In short, no. California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legal; motorists and motorcyclists approved of the practice for years. As of the time of writing, lane splitting is illegal in Illinois. “ (a) An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic: (1) shall drive as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane. Both lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in SC, but lane sharing is permitted. Salem, OR 97314-0001. Some states look the other way and do not specifically address lane splitting in their. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. In the remaining states, lane splitting isn't recognized as a legal maneuver, but it's not explicitly banned. Arizona became the 4th state to make lane filtering legal for motorcycles in 2022. United States v. In October 2021, The passing of . In states where lane splitting is not legal or illegal, the police officer responding to the scene of the accident may determine who was at fault for causing the collision in their report. According to state legislature, the motorcyclist is entitled to the full use of the lane. 110 & 46. The same kind of bill, which was supposed to legalize lane splitting, was introduced back in 2010 but it didn’t pass. Lane splitting is legal in California because the state recognizes this practice as a useful tool to decrease traffic congestion since the volume of traffic is much higher than in other states. Arizona. 55 of the Ohio Revised Code, which is where you can find these rules, allows for two motorcycles to ride side by side within one lane. Motorcycle enthusiasts have been trying to get lane splitting legalized, at least in certain circumstances, for years. Every motorist, motorcycle or car, is entitled to the width of the lane they’re in. On the other hand lane splitting, is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at an unsafe speed. Lane filtering, a similar practice, describes riding the stripe between lanes of stopped traffic. . Lane splitting is legal in only one state, California, but four others allow modified versions, and many others are without regulations. While this legislation is generally worded for cars, a strict interpretation makes lane-splitting for motorcyclists illegal. In Minnesota, lane splitting is not explicitly illegal, but is not recommended by the state’s Department of Public Safety. Lane-splitting involves a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. The rider may travel no more than 20 mph – it’s not. C. Legal Restrictions: Just like lane splitting, the legality of lane filtering varies by location. California is the only state that has thus far legalized lane splitting. The state forbids lane splitting in Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 4A of its General Laws, saying that vehicle operators must ride entirely in a single lane on any road with two or more lanes. The most recent lane splitting bills were introduced in 2019 in the Texas Senate. First, not only is lane sharing or lane splitting legal in California but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. Lane splitting remains against the law in the State of Florida. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. California is the only state in the US to legalize the maneuver. Is filtering legal? In the U. United States, the U. For this reason, out-of-state bikers operating in Ohio need to be ready to follow the local rules. Do courteous deeds like letting people change lanes. The aye. Tweet this. The law was passed to legally define lane splitting so California Highway Patrol officers could more easily discern between legal and illegal lane splitting. S. It frequently happens when traffic is stalled or congested. The short answer is no, Colorado law forbids lane splitting for all drivers. Plenty of other U. 2. In Texas motorcycle riders are not allowed to split lanes in any situation. In other states, such as New York and Connecticut, the practice has been explicitly banned. This means that there is no specific law that either permits or prohibits lane splitting in the state. It is not clear in Missouri. 61. Lane filtering (or lane splitting as it’s called in the US) is only legal in California. It is also referred to as filtering, stripe riding, or lane sharing. Here in Springfield, a rider slipped between two moving cars sparking the question. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. However, while lane splitting is not explicitly prohibited, it may be illegal under. 20. Oakland, CA 94601. You could potentially recover damages such as medical bills, income loss, pain and suffering, and others. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. Also known as lane filtering, lane splitting is a widespread practice around the world in which motorcycles share lanes with cars and trucks to reduce traffic congestion. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Oregon 'lane splitting' bill would allow motorcyclists to travel between lanes of traffic; A similar bill passed in 2021 but was vetoed by then-Gov. It's one of the latest states to legalize a version of lane splitting. The CHP’s guidelines state that motorcyclists should only split the lane when. . Our legal team has experience with motorcycle accident cases, and we’re waiting to answer your call. Out-of-state riders should familiarize themselves with the laws of each state. ”. Arizona is one of the states where lane splitting is legal, though there are some restrictions. As of 2022, a handful of states have legalized some form of lane sharing. Schroeder's maneuver, known as lane filtering or lane splitting, was legalized in Montana two years ago, when the Legislature passed Senate Bill 9. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading To a Far Western Land. In 2021, that number capped at 592. It involves navigating between two lanes of slow-moving traffic or stopped traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles moving in the same direction. 