6 Other Motorcycle Laws to Keep in Mind. At the present time, only one state—California—has specifically declared lane-splitting to be legal. Texas Transportation Code § 545. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas The Current Legislation. Learn More Come July 1, the only time you'll hear about lane splitting is when someone untrained in firearms shoots the rider. This is when two motorcycles utilize the same lane side-by-side. The aforementioned study concluded that lane splitting is safe when done at a speed of 10 miles per hour or less. This meant that it was technically legal, but many police officers turned a blind eye to it. 316. Lane splitting is illegal in most states, but is common in California. California. 4 Florida Helmet Laws All Motorcyclists Should Know. Lane filtering is allowed in Arizona, but only in certain conditions. A study by the University of California Berkeley found that lane splitting may be safer for motorcyclists during heavy traffic periods. 53 votes, 42 comments. Motorcyclists should be aware of the laws in their state before attempting lane filtering. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. This statute. Even though the legality of lane splitting is currently being challenged in fifteen different states. However, since splitting lanes is not preferred, is it really worth the risk? Although due to safety concerns. Lane splitting gives them a fighting chance in traffic most motorcycle crashes occur from getting rear ending. Although it is illegal in Florida to engage in lane splitting, many Florida motorcyclists use this driving maneuver to bypass areas of traffic congestion and sometimes lane split even when it isn’t. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. Lane splitting remains against the law in the State of Florida. Lane Splitting: The Pros And Cons. Is Lane Splitting Legal? | States Where Lane Splitting Is Legal California was the first state to make lane splitting legal in 2016 and is currently the only state that allows this type of riding. Florida Statute §316. Lane Splitting. It’s an efficient way to make progress and reach your destination faster. It’s legal in plenty of other places outside the U. While lane splitting involves a motorcyclist riding down the center line rather than traveling directly in front of or behind a car, lane sharing usually means that two motorcyclists are riding side by side in. Since the average lane is only about 12 feet wide, it’s only safe for two motorcycles to share a single lane. 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. If HB 1419 becomes a law, the penalty will be PHP 1,500 for the first offense, PHP 3,000 for the second offense, and PHP 5,000 for. states. Lane Splitting. “There is no question there are a lot of motorcycles in Florida. 2 You Have to Keep Both Wheels on the Ground. Florida law specifically prohibits the practice of lane splitting. Law Tigers is a qualifying provider service in Florida. Under the TN Code § 55-8-182, lane splitting is illegal. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. 209 (3) reads “no person shall. California is one such state where lane splitting has been legal for many years. Lane splitting can be dangerous, and it is illegal in the state of Florida. But Trooper Steve said Florida is one of the few states that do not allow a motorcyclist to drive between two separate vehicles, splitting a travel lane. Currently, lane splitting is banned in every state except for one – California, which lifted its ban on lane splitting in 2016. While illegal in Florida, lane-splitting carries with it both its potentially life-saving benefits and dangerous downsides. 209. An attorney at Ernst Law Group can protect. If a motorcyclist in Florida is caught lane splitting, they can be issued a citation and fined. I divided my map into 5 general categories: Category 1:. If you’re planning to enjoy some of the best motorcycle rides in Florida or you’re riding into the state for Biketoberfest or Bike Week, make sure you know lane splitting Florida laws. Until then, moving violations are a possibility for those caught lane splitting. I've lane split in rides in CA,FL and TX. Riders should use caution, refer to local regulations, and be aware that police could choose not to permit it either way. Lane splitting is not necessarily the safest riding practice but should be enjoyed by. In developing these guidelines, the law requires the CHP to consult with specified agencies and organizations that have an interest in road safety. Many bikers, on the other hand, feel that lane splitting is safer than driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, since motorcycles frequently become caught between larger cars while stuck in gridlock. Florida Statute 316. Lane splitting is the practice of riding your motorcycle between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. However, multiple factors can contribute to this, including: 1. Lane splitting is a hot topic in Florida and most U. This behavior, known as “lane splitting,” is legal in some states. 6. What Should I Do After a Lane Splitting Accident? Even though Florida has outlawed lane splitting, you might still be able to hold. Moving between rows of vehicles, passing between adjacent lines, and operating a motorcycle in between lanes of traffic all count as illegal activity under this statute because of the aforementioned dangers. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Advertisement. Don’t lane split if traffic is moving faster than 30 mph. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. Statistics show fewer motorcyclist get hurt in areas where lane-splitting is legal. Florida prohibits lane splitting. Don’t ride more than 10 mph over the neighboring vehicles. The only information we have for the United States about lane splitting safety is comparing motorcycle accidents in states where it’s legal and illegal. Splitting isn’t permitted by law, and filtering is mandatory. Curtis wrote into Spectrum Bay News 9 asking that the law be explained. