Is Lane Splitting Legal in Kentucky?

Along with a sense of freedom, riding a motorcycle brings important responsibilities and rules every rider must follow. A common topic of debate among motorcyclists is lane splitting. If you’re asking, “Is lane splitting legal in Kentucky?“—you need to know that no specific laws in Kentucky ban lane splitting, so the answer is not clear.

You can learn more about lane splitting laws in this guide prepared by our experienced personal injury attorneys.

What Is Lane Splitting?

When a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of stopped traffic or slow-moving traffic, they are lane splitting. Split-lane riders use this technique to bypass congestion, save time, and avoid stationary vehicles in traffic jams. It can be unsafe when motorcyclists lane split, especially in states where other drivers aren’t accustomed to the practice.

Rules for Motorcyclists: Lane Sharing, Lane Splitting, Lane Filtering, and Shoulder Surfing

Lane splitting—also called white lining or stripe riding—and its variations (called lane filtering, lane sharing, and shoulder surfing) are not addressed specifically in Kentucky motorcycle laws.

Lane Sharing

Two motorcycles driving in the same lane side-by-side is lane sharing.

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting happens when a motorcycle moves between two moving vehicles in marked lanes of slow-moving cars or stopped motor vehicles, traveling in the same direction.

Lane Filtering

Motorcycle filtering refers to moving between two vehicles to move to the front of traffic at a signal or intersection.

Shoulder Surfing

Shoulder surfing means riding a motorcycle on the road’s shoulder to pass other traffic.

Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Kentucky?

Kentucky falls into a legal gray zone. Lane splitting isn’t explicitly banned, but motorcycle riders should be cautious. It may be considered unsafe to split lanes, according to the Kentucky Motorcycle Operators Manual. Other laws concerning full lane usage and changing lanes are defined in KRS 189.990(1).

What Are the Penalties for Improper Lane Usage in Kentucky?

Violating traffic laws under KRS 189.990(1)—for example, improper lane changing, driving over the speed limit, or motorcycle lane splitting—results in a fine of $20–$100, $143 in court costs, and 3 points on the driver’s record.

Where Is Lane Splitting Legal?

Lane splitting laws vary across the United States. California and Minnesota explicitly allow it. Other states, like Arizona and Colorado, permit variations of lane splitting. Many states—like Kentucky—remain silent, leaving the practice neither explicitly allowed nor prohibited.

Factors States May Evaluate When Considering Legalizing Lane Splitting

Lawmakers may consider the pros and cons of making lane splitting and its variations (like lane filtering) legal.

Lane-splitting motorcyclists provide multiple benefits, including enhanced safety, reduced traffic congestion, smoother traffic flow, and shorter commute times, as motorcyclists can operate safely and navigate through congested areas more efficiently. It may also lower pollution levels by minimizing idling times, increasing fuel efficiency, and speeding up commutes. Additionally, a University of California Berkeley Safe Traffic study found that careful lane splitting can improve motorcycle safety by lowering the risk of a rear-end collision or other motorcycle crash in stop-and-go or stationary traffic conditions.

Lane splitting raises several safety concerns, including the risk of motorcycle lane splitting accidents caused by side-swiping or collisions with other vehicles. Other drivers who are unfamiliar with lane splitting may react unpredictably and lose control when encountering lane-splitting riders. Legalizing it could also complicate traffic enforcement, requiring additional training and clearer regulations. Additionally, motorcycle accident cases—such as a personal injury claim—could be increased. Finally, some drivers may view lane splitting as unsafe or unfair, potentially leading to increased road tension.