209. Some states have made lane splitting legal. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. Proponents of legal lane-splitting also note a study conducted in 2015 by UC Berkeley that found lane-splitting isn. The states we discussed above all have laws specifically governing the circumstances under which lane splitting is legal. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. Salem, OR 97314-0001. [ UPDATE, May 27, 2021 : On May 26, 2021, Oregon governor Kate Brown officially vetoed SB 574, the bipartisan bill that would allow lane filtering in certain well-defined. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. The Legal Status of Lane Splitting. Montana Senate Bill 9, which goes into effect October 1, 2021, says that motorcyclists are allowed to lane-split when: The motorcycle is not operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles an hour, and. There is a national conversation regarding whether states should. California. There are twelve states that have not made lane splitting legal, but they have not made it illegal either. Lane filtering is the process of a motorcycle rider moving past stationary or slow-moving vehicles safely at a speed of 30km/h or less. Lane splitting is illegal in most other states in the United. Gjelten September 4, 2023, 3:51 pm E. 2018). Lane splitting is only permitted in the state of California. Additionally, motorcyclists cannot overtake another vehicle within the same lane, which means that lane splitting is illegal in our state. Other states, including Washington and Oregon, are considering making lane splitting legal, while one state – Utah – explicitly allows lane filtering but not lane splitting. Lane splitting is illegal. If one Colorado state lawmaker gets his way, lane splitting could soon be legal in the state. Laws on lane splitting (sometimes called lane sharing, lane filtering, shoulder surfing) vary from state to state. It’s worth noting that lane splitting is legal in many other countries, including most European countries, and there is a push. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. In previous times, some Texas legislators attempted to change lane-splitting laws to no avail. (COLORADO) – The Colorado State Patrol is sending a clear reminder to motorcycle riders that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. A new law here may come down to the battle of the experts. Updated: Oct 7, 2021 / 11:52 AM MDT. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. And while some states do not specifically address lane splitting, Illinois does, and the relevant Illinois law states: "The driver of a 2 wheeled vehicle may not, in. But regardless of what commuters think about lane-splitting and filtering, it does become legal in certain circumstances this weekend. Is Lane Splitting Legal in California? Lane splitting is an illegal maneuver in all states with one notable exception. The only state where lane splitting is allowed is California. 9, which “allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed. In this state, lane splitting is prohibited. You can be stopped and penalized for the practice. As in most states, lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitting is legal in some areas of the United States, while it is illegal in others. 51. In Utah, lane filtering (a form of lane splitting where riders move to the front of a line of. In short, no. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. However, the NYPD has been adamant that no such law should be passed in NYC. In terms of the pros and cons of lane splitting, it depends on where the motorcyclists are performing this act. It is legal only in a limited number of states. Lane splitting is legal in some states, while it is illegal in others. As a result, California was the first state in the U. Currently, California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Lane. In fact, the first comprehensive study related to lane splitting came out of California through UC Berkley. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2021. single lane. Arizona became the 4th state to make lane filtering legal for motorcycles in 2022. The state’s Motorcycle Operator Manual issued a stern warning against lane splitting. Motorcycle riders must overtake using a separate lane, similar to other vehicles. The 2023 Florida Statutes. Examples would be improper passing, unlawful lane use, reckless driving, ect. 2021 in Westchester. The lane width is sufficient to allow safe passage. While a smaller vehicle such as a bicycle, a motorized bike, or a motorcycle might be capable of finding space to ride alongside or pass a car in the same lane, it is a violation of Alabama law to employ these maneuvers. The statutes make no reference to lane sharing, lane filtering, or lane splitting in Arkansas. As of 2021, riders in Texas are not allowed to ride between lanes or rows of slow-moving or stopped traffic that is moving in the same direction. While numerous states have tried for years to establish criteria to make lane splitting acceptable in some instances, only California has passed laws making it legal. In fact, they got very close to achieving it two years ago. California recommends only splitting lanes when traffic is slow, and you keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic. Jan 31, 2023. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. What is the fastest street legal street bike? Here Are The 10 Fastest Road-Legal Motorcycles 8 Kawasaki Ninja H2 – 209 mph. Under New York State laws, motorcyclists are permitted to the full use of a lane. (1) overtake and pass, in the same. Lane Splitting Laws. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. . Montana passed a bill in 2021 allowing lane. Lane splitting is legal in a number of states across the US. Arizona. In states where it is legal, the rules vary. arizona lane filtering bill 'Green News Report' - November 16, 2021. This concept called “lane sharing” is different from lane splitting. Kentucky, like the other remaining states, does not mention lane splitting in any traffic. Illinois law does not specifically allow the practice, but it does not specifically prohibit it either. Utah followed suit in 2019. 20, no rider is permitted to go between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Technically, lane splitting is not legal in the state of Texas. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. 1-800-525-7111. A: Lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting, as the term can imply something similar. However, Oklahoma specifically bans lane splitting in statute 47-11-1103. They are on the road with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less and believe the move is safe. Riders of motorcycles can also drive in the opposite lane as other vehicles in order to pass them or get ahead of them. California was the first state to adopt a rule to allow lane splitting with motorcycles. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. (1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Lane filtering is also illegal in Georgia, though there have been many. Lane-splitting remains illegal in Texas. However, lane splitting is not legal in Texas. A few states, such as California, allow lane splitting. The state did not legalize it; instead, it simply updated the language in the California Vehicle Code section 21658. Washington. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. Only California specifically articulates that lane splitting is legal. This bill allows motorcyclists to lane split to overtake stopped or slow vehicles as long as:On March 3, 2021, Montana became only the 3rd state to legalize lane splitting when Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 9 into law. In Texas, is lane splitting allowed in 2021? In Texas, lane splitting has not been made legal. 14th Annual Toys for Tots Event: Toy Drop-off . is different than your current legal name. Lane splitting is illegal in most states, but is allowed in some, like California. 2021. Lane splitting is illegal in. With the passage of SB 9 in Montana earlier this month, motorcyclists will be able to legally lane-split throughout the state under certain conditions starting October 1, 2021. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. No, lane splitting is not legal in Michigan. ”The first state to permit lane splitting is California. However, if the rider also engages in other risky driving behaviors, such as reckless driving, illegal passing, driving on the shoulder, or speeding, police may assess additional fines. Posted: Nov 13, 2021 / 01:43 PM EST. But not only is lane splitting legal in California, it is illegal for other motor vehicles to intentionally block or impede a motorcyclist in a way that could harm the rider. States Where Lane Splitting Is Legal. Likewise, in Utah, the state. Before this law, it was generally accepted that lane splitting was illegal in the state of Mississippi. The new Arizona lane splitting law, SB 1273, is very limited but it allows motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic stopped at a light. Motorcyclists may filter between two-lanes of traffic when the surrounding traffic has come to a complete standstill. For example, when traffic is standing still at an intersection, the cyclist may travel between traffic to move safely up the lane. With the passage of SB 9 in Montana earlier this month, motorcyclists will be able to legally lane-split throughout the state under certain conditions starting October 1, 2021. Lane-splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle in between lanes of slow or stopped traffic. Legal. Jerry Brown in 2016. Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, and if caught, a motorcyclist can be fined $175 or more for riding between the lanes. As of 2022, a handful of states have legalized some form of lane sharing. Missouri. A state bill has been introduced that would allow operators of a two-wheeled motorcycle to pass another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at no more than 10 miles an hour between two lanes of traffic. The law defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle, that. In Section 545. No, lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut and has a section ( Sec. Lane Splitting Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. In California, former Gov. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. Lane Splitting – "Lane splitting" or "white lining" refers to operating a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Lane splitting, often called lane sharing or lane filtering, involves riding between two lanes of traffic that are traveling in the same direction while riding a motorcycle. It is quite commonplace in most all of Europe, Asia, and some other countries in the world to see motorcyclists lane filtering when vehicles are stopped at a stop light, or actual lane splitting when sharing lanes at normal speeds. Motorcycle Safety Features in Arkansas: 7. Lane splitting is, as stated in California’s AB 51: “driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles. It is also commonly referred to as filtering. S. Although there is no mention in state legislation, the Idaho Manual on Traffic Rules states that “the practice of lane sharing is not legal in Idaho. Lane-splitting is legal in a few states, most notably California, but not legal in Illinois. The research indicates that lane splitting is generally safe when it happens in traffic moving slower than 50 mph so long as the motorcyclist does not operate 15 mph faster than surrounding traffic. Kate Brown vetoed the bill, convinced that it wasn’t safe. Doug Ducey has signed a law legalizing lane filtering after the bill cruised through both the Senate and House chambers with strong bipartisan support. The practice is also common in Europe and Asia. The bill takes effect October 1, 2021. B. Arizona is the most recent state to legalize lane filtering, allowing motorcyclists to go past stopped vehicles in the same direction. Motorcycle Safety Program Page. Why in America do drivers lose their minds and in other other. In 2018, Utah became the second state to legally recognize. The motorcyclist must be: On a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. In all of these states, there are some restrictions on when and how lane. In 2021, five states and the District of Columbia experienced fewer than 20 motorcycle deaths: Alaska (6) District of Columbia (7) North Dakota (8) Rhode Island (13) Vermont (15) Wyoming (17) Motorcycle deaths by state vary substantially from year to year. Kate Brown vetoed the bill, convinced that it wasn’t safe. However, there is no clear path forward for a lane splitting bill to become law in this state. 