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. Many motorcycle riders in the United States, including North Carolina, use this maneuver to bypass traffic jams. I understand the advantage and point and support legislation to legalize it, but I encounter at least 4-5 riders a day that just duck in and out of traffic with no concerns. 20. Lane splitting is legal in California and is seen as a way to reduce traffic congestion. In these states, lane splitting is. What is Lane Splitting? For those of you who have never heard the term, it is when a motorcycle maneuvers itself between two lanes of stopped or slowed traffic. Lane Splitting Is Not Legal. Florida motorcycle lane splitting is when a motorcycle or group of motorcycles decides to pass traffic between lanes to avoid being delayed. (1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Lane-splitting is a highly debated topic when it comes to both motorcycles and passenger vehicles on the road. “There is no question there are a lot of motorcycles in Florida. The Florida Perspective: Deciphering Lane Splitting Laws. 6. 2012 Florida Statutes. Is Lane-Splitting Legal in New Jersey. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. Motorcycle riders tend to avoid frustrating traffic jams through a common practice known as lane splitting. Unlike lane splitting, lane sharing is legal in Florida. For roadways that are divided into “two or more clearly marked lanes," motorcyclists may change lanes, but may not drive between them. For the time being, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Florida. Lane splitting and lane filtering is not legal in Florida. For a free legal consultation, call 516-932-0400 . If the traffic moves too quickly, the motorcyclist must stay in the same lane. Repeated measures to legalize lane splitting or filtering in Texas have not been successful. It is against the law to impede a motorcyclist in a way that could endanger the rider. What Is Florida’s Law on Lane Splitting? Florida, like most other states, is prohibited from lane-filtering and white-lining. A large part this is due to a decrease in. NP CA coast- Hwy 1, LA to SF (R/T) 2013/2014 Scenic 30A FL 2014/2015- Big Bend. You run a major risk in receiving a ticket if you lane split outside of California so ride with caution. Posted on: October 17, 2022. The statute does allow two motorcycles to ride side-by-side; however, no more than two motorcycles. A UC Berkeley study also found that it is relatively safe, if done right, and motorcyclists who split lanes were less likely to sustain torso or head injuries or be killed than. This year alone, the Sunshine State has seen 300 fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. According to Florida motorcycle laws for lane splitting and statute 316. S. I split all the time in CA, city, freeway, but I probably wouldn't do it if I lived in FL, not for legal reasons, but for safety reasons, others not expecting it or thinking they are law enforcement and trying to block you, and if they do, it would be your fault by default for splitting in the first place. This blog will explain ‘lane-splitting,’ discuss the pros and cons and raise the. S. It states, “No. Lane filtering sometimes happens at intersections, the place a motorcyclist advances to the entrance of the road of vehicles stopped at a crimson mild. The statute does allow two motorcycles to ride side-by-side; however, no more than two motorcycles. The prohibition on lane splitting appears in Section 55-8-182 of the Tennessee Code. Following California’s suit, Arizona is the most recent state to propose legislation that would allow motorcyclists to legally lane-share, which no doubt, is one of the best perks of riding a motorcycle. In Florida, lane splitting is not legal. Riding on the shoulder of a road or freeway is illegal. 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. If lane splitting was legal you could pass the last car and put a barrier between motorcyclists and drivers that are not paying attention. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. Unlike lane splitting (or stripe-riding), where a motorcyclist rides between lanes of moving traffic, lane sharing is more than one rider using the same lane simultaneously. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. A motorcycle may never go between lanes of traffic. Calls to the Law Tigers phone number are automatically routed. Straying from your lane while on a motorcycle into lanes occupied by other vehicles is commonly referred to as “lane splitting. ”lane splitting is legal in Europe and Asia, but California is the only US state that allows it. 209 permits motorcycles to take up a full lane, yet prohibits motorcycles from traveling between lanes of traffic or “between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. It is our turn to step up to make. ” Lane splitting is. S. In Maryland, lane splitting is not explicitly illegal, but it is not recommended by law enforcement. In 2021, that number capped at 592. 6. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. 209 articles 2-4, which read: (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. However, motorcyclists in Florida who favor making lane splitting legal have launched various online petitions over the years to encourage lawmakers to take up legislation authorizing lane splitting in the state. It is illegal in Florida and can be dangerous for both the rider and other drivers. G. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. Receive expert legal help for lane-splitting claims, reach out to us for a free consultation to fight for the compensation you deserve. However, as of 2021, no bills have been passed that would legalize lane splitting in Florida. If lane. 209 (3), which reads: No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. If you or a family member was in an accident involving lane splitting in Texas, call an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer at Janicek Law. This typically happens when traffic is slow or at a standstill. Don’t share lanes next to large vehicles such as semi-trucks or motorhomes. As of 2021, California still remains the only state to permit lane splitting, providing that the maneuver is executed in a safe and prudent manner. In lane sharing, you’re allowing other traffic to use the unused portion of a lane. