Lane Splitting: Pros, Cons, and Laws
Lane splitting – when a motorcyclist rides in between two cars going in the same direction – is a hot topic of debate among motorcyclists, drivers, lawmakers and insurance providers.
While it can offer benefits in traffic-congested areas and help motorcyclists get where they’re going faster, it also comes with risks and legal ambiguity depending on where you ride.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is also sometimes called white-lining and it refers to a motorcyclist riding between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically on highways or city roads. This is different from:
- Lane filtering: Moving between cars at slower speeds, typically at traffic lights.
- Lane sharing: Two motorcycles riding side by side in the same lane.
Lane splitting can help reduce traffic congestion and may improve safety in stop-and-go traffic, but it also increases the risk of collisions, especially if other drivers are unaware or don’t expect motorcycles to pass between lanes.
Where Can You Legally Lane Split?
Lane splitting laws vary significantly across the U.S. and around the world. California is the only state that legally allows lane splitting, as outlined in the California Vehicle Code. This includes being allowed to move between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane on both divided and undivided streets, roads and highways.[1]
The California laws do stipulate that riding on the shoulder of the road is not lane splitting and is illegal.
Meanwhile, five other states allow lane filtering, meaning motorcycles and move between rows of cars, but with more stipulations:
- Arizona: As of 2022, Arizona allows motorcycles to move between cars only when traffic is stopped, when the motorcycle does not exceed 15 mph while lane filtering and on roads where the speed limit does not exceed 45.[2]
- Colorado: Based on a law from 2024, motorcycles can lane filter when traffic is stopped, when the lane is wide enough to accommodate both vehicles and when the motorcycle passes on the left and does not enter oncoming traffic.[3]
- Montana: In Montana as of 2021, lane filtering is legal when traffic is stopped or moving at 10 mph or less and the motorcyclist drives less than 20 mph.[4]
- Utah: Legal since 2019, in Utah lane filtering is permissible when traffic is moving at 10 mph or less and the motorcycle can not exceed 15 mph.[5]
- Minnesota: The most recent law to go into effect, as of July 2025, motorcycles in Minnesota can lane filter when traffic is moving 10 mph or less and the motorcycle can not exceed 25 mph.[6]
Oregon also has active legislation pending that considers lane filtering. For the remaining states, they either explicitly mention in their motor vehicle laws that lane splitting and lane filtering are not permissible or leave some gray area.
Motorcyclists can be ticketed or cited for improper lane usage or reckless driving in these states.
What Does Insurance Say About Lane Splitting?
The impact of lane splitting on motorcycle insurance can depend on the state, the insurance provider, and the circumstances of any incident.
Key Insurance Considerations:
- Fault Determination In states where lane splitting is illegal, a motorcyclist involved in a crash while lane splitting is often automatically considered at fault, or at least partially at fault, regardless of what the other driver was doing.
- Legal States May Offer ProtectionIn California and other states where lane splitting is legal or tolerated, insurers assess fault based on context, such as whether the motorcyclist was traveling at a safe speed or whether the driver changed lanes unsafely.
- Policy Terms and Exclusions Some insurance providers may exclude coverage for injuries or damages caused during illegal behavior, including illegal lane splitting. Others may still provide coverage but charge higher premiums if such behavior leads to a claim.
- Premium ImpactRepeated claims involving lane-splitting incidents can raise your rates, especially if you're deemed at fault. Insurers look closely at your riding record and may adjust your policy accordingly.
The Safety of Lane Splitting
Interestingly, lane splitting is legal or permitted in many countries around the world, particularly in Europe. The primary argument for lane splitting proponents is that it reduces traffic congestion and is safer for motorcyclists. The reason it is argued to be safer is that it presents fewer chances for motorcyclists to be rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic.
Safety Tips for Lane Splitting (Where Legal)
If you're riding in a state or country where lane splitting is permitted:
- Drive slowly: Keep speed differential under 10-15 mph compared to surrounding traffic. Never split at high speeds.
- Avoid lane splitting between large vehicles such as large trucks or buses. Make sure there is room to pass between the lanes.
- Stay alert for sudden lane changes. Be aware of your surroundings and what’s coming up on the road.
- Assume cars don’t see you. Cars aren’t necessarily expecting a motorcycle’s approach so keep an eye out for them to suddenly change lanes or open their doors or make an unexpected merge.
Wrapping Up
Lane splitting remains a controversial but increasingly acknowledged part of motorcycling. If you're a rider, it's critical to know your local laws, ride responsibly and understand how your insurance policy treats lane splitting. For drivers, awareness and caution can help keep everyone safer on the road.