2 min read. The reason: If you’re driving a motorcycle and lane-splitting, then your motorcycle isn’t occupying a vehicle space on the freeway because you’re driving between lanes or sharing a lane. 6 2021 Ducati Panigale V4 – 203 mph. It’s important to note that in Canada and nearly all of the United States (apart from California, and three other states) – lane splitting is uniformly prohibited. Where Is Lane Splitting Legal in 2021? In 2021, lane splitting is legal in California, Utah, and Montana. What states allow lane splitting 2021? Currently, the only state that explicitly allows lane splitting is California. Lane splitting is legal in California, Oregon, and Washington. After years of attempts, lane splitting might be coming to Oregon. However, RCW 46. Kate Brown vetoed the bill, convinced that it wasn't safe. However, 625 ILCS 5/11-703 contains a number of right. Table of Contents. Lane splitting refers to when motorcycles ride in the middle lane, between stalled or slow moving traffic. Filtering is legal in certain circumstances. In fact, although lane sharing occurs in other states, California is the only place where the practice has been made legal. “Lane splitting” refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. 61. However, it is not legal in Ohio. a Brief history of 2021’s senate bill 574. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, has introduced a bill that would require the Colorado Department of. In 2021, Montana became the third state. Efforts to legalize and officially recognize lane filtering/splitting will be considered in three more states during the 2021 legislature. In the state of Illinois, lane splitting is in. Lane splitting is illegal in the state of West Virginia, just as it is in every other state except for California. Why Is Lane-Splitting Illegal in NYC? NYC isn’t alone in outlawing lane-splitting. What states can bikes lane split? Currently only one state in the US allows lane splitting. The truth is, there is no specific law in Texas that prohibits lane splitting. It took effect on Oct. State law specifically targets the behavior. Thus far, the only state with a lane splitting law that explicitly legalizes the maneuver is California. Lane splitting at low speeds, also known as traffic filtering, is what secures these benefits for everyone. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. The law goes on to say that motorcycles cannot ride between lanes of traffic or between adjacent rows of vehicles. made lane splitting conditionally legal in Montana. While Arkansas law does not explicitly mention lane splitting, you can assume this practice is not permitted in Arkansas. State of California David S Kim, Secretary California State Transportation Agency Steve Gordon, Director. Lane-sharing. Traffic is going less than 20 mph or is at a stop. California is currently the only state in which it is legal to engage in lane splitting. Like in 47 other states, it's illegal in Arizona for motorcyclists to roll through the space between lanes of traffic, commonly known as lane splitting. signed California Assembly Bill 51, which defined and legalized motorcycle lane-splitting. On March 21, 2023, after the third reading of SB 422 A in the Oregon state senate, it passed with that new amendment intact (hence the addition of the A at the end of the bill number). ”. California was the first to legalize the maneuver in 2013, and a few other states have followed suit. Lane filtering is legal in Arizona under certain conditions, but motorcycles cannot split lanes in Arizona while traffic is moving. Lane splitting is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at more than 30km/h. In 2021, that number capped at 592. In only one state – California – is it explicitly legal, per a 2016 bill. Lane splitting to create more personal space becomes threatening as it can lead to serious motorcycle accidents. Texas allows motorcyclists to share lanes, meaning that it is legal for two motorcyclists to ride side-by. This legislation update allows motorcyclists to split lanes provided that: The rider observes a speed limit of 20 mph. Lane change instruction improper if no evidence of unsafety. A majority of states expressly ban the practice, but New Jersey is not one of them. Senate Bill 5378 (SB 5378) would allow lane-splitting only during slow traffic conditions - up to 10mph faster than the flow of traffic, but no faster than 25 mph - and only on numbered highways. Arizona Gov. Motorcycle enthusiasts have been trying to get lane splitting legalized, at least in certain circumstances, for years. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. As mentioned earlier, while this practice is not legal in Pennsylvania, it doesn’t seem to stop motorcyclists from doing it. Noise Restriction Laws in Arkansas: 4. