Lane Splitting Laws in the U.S.: Where Is It Legal and How to Stay Safe

Understanding Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering

Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between rows of stopped or slow-moving vehicles in the same lane. This technique is often used to reduce travel time and avoid rear-end collisions, especially in heavy traffic. Lane filtering, while sometimes used interchangeably with lane splitting, more specifically refers to riding between lanes when traffic is stationary or moving very slowly, such as at traffic lights or in gridlock. Both practices are controversial in the United States and are subject to state-specific traffic laws, which can change frequently and vary widely in terms of what is permitted and under what conditions.

States Where Lane Splitting Is Explicitly Legal

California stands out as the only state where lane splitting is fully and explicitly legal. California passed Assembly Bill 51 in 2016, making it the first-and so far only-state to officially allow this maneuver. The law permits motorcyclists to split lanes on roads, highways, and streets, provided the rider does not exceed 10 mph above the flow of traffic and only when it is safe to do so. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has published official safety tips and guidelines for both riders and motorists, emphasizing caution, visibility, and consideration for other road users. Riders are advised to avoid splitting lanes at high speeds, near on-ramps or exits, and during poor weather conditions. This approach aims to reduce accidents while maintaining the benefits of lane splitting for congestion relief and rider safety [3] [5] .

States Permitting Lane Filtering or Limited Lane Splitting

Several states have adopted laws that allow limited forms of lane splitting, most commonly lane filtering. These states have enacted specific regulations that define when, where, and how riders may filter between vehicles:

Arizona : Lane filtering is allowed under strict conditions. Motorcyclists may filter between lanes only when traffic is stopped, the road’s speed limit is 45 mph or less, the motorcycle does not exceed 15 mph, and there are at least two lanes moving in the same direction. Riders must not use the shoulder or median for this maneuver. This law was enacted in 2022 and is designed to protect motorcyclists from being rear-ended in stopped traffic [2] .
Utah : Lane filtering is permitted only when traffic is stopped and only on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less. The motorcyclist must be traveling at 15 mph or less and cannot use the shoulder. Utah was among the first states to adopt lane filtering after California [3] .
Montana : Lane filtering became legal in 2021. Riders can filter between stopped or slow-moving vehicles on roads with speed limits up to 50 mph, as long as their speed does not exceed 20 mph. As with other states, the practice is tightly regulated to ensure safety [3] .
Hawaii : While standard lane splitting is not permitted, Hawaii allows motorcyclists to use the shoulder to pass stopped traffic on certain congested roads. This unique provision is designed to ease congestion in the state’s urban areas [3] .

It is critical for riders to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and limitations in each state. Laws can change, and there may be local ordinances or temporary restrictions in effect.

States Considering or Allowing Unregulated Lane Splitting

Some states do not have explicit laws either allowing or prohibiting lane splitting or filtering. In these jurisdictions, riders could potentially filter or split lanes at their own risk, but they may still be cited for reckless driving or unsafe lane changes if law enforcement deems their actions dangerous. According to multiple sources, the following states do not prohibit lane sharing by law, but the practice is not officially sanctioned:

New Jersey
Missouri
Mississippi
Idaho
Arkansas
North Carolina
Ohio
Delaware
Kentucky
Texas
West Virginia

In these states, riders should exercise extreme caution. Even though statutes may not specifically address lane splitting, it is possible to receive a citation for endangering public safety or violating other traffic laws. Always check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles or highway patrol for the latest information before attempting lane splitting or filtering [4] .

States Where Lane Splitting Is Illegal

The majority of U.S. states explicitly ban lane splitting. These states have statutes that require motorcyclists to remain fully within a single lane, and riding between lanes is considered a traffic violation. Enforcement and penalties can vary, but citations for lane splitting may result in fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums. States that have clear prohibitions include Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Florida, and New York, among others [5] [1] .

It is important to note that legal challenges, pilot programs, and new legislation are frequently introduced in various states. If you plan to travel or move, always research current laws and follow the most conservative interpretation to avoid legal trouble.

How to Access the Latest Lane Splitting Laws

Because lane splitting laws can change rapidly, riders should take the following steps to ensure they have the most up-to-date information:

Visit your state’s official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. You can search for ‘motorcycle lane splitting laws’ or ‘motorcycle operation laws’ using your state’s name as a keyword.
Contact your local highway patrol or state police office for clarifications. They can provide information about current enforcement practices and any temporary regulations.
Review resources from reputable motorcycle advocacy groups such as the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), which often publishes summaries of state laws and legislative updates.
Consult recent state legislative records to determine if any bills have been proposed or passed regarding lane splitting or filtering.

If you are ever unsure about the legality of lane splitting where you ride, the safest approach is to avoid the practice and seek clarification from local authorities. Law enforcement officers can provide insight into how laws are applied in practice, which may differ from the written statutes.

Safety Considerations and Best Practices

Even where lane splitting or filtering is legal, safety must remain the top priority. Riders are encouraged to:

Only split or filter lanes when traffic is slow or stopped, and visibility is high.
Never exceed a speed differential of 10-15 mph compared to surrounding traffic, as recommended by the California Highway Patrol.
Use headlights, wear bright or reflective clothing, and signal intentions clearly to other drivers.
Refrain from lane splitting near intersections, on-ramps, or exits, where driver behavior may be unpredictable.
Practice the maneuver in controlled environments before attempting it in live traffic situations.

Motorcyclists should also be aware that some drivers may not expect motorcycles to approach from between lanes and could change lanes suddenly. Defensive riding techniques, such as scanning the road ahead and anticipating the actions of others, are essential for minimizing risk.

Alternatives and Advocacy

For riders in states where lane splitting is prohibited, there are still ways to improve safety and efficiency:

Advocate for pilot programs or studies that assess the impact of lane splitting on traffic flow and safety. Many states are considering such measures, and input from the riding community can influence legislative changes.
Participate in motorcycle safety courses, which often include instruction on safe lane positioning and hazard avoidance.
Join local or national motorcycle organizations to stay informed about ongoing legislative efforts and to support advocacy for responsible riding laws.

Where legal changes may be on the horizon-such as in Oregon, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Texas, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, and Missouri-riders can contact state legislators or participate in public comment sessions. Engaged riders are often instrumental in shaping policy decisions regarding motorcycle safety and rights [4] .

Key Takeaways

Lane splitting is fully legal only in California, with Arizona, Utah, Montana, and Hawaii allowing limited versions called lane filtering. Eleven additional states do not specifically prohibit the practice, but riders should proceed with caution and consult local authorities before attempting it. The vast majority of states ban lane splitting outright, and violations can result in significant penalties. To stay informed, consult your state’s DMV, contact local law enforcement, and engage with motorcycle safety organizations. Safety, legality, and situational awareness are paramount for every rider considering lane splitting in the United States.