Depending on how it is practiced, lane splitting can be a safe alternative to stop-and-go traffic or a dangerous way to ride a motorcycle. Safety also has little to do with legality, and lane splitting is illegal in some states.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Also called stripe-riding and white lining, lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides between 2 lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars traveling the same direction.
What is Lane Filtering?
Typically, filtering occurs at signalized intersections, where motorcyclists ride between stopped motor vehicles to the front of a group.
Why Do Motorcyclists Split Lanes?
Motorcyclists may practice lane splitting to get around traffic and save time – or to keep themselves safe from rear-end accidents. In heavy traffic, it may be safer for motorcyclists to be between 2 slow-moving or stopped vehicles than behind a stopped car.
In a study by the Safe Transportation Research & Education Center at the University of California Berkeley, researchers found:
“Lane-splitting riders were significantly less likely to be rear-ended than other non-lane-splitting riders.”
Because a rear-end accident could seriously injure or kill a motorcyclist, lane splitting may be a safer practice for motorcyclists stuck in traffic.
Nevertheless, some motorcyclists split lanes when traffic is moving at a reasonable speed, thus driving aggressively and frightening drivers who may not see or expect a motorcyclist to be traveling between lanes. Speeding and aggressive driving are always dangerous.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Connecticut?
No, lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut andhas a section (Sec. 14-289b) that makes lane splitting illegal.
The law reads as follows:
- “(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.
- (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not
- (1) overtake and pass, in the same single traffic lane occupied by such motorcycle, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, or
- (2) operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. An autocycle shall not overtake and pass any motor vehicle operating in the same single traffic lane occupied by such autocycle.”
Can Motorcycles Share Lanes?
Motorcycles can share lanes. No more than 2 motorcycles can occupy a lane of traffic at any given time, and any kind of lane splitting is illegal.
Although Connecticut is working on a bill (SB-629) to legalize lane splitting, motorcyclists in the state should not split lanes until the bill is passed. Not only could you get pulled over and ticketed but breaking the law could also jeopardize any insurance claim you need to make in the event of a motorcycle accident.
Where Is Lane SplittingLegal in 2021?
In 2021, lane splitting is legal in California, Utah, and Montana.Some states look the other way and do not specifically address lane splitting in their legislation.
Who Is Liable for a Lane Splitting Accident?
If you split lanes in Connecticut, you could be found liable for any accident that occurs, especially if traffic is moving faster than 30 mph or you are careless while splitting lanes.
Still, drivers who do something more dangerous – or more illegal – than lane splitting can still face liability. If you were struck by a drunk or distracted driver, or someone changed lanes without signaling or checking their blind spot, you may still be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If you have been injured in any kind of motorcycle accident that involves another person’s negligence, please contact Action Law Group to discuss your legal options.
Call us at (203) 439-3143 or send us a message online to schedule your free consultation today! Action Law Group is here to answer your questions on lane splitting and traffic!
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FAQs
If done properly, lane-splitting is both safe and productive. Why do motorcyclists always ride on the edge of their lane, often right next to the opposite lane or dividing line?
Is motorcycle lane splitting safe? ›
According to the Berkeley study, lane splitting is safe if done in traffic moving less than 50 miles per hour and if the motorcycle doesn't exceed the speed of passenger vehicles by more than 15 miles per hour. Under these conditions, a motorcyclist has time to safely react to a driver changing lanes.
Is it a good idea to split a lane? ›
Is lane splitting safe? Data is mixed on the safety of lane splitting. Some evidence suggests it reduces the risk of rear-end accidents. Other evidence suggests it is more dangerous because drivers do not expect motorcycle riders or bike riders to be moving around in the middle lanes of traffic.
What are lane splitting safety tips? ›
Lane Splitting Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Danger increases at higher speed differentials. Danger increases as overall speed increases. It is typically safer to split between the far left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic. Avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles (big rigs, buses, motorhomes, etc.).
How much safer is lane splitting? ›
According to a study done by the University of California, Berkeley, injuries sustained by lane-splitting motorcyclists (LSM) were notably less severe than those of motorcyclists who did not lane-split: Head Injuries - 9 percent of LSM suffered head injuries compared to 17 percent.
What is the safest lane for a motorcycle? ›
The safest “default” lane position for a motorcycle is in the leftmost third of the lane. Most motorcyclists choose to stay in the left position for the majority of the time they're on the road. It offers good visibility and a flexible set of escape routes in an emergency.
Why is lane splitting safer? ›
Why Do Motorcycles Lane Split? As the AMA notes, one study suggests lane splitting keeps motorcycle riders safer because it allows them to move between vehicles in traffic, giving them an escape route where there is congestion.
What states is lane splitting not illegal? ›
California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. 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. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps.
How much time does lane splitting save? ›
Lane-splitting can also save you 20 hours a year. In a 2015 Texas Traffic Institute article, they found that the average urban commuter spends 42 hours a year stuck in traffic. Lane-splitting cuts your commute in time there for saving you about 20 hours a year.
How many accidents does lane splitting cause? ›
The study did find that lane-splitting was a factor in 15% of motorcycle crashes, but this number could be reduced if lane-splitting was done only at 50 MPH or less and if motorcyclists did not exceed the speed of other vehicles by more than 15 MPH.
Lane splitting plays a significant role in increasing certain types of car and motorcycle accidents. This can leave all involved parties with some confusion about how to handle the resulting car accident and determine who is at fault—especially because California does not prohibit lane splitting.
Has a careless motorcyclist crashed while lane splitting? ›
The motorcyclist might be partially or fully at fault if they were lane splitting recklessly or violating traffic laws. This could include excessive speed, weaving between lanes unpredictably, or failing to exercise caution while maneuvering through traffic.
Why do states allow lane splitting? ›
Improves Safety. Despite what many drivers think, lane splitting is safer than the alternative, which is driving directly behind cars and trucks within a lane. For example, lane-splitting motorists are less likely to be rear-ended, seriously injured, or killed.
What's the difference between lane splitting and lane filtering? ›
“Lane splitting” refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. “Filtering”refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between stopped motor vehicles to the front of the pack, typically at a signalized intersection.
What is an example of lane splitting? ›
The term lane splitting, sometimes known as lane sharing, filtering or white-lining, refers to the process of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slower moving traffic or moving between lanes to the front of traffic stopped at a traffic light.
In what states is lane splitting legal? ›
California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. 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. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps.
How many accidents are caused by lane splitting in California? ›
In fact, the same study that AB 51's authors relied on for their safety data found that nearly 1/6 of all motorcycle accidents in California were caused by lane splitting. That's roughly 75 accidents per year.
Why does California allow lane splitting? ›
Why Does the State Allow Lane Splitting? Many decry lane splitting as reckless, but lawmakers have acknowledged the arguments of proponents of the practice, citing the fact that lane splitting can not only enable a smoother flow of traffic in some areas but also help keep motorcyclists safer.
Why do motorcycles get to lane split? ›
Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. It is sometimes called whitelining, or stripe-riding. This allows riders to save time, bypassing traffic congestion, and may also be safer than stopping behind stationary vehicles.