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. Kentucky, like the other remaining states, does not mention lane splitting in any traffic. Well, yesterday, another attempt at drawing attention to the idea of legal lane-splitting nationwide was started on the White House web site. Lane splitting is often seen as a method for motorcyclists to make. In addition to. In 2016, the Colorado House Committee shot down. UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center was able to analyze data on over 6,000 motorcycle-involved collisions reported to the California Highway Patrol. According to Section 4511. In my city, Seattle, I actually see a lot of bikers lane-splitting on the freeway. 3. Unlike some states where lane splitting is explicitly legal or illegal, Florida's stance on the matter isn't as clear-cut. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. 9. 61. As in most states, lane splitting is illegal. Thus far, the only state with a lane splitting law that explicitly legalizes the maneuver is California. S. Lane Splitting in Florida. Other states, including Washington and Oregon, are considering making lane splitting legal, while one state – Utah – explicitly allows lane filtering but not lane splitting. In the Michigan Vehicle Code Section 257. The issue of legalizing lane splitting in Texas has come up several times in the state's legislature. Whether you're a new motorcycle rider or are a recent Florida transplant, all riders should know that an action known as "lane-splitting" is illegal in the state. Nearly every state nationwide has banned this practice, deciding that the risks of lane-splitting outweigh the benefits. California is the. Those states are Arizona, Montana, and Utah. In most states, lane splitting is illegal, and can result in a ticket or even arrest. Assembly Bill No. Presently, it’s only the state of California that allows motorcycles to lane split. Lane splitting is not legal in Kansas. You can be stopped and penalized for the practice. The state is committed to reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads by enforcing laws that are designed for safety. Here in Georgia, § 40-6-312 of the Georgia traffic. Lane splitting is legal in California, and legislation to make it legal in other states is also in the works. So, what states is lane splitting legal in 2021? At the moment, the legality of lane splitting is still being debated in a number of states. No. In addition to. The 2016 rule allows motorcycles to travel between lanes at speeds up to 10 mph, provided that traffic is moving at 30 mph or less. The 4-year-old law lets motorcycles move between stopped. states are considering adopting legislation to making lane splitting legal. In Texas, there is no law specific to lane splitting. Utah has its own rules on the matter. Lane splitting is the practice of riding your motorcycle between lanes of slowed or stopped traffic. This is called lane sharing. In 2021, there were over 8,000 motorcycle accidents in Florida with over 500 people dying in a crash. The maneuver is permitted when “on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. In 2018, Utah became the second state to legally recognize. If you are in heavy stop-and-go traffic you cannot split lanes to pass the backed-up traffic (RCW 46. One such study, conducted by the University of California, Berkeley back in 2015, says that lane-splitting is safe when traffic is. These states are Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oregon, and Texas. 30 to 40 mph is fast enough to move along without startling anyone and still avoid lane changes. 14-289b) that makes lane splitting illegal. Lane splitting is currently illegal in many states. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. Idaho; Kentucky; Mississippi; Missouri; New Jersey; North Carolina; Ohio; Texas; West. [3] [4] This allows riders to save time, bypassing traffic congestion, and may also be safer than stopping behind stationary vehicles. Lane filtering can be a legal maneuver in some states, while it is. California was the first state to allow it and passed a formal law at the beginning of 2017. S. Lane filtering in Montana starts on October 1 of this year. It’s important to understand that lane splitting is dangerous to riders and other road users. Other states have rules in place on the topic. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. Lane splitting is, in fact, illegal in Colorado. On October 1, 2021, Montana became the 3rd state to legalize lane splitting with the passing of S. Examples would be improper passing, unlawful lane use, reckless driving, ect. Several other states do not allow lane splitting but allow similar behaviors. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. As of 2021, Los. Lane splitting, also known as lane sharing or filtering, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic in the same direction as that traffic. Penalties for Lane Splitting in New York. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident call us today for a free consultation. It is also referred to as filtering, stripe riding, or lane sharing. B. However, under House Bill 917, it will be legal for motorcycles to go between lanes, provided that they run at five to 15 mph above the surrounding traffic. For those who haven’t come to terms with spending hours on end in their cages only to cover meager distances, traffic can be an. About; Attorney Jason Holladay;. First, not only is lane-sharing or lane-splitting legal in California, but the CHP wrote the safety guidelines as instructed in AB51, which was approved by Gov. Lane splitting refers to riding between two lanes of same-direction traffic on a motorcycle, rather than keeping only in one lane. The state allows lane splitting. Free Consultation: 1-888-925-4034. Here in the state of Connecticut, it remains illegal for cyclists to engage in either of these practices. If you’ve been involved in a car accident with a motorcycle and don’t know how to move forward, let us help you. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. In the last few years, several states have legalized lane splitting, and more may follow in the coming years. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers.