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 in congested traffic with slow-moving cars, but unclear laws can lead to fines, motorcycle accidents, or legal trouble. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have created this guide, which defines lane splitting. It also answers, “Where is lane splitting legal?” and explains the laws regulating lane splitting in different states.

Key Takeaways

Lane splitting is fully legal in only two states: California and Minnesota. Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Utah permit lane filtering under specific conditions. The remaining states either ban full lane splitting outright or have no explicit law on the books.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is the practice of operating a motorcycle between marked traffic lanes traveling in adjacent lanes 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 that are all moving in the same direction.

Lane Filtering

Lane filtering refers to a motorcyclist who moves in stationary traffic or between slow-moving vehicles, typically in traffic jams or at traffic lights. While lane filtering is seen as less risky than lane splitting, 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

California legalized lane splitting in 2016 with Assembly Bill 51 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

HF 5247 made motorcycle lane splitting and lane filtering legal in Minnesota as of July 1, 2025. The law includes restrictions on speed and permitted locations.

States with Legalized Variations

Some states ban lane splitting but permit lane filtering for motorcyclists in specific situations, like in traffic jams or at stoplights.

Arizona

Arizona’s Senate Bill 1273 has permitted limited lane filtering since March 2022.

California

Lane splitting has been legal in California since 2016.

Colorado

Colorado legalized lane filtering in August 2024 with Senate Bill 24-079, which 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, permitting lane filtering under specific speed and traffic conditions.

Utah

Utah has allowed lane filtering since May 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 either ban lane splitting outright or exist 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. Senate Bill 1083, a motorcycle lane splitting bill, failed and is officially considered dead.

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 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. No specific statute permits the practice, and traffic laws generally require 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 Revised Statute Section 304.015, the law does not specifically address or prohibit lane splitting, leaving its legality open to interpretation.

Nevada

Under Nevada Revised Statute 486.351(2), lane splitting is illegal. State law requires motorcyclists to share traffic lanes with other surrounding vehicles and prohibits riding between them.

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, per § 20-146(d)(1).

Ohio

Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.55 requires motorcycles to use a single lane and prohibits passing in the same lane. Lane splitting is not explicitly addressed in Ohio law.

Oklahoma

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

Oregon

Lane splitting is not legal in Oregon, 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

The enactment of House Bill 4122 (HB-4122) in 2023 officially banned lane splitting in Texas.

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 (As of August 2026)

• Alabama: Illegal. Explicitly prohibited under traffic statutes.
• Alaska: Illegal. No laws permitting lane sharing or filtering.
• Delaware: Illegal. Explicitly bars operating a motorcycle between rows of vehicles.
• District of Columbia: Illegal. Regulated under standard traffic restrictions.
• Florida: Illegal. Broadly prohibits lane splitting and filtering.
• Georgia: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting and filtering.
• Idaho: Illegal. Banned under standard improper overtaking laws.
• Kansas: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• Louisiana: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• Maine: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• Nebraska: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• New Hampshire: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• New Jersey: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• New Mexico: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• New York: Illegal. Explicitly prohibits lane sharing in any form.
• North Dakota: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• Pennsylvania: Illegal. Explicitly prohibited under § 3523.
• Rhode Island: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• South Carolina: Illegal. Explicitly prohibited.
• South Dakota: Illegal. No statute authorizing the practice.
• Tennessee: Illegal. Not permitted under traffic law.
• Vermont: Illegal. No allowance.
• West Virginia: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.
• Wyoming: Illegal. Prohibits lane splitting.

Factors States May Evaluate When Considering Legalizing Lane Splitting

Lawmakers carefully weigh the pros and cons of lane splitting and lane filtering laws before bringing them to a vote.

When motorcyclists split lanes, the benefits extend to all commuters. Research shows it reduces traffic congestion and creates a smoother traffic flow in periods of traffic density. In fact, if just 10% of drivers switched to motorcycles and split lanes, it could cut commute times for everyone on the road by up to 40% by freeing up full car spaces in gridlock. It may also lower urban pollution levels by minimizing vehicle idling times and speeding up overall commutes.

While it might look dangerous to drivers, data shows that lane splitting actually reduced rear-end collisions—a motorcycle rider’s worst nightmare. According to a landmark study by UC Berkeley, only 2.6% of accidents involving lane splitting riders were rear-end crashes, compared to 4.6% for riders who stayed traditionally in their lanes. By moving between vehicles, motorcyclists effectively remove themselves from the danger zone where distracted drivers frequently cause devastating pileups. However, there is a trade-off: while it protects your backside, lane splitting does require extreme focus, as riders are more likely to clip a car ahead if a driver unexpectedly changes lanes.

On the other side of the debate, lane splitting raises several valid safety concerns, including the risk of accidents caused by side-swiping or side-mirror clips. Other drivers who are unfamiliar with the practice may react unpredictably or swerve, increasing the danger. Legalizing it could also complicate traffic enforcement, requiring additional law enforcement training and highly specific regulatory speed caps. Finally, some drivers view lane splitting as unsafe or “line cutting,” which can increase road rage and 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 legal liability in the event of an accident.

States Where It’s Legal

In states where lane splitting is legal, liability depends on whether the motorcyclist 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 other driver involved.

States Without Specific Laws

For states without clear lane splitting legislation, motorcyclists engaging in the practice may face additional complications. Since it isn’t explicitly legal, it is 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, this legal ambiguity leaves more room for insurance companies to dispute liability.

Lane Splitting Safety Tips and Legal Advice for Motorcyclists

Lane splitting riders should know local laws for divided and undivided streets, prioritize motorcycle safety, and keep proper documentation. Using dash cameras and wearing visible protective gear can reduce risks and provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident with other motor vehicle drivers.