For years, the relationship between lane splitting and motorcycle safety has been a topic of much debate in the United States. Though you can lane split in some places, the practice is prohibited in most parts of the country.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting, also known as white lining, occurs when motorcycle riders travel in between lanes of traffic so that they can avoid stopping or slowing because of heavy traffic congestion.
Is Lane Splitting Safe?
The alleged safety and potential dangers of lane splitting are surrounded by controversy. Many motorists believe that the practice is dangerous and, in some cases, annoying. Most bikers, on the other hand, feel that it is much safer than being trapped by larger vehicles in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Though it might seem like allowing bikers to pass in between other motorists could be potentially dangerous, a study conducted by the University of California Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) found that lane splitting doesn’t necessarily result in a greater risk for accidents or injuries. In fact, the practice is relatively safe and has a low risk of injury when done in traffic that is moving at speeds of less than 50 mph and when bikers don’t go more than 15 mph faster than the other vehicles around them.
The study discovered that when lane-splitting bikers get in accidents, it’s usually because the motorcyclist was going over the speed limit, and therefore traveling too fast to stop in time when another driver attempted to change lanes. Aside from making it more difficult for motorcycle riders to stop, speeding while lane splitting can cause the motorcycle to dart in and out of other motorists’ blind spots. As a result, this could startle other drivers and result in a crash.
They also found that lane splitting can reduce the likelihood of accidents involving motorcycle riders altogether because it eliminates the risk of rear-end collisions. According to UC Berkeley’s study, bikers have a higher risk of being involved in rear-end collisions than other motorists. Since cars can’t hit motorcyclists from behind as they ride between lanes, lane splitting eliminates this threat.
Where Lane Splitting Is Legal In The U.S.
Lane splitting is a controversial subject in the United States, but it’s legal in many other parts of the world, including Asia and Europe. Currently, California is the only state in the United States where lane splitting is legal. The state of California has respected the merits of lane splitting for years, but lawmakers officially passed a lane splitting bill legalizing the practice in 2017. In fact, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) encourages drivers traveling in the left lane to give bikers enough room to pass by moving to the left of their lane.
Though most U.S. states are hesitant to pass lane splitting laws, a few are actively considering its legalization, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Oregon and Washington. The traffic laws in Utah and Hawaii allow a modified version of lane splitting. In Utah, the new law refers to the practice as “lane filtering,” and it permits motorcyclists to pass between two lanes of traffic when traffic is completely stopped. Since Hawaii’s roads are so narrow, they only allow motorcyclists to “shoulder surf” when there are high levels of traffic congestion.
While it’s illegal to lane split in most states, there are a few where the issue is ambiguous, meaning it’s not explicitly prohibited. In fact, it’s not even mentioned. Some of these states include:
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- West Virginia
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A Closer Look At Lane Splitting In Florida
Florida Statute 316.209 (3) clearly prohibits lane splitting when it says, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” The section goes on to say that firefighters and police officers are exempt from these laws when they are lane splitting to perform their official duties.
Even though it’s technically illegal in Florida, many motorcycle riders regularly practice lane splitting and get away with it without any consequences. If you do get pulled over for violating this statute, it’s considered a noncriminal traffic infraction, and can result in a moving violation. The fine varies depending on which county you’re in, but you could get a ticket for $100 or more. On top of that, if a motorcycle accident occurs while you’re lane splitting, you may be held liable for any damages.
Lane splitting is sometimes confused with lane sharing, which refers to when motorcyclists travel in the same lane, side-by-side. Unlike lane splitting, you can lane share in Florida.
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Florin|Roebig: Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Unlike other motor vehicles, there’s very little that can protect you in the event of a motorcycle accident. That’s why it’s imperative that you wear your helmet, follow the local traffic laws and remain vigilant at all times. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting or because of the negligence of another driver, you might be entitled to compensation for injuries and/or damages. That’s why it’s vital that you seek out legal advice immediately so that you can get the support and guidance that you need to navigate the legal process.
The law firm of Florin|Roebig is committed to giving motorcycle riders the representation and compensation they’re entitled to. We are here to help you recover any losses due to motorcycle lane splitting, allowing you to focus on healing. Our experienced attorneys can review your insurance policy so that you get the fair compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation at (800) 226-6581.