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. It may occur while traffic is stopped for a light, stopped or slowed by an accident or construction, or just heavy volume during rush hour. The data also shows that the safest way to lane split is to travel at less than 30 mph, and less than 10 mph above the speed of the surrounding traffic. Whenever the riders lose control, they may crash into vehicles they are trying to split. Lane-splitting is a highly debated topic when it comes to both motorcycles and passenger vehicles on the road. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. Lane sharing is legal in Florida while lane splitting is not. S. However, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, at least 15 states have considered legislation that would legalize lane splitting. It is our turn to step up to make motorcyclists safer and reduce traffic congestion while we are at it. (30%) than Texas or Florida, states with comparable riding seasons where lane-splitting is either banned (Florida) or not. 209, which states that, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. If you’re planning to enjoy some of the best motorcycle rides in Florida or you’re riding into the state for Biketoberfest or Bike Week, make sure you know lane splitting Florida laws. Hence the "grey area" they are talking about. Lane splitting is a term used when a motorcyclist slips between two lanes of traffic, basically making their own lane. Hawaii. According to Oregon Vehicle Code ORS 814. Weinberg said law enforcement agencies, which have warned about lane splitting in the past, are neutral on the bill. You can expect to pay the. However, the legislation differs from state to state, so motorcyclists should inform themselves before crossing the borders. 7 percent). March 19, 2023 Lane splitting is against the law in Florida. The speed difference should not be more than 20km/h. In this blog post, our legal team explains the law regarding lane splitting in Florida and how it might impact your motorcycle accident claim. increasing your already very high chances of losing your life or getting severely injured riding a motorcycle in South Florida. The Bottom Line on Lane Splitting . The law authorizes the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of motorcyclists, drivers, and passengers. S. It is legal only in a limited number of states. However, lane splitting is illegal in Florida for motorcyclists. In 2016, it became the first state to legalize it. Massachusetts, however, strictly prohibits this at all times. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. If you have been injured as a result of lane splitting, you may want to consult with a local attorney as soon as possible. Lane splitting is legally allowed, but bound to a set of rules: Only when the rest of the traffic is going less than 50km/h. Lane splitting is currently illegal in Florida, but there is a bill pending in the state legislature that would make it legal. As always when riding a motorcycle, use caution when lane sharing. California Vehicle Code Section 21658. The study further concluded that lane splitting is not safe when traffic is traveling above 30 miles per hour. Montana. The key points of the law are the following: Motorcycles have the full use of a lane. (3) 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. California legalized lane splitting by motorcycles in 2017. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. Consequences of Lane Splitting in Florida. This means that lane splitting, as commonly understood, is prohibited in Wisconsin. ”. There is currently no legislation in Florida addressing this topic, but it will likely be discussed in. —. It’s often associated in North America with California – hence the term the “California Roll”, where it’s legal under. Each accident is unique, and what constitutes “ reasonable care ” will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. In Poland the legal situation is somewhat complex, as lane splitting is not specifically legalised, but not banned either. Lane splitting is neither legal nor illegal in New Jersey. other parts of the world, including Asia and Europe. Two. This means that lane splitting is illegal in Florida, and there can be consequences if you do this. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. Lane splitting in Utah. Chapter 316 STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL Entire Chapter. Lane splitting is a hot topic in Florida and most U. The situation with lane splitting in Arkansas is a tad bit confusing. 20. . 1. Depending on a country there can be some restrictions - for example in Germany it's legal only when the car traffic is slow or stationary - or it might be straight out illegal, but tolerated to a degree, such as in Slovakia. In Louisiana, splitting lanes is illegal. You're just being a nuisance if you're going more than ~20mph over the rate of traffic and going to get yourself killed. In most states, including Florida, lane-splitting is illegal. While illegal in Florida, lane-splitting carries with it both its potentially life-saving benefits and dangerous downsides. While lane splitting allows for a faster commute and can be a convenient way to get around traffic, you must follow the local lane-splitting law. Florida motorcycle lane splitting is when a motorcycle or group of motorcycles decides to pass traffic between lanes to avoid being delayed. So even if you do split lanes in Arkansas, you can get away with it. Austin is an experienced business leader and passionate rider. Motorcyclists may choose to ride side-by-side with another motorcyclist, but they cannot share the lane with another vehicle or drive between lanes of traffic. California has had lane-splitting laws on the books for a few years now, and studies were even conducted by Dr. FL 33394; 954-678-4141; Map and Directions. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. Lane splitting can be dangerous, and it is important to be aware of the risks and not attempt them. ” The section goes on to say that firefighters and police officers are exempt from these laws when they are lane. Due to their relatively small size, the bikes are able to weave in and out of traffic, allowing drivers to get places much faster. The law authorizes the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of motorcyclists, drivers, and passengers. However, often. LEOs have generally acquiesced, and lane-sharing is very common in urban TX Dallas: Dallas PD is slightly more conservative and likely to enforce traffic violations FloridaIs lane splitting legal in Texas? Truth is, Texas has no law that explicitly mentions lane splitting. Lane splitting in Florida is illegal under Florida Statute 316. Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, usually on a busy highway. This includes operating a motorcycle between lanes in traffic or on the lane lines. Help make lane splitting in Florida legal. 3 “Ape Hanger” Handlebars. 209 (3) (4) states only two motorcycles can share a lane. But is it legal in Florida? Lane splitting is a hot topic that often sparks debates among riders and drivers alike. According to §316. Florida Statute 316. Lane splitting is not legal in Florida. Calls to the Law Tigers phone number are automatically routed to the member lawyers admitted to practice law in the jurisdiction of the. Defining “Lane Splitting” in the Florida Statutes. For many motorcycle riders in Texas, lane splitting remains a lofty wish as it is currently illegal (2023). Curtis has been riding for nearly 60. Lane filtering/splitting is defined by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as “using or sharing a lane already occupied by one vehicle by another vehicle such as a motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway. The motorcyclist must be:. —. A. . Also, don’t split lanes if the condition of the road makes it dangerous. That means you can only do it when traffic is moving slowly or. When a. You may be able to avoid legal action by contacting an attorney right away. A motorcyclist would have a way to escape when trapped between two vehicles in stopped or slow-moving traffic. Lane-splitting is when a motorcycle rides between 2 lanes of traffic. Motorcyclists are given the same rights as a driver of any other. Lane sharing, which is also known as lane is splitting, is when a motorcyclist is able to ride alongside other motorists (or between them) in the same lane space. Riding 2 abreast within the same lane is permitted, and cars must allow you your own lane, but you may not drive between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. Should Florida Make Lane Splitting Legal? Florida is second to California in the number of registered motorcycles on its highways–over 550,000. However, there’s a notable distinction. RS 32:191. app!What is lane splitting? Lane splitting, also known as white-lining or stripe riding, is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. Given the current trends in Pennsylvania traffic laws, it doesn’t look like it will become legal anytime soon. However, motorcyclists in Florida who favor making lane splitting legal have launched various online petitions over the years to encourage lawmakers to take up legislation authorizing lane splitting in the state. Riding a motorcycle in-between lanes in Florida will result in a traffic ticket – whether the motorcyclist is doing so safely or not. Motorcycle insurance in Florida. 209 (3), no, lane splitting is not legal in Florida. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are also put at additional risk of injury. This is different from lane sharing, where motorcyclists ride inside the lines, side by side. However, according to Pew Charitable Trusts, at least 15 states have considered legislation that would legalize lane splitting. No, Lane splitting is currently illegal in Wisconsin, so doing so here would be akin to breaking the law. 3 Lane-Splitting is Illegal. Lane splitting is not legal in Florida, and part of the Florida statute states that ” [n]o person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Drivers don’t usually expect to see lane splitting motorcyclists, so if. In fact, the only state that currently allows lane splitting is California, so if you’re not in the Sunshine State, avoid tickets and fines by following the same protocols for passing as you would in a car. The Florida legal code specifically forbids lane splitting in Statute 316. Because of all the dangerous deadly accidents caused by lane splitting, all licensed Florida drivers must be aware of motorcycles sharing their. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 8,694 motorcycle accidents in the state in the most recent. No, they can’t. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, and violators can face fines up to $500. Is Lane Splitting Legal In Hawaii? Lane splitting is currently illegal in Hawaii. Lane-splitting risks include:Lane splitting is not legal in the states of New York, Illinois, Michigan, and Florida. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. In fact, lane splitting is prohibited in all. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Texas Lane Splitting LawsMotorcyclists shouldn’t be discouraged from lane splitting by motorists. Florida law specifically prohibits the practice of lane splitting. 