. I keep a finger on the passing light, flash it once in a while and cover the brake. Splitting at 60mph between two lanes going a steady 50mph is far, far safer than splitting at 15mph between one lane going 0mph and one lane going 10mph. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. For a long time it was only California that would allow any kind of lane splitting but now many states are beginning to see the benefit and increased safety and have introduced lane splitting laws. So, what states is lane splitting legal in 2021? At the moment, the legality of lane splitting is still being debated in a number of states. They are on the road with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less and believe the move is safe. There are also a number of California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. This law permits filtering at up to 20 mph (32 km/h) between vehicles that are stopped or moving at up. The numbers don’t lie – motorcycle accidents happen too frequently and often result from risky driving behaviors, such as lane-splitting. Q: What Happens if Lane Splitting Causes an Accident? A: If lane splitting leads to an accident, the fault for the incident will likely fall to whichever motorist splits the. In California, lane splitting is allowed as long as it is done safely and does not exceed 10 mph above the speed of surrounding traffic. (2. New Mexico Lane Splitting Laws. With the passage of SB 9 in Montana earlier this month, motorcyclists will be able to legally lane-split throughout the state under certain conditions starting October 1, 2021. States without laws regarding lane splitting or filtering include: Washington DC also does not have laws pertaining to lane splitting. Lane splitting is a common and practical motorcycle riding technique that is used all over the world. Last year, we reported on California Assembly Bill 51, a bill attempting to codify lane-splitting into state law as opposed to keeping it in current unwritten enactment. 2021, will go into effect. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which can help them avoid being hit from behind by another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic or other precarious traffic situations. There is a national conversation regarding whether states should. In states where lane splitting is legal, there are specific guidelines developed by legislators or police that discuss how this practice should be carried out. As per the law, lane splitting is allowed as long as it is done in a careful manner. This new standard was established in 2016, although lane splitting was informally allowed in the years prior to the change. (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not. California. As per the law, lane splitting is allowed as long as it is done in a careful manner. It is worth keeping in mind that California is an outlier – no other state has legalized lane splitting.