209 (3) states, “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. By Idrizi Law Group. Lane sharing on the other hand, where there are 2 motorcyclists sharing the same lane while cycling down the road are not in violation of Florida law. Lane splitting, also referred to as filtering, is the act of driving a motorcycle, scooter, or moped between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. The short answer is yes: lane sharing is legal in the state. disturbed Discussion Starter. This blog will explain ‘lane-splitting,’ discuss. 209 permits motorcycles to take up a full lane, yet prohibits motorcycles from traveling between lanes of traffic or “between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. You may be able to avoid legal action by contacting an attorney right away. Whereas lane filtering is during stopped or slow moving traffic. Under this law, lane splitting is illegal in Florida. However, in Florida, lane-splitting is illegal, and if a motorcyclist. Lane Splitting in Florida. Laws and Regulations for Motorcycle Lane Splitting in Florida. Lane-splitting is dangerous because: The motorcycle might not be visible to other vehicles who are maneuvering traffic because they’re blocked by another vehicle. Lane splitting is not clearly considered illegal in Ohio. . According to Ohio Law, practicing lane splitting is dangerous and it can cause a risk of accidents. Trooper Steve was asked, “If a roadway is backed up, can a motorcyclist split or pass traffic?”. This type of riding is legal in Florida and most other states. Some motorcyclists engage in lane splitting to circumvent traffic, which can often. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. Whatever the reason for motorcycle lane splitting it is illegal. the legality of lane splitting varies from state to state. 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. (Senate Bill 1273) Arkansas. Some people believe that lane splitting should be legalized in Florida as it may reduce traffic congestion and make riding safer for motorcyclists. As of August 2016, the state of California has passed a law making lane splitting legal. Call Today for a FREE Consultation: (727) 933-0015 | As we mentioned, lane splitting is not legal in the state of Florida. Title XXIII MOTOR VEHICLES. States where modified versions of lane-splitting have been legalized: Utah; From the distribution presented above, it appears that California is the only state where lane-splitting is declaredly legal. Lane splitting is different from lane sharing, which occurs when motorcyclists ride side. Many states have adopted laws allowing motorcyclists to lane split. 2012 Florida Statutes. Lane splitting is currently illegal in Florida, but there is a bill pending in the state legislature that would make it legal. The Maryland 2/3rds of 495 especially is monstrously dangerous for motorcycles already. 060 of the Texas Transportation Code, all drivers and motorcyclists must drive within a single lane. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida. No law. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. 209 forbids lane splitting, stating that motorcyclists cannot ride between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Miami, FL? Even though lane splitting is prohibited in Miami, many riders still attempt it. This can be helpful during. States Where Lane Splitting is Legal. This manner of riding a motorcycle between rows of slow-moving cars is controversial in the United States, but it is far more common in other countries. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. Calls to the Law Tigers phone number are automatically routed to the member lawyers admitted to practice law in the. There are states where lane splitting is legal, states where lane splitting is illegal, and states where the law doesn’t really define it. While the more commonly adhered to practice of lane sharing, in which two motorcycles ride side by side in the same lane, is perfectly legal in Florida just like it is in every other state apart from California, lane splitting is illegal. If HB 1419 becomes a law, the penalty will be PHP 1,500 for the first offense, PHP 3,000 for the second offense, and PHP 5,000 for. According to Florida’s lane splitting laws, it is illegal to deprive another driver of the full use of a lane. Lane Filtering – Utah was the first state to allow lane filtering in 2019. If you’re a rider and you have ever wondered whether lane splitting on a motorcycle is legal in South Carolina, the answer is a clear no. 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. Lane splitting can lead to motorcycle accidents in various ways: The motorist may not be aware of the biker’s intention to merge or change lanes. However, many motorcyclists, lawmakers, and others are striving to legalize lane splitting in Florida’s future. The state’s Assembly Bill 51, introduced in 2016, defined lane splitting and provided guidelines, allowing motorcyclists to safely lane split at speeds not exceeding 10 mph above the traffic flow, and as long as they do so in a safe and prudent manner. Curtis wrote into Spectrum Bay News 9 asking that the law be explained. So, if you were the motorcyclist in a lane-splitting accident, even if it was the other car that hit you, you might be partially responsible for your injuries for. S. 209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. ” (California law AB-51, according to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation ). Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. Florida has a law against lane splitting, no matter how tempting it may be. This didn't explain why it should be illegal. The bill was named AB-51. 209 is where the Florida law on motorcycle lane-splitting is spelled out. Some argue that it can help alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety for motorcyclists. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. If you are injured in a traffic accident caused by lane splitting, ask an Orlando car accident attorney to help you recover compensation. Every bit of research I've come across indicates that not only is lane splitting safe, but is actually safer than not lane splitting. Lane splitting might be illegal, but traffic accidents happen every day.