A rider who is caught lane splitting can be fined. Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. First, motorcycle. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059 would examine allowing motorcycle drivers to practice lane splitting. Some argue that it can help alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety for motorcyclists. guidelines around lane splitting, which were released in 2018. No, lane splitting in Pennsylvania is not allowed. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. The Colorado State Patrol said lane splitting is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives between two rows of vehicles traveling in the same direction. 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. In these states, lane splitting is consideredThe Cons of Lane Splitting. . Filtering in Utah became legal in May. As of January 13, 2020, it has retained its current status and can still be passed. The relevant New York statute states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines. However, there’s a notable distinction. S. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs. Reply. Régis Guyot, a prefect (state official) said, “It seems preferable to acknowledge [lane. It can be dangerous and lead to. Motorcyclists are allowed to split lanes when the speed limit is 45 mph or lower, and the motorcyclist must travel at a speed of 10 mph or less than the surrounding vehicles. 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. In fact, lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, and you can face fines and other penalties if a police officer catches you weaving between traffic. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. Lane Splitting is Unlawful. Bringing the law into line with common practice seemed to make sense. Location 1550 Wewatta St 2nd Floor Denver, CO 80202 Phone 720-637-2467 Email [email protected] Get Directions. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio. Every state has different laws about lane splitting, or weaving your bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. (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. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. In 1987, before the law was passed, 77 percent of motorcyclist fatalities involved victims over the age of 21, with 69 percent of those injured over the age of 21. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it from the committee to the floor of the. The legality of lane splitting is a hotly debated topic in the United States, with different states having different laws. As of now, only a few states have specific laws addressing the legality of lane splitting: California. Lanesplitting — passing between lanes of stopped or slower-moving vehicles on a motorcycle — is not explicitly legal in any state of the United States. The 2023 Florida Statutes. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. Will lane splitting ever become legal in Colorado? Whether or not lane splitting will be permitted in Colorado is difficult to predict. In California, for example, lane splitting is allowed when traffic is moving at a speed of less than 50 miles per hour and the motorcycle is traveling no more than 10 miles per hour faster than the cars it is passing. Filterering between cars and even worse trucks stopped at lights actually puts you, the motorcyclist at greater risk by reducing the space in which you have to operate your bike. Riders do this to save time or to bypass traffic congestion. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. A rider who is caught lane splitting can be fined. You knowingly break the law whenever you split lanes. S. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. California:. In 2016, the Colorado legislature attempted to pass HB 16-1205, which would have legalized lane splitting in limited situations. Keep in mind that state laws sometimes change, and some states have revisited their lane splitting or lane filtering laws in recent years. In Idaho, lane splitting is strictly illegal. The study proposed in House Bill 23-1059. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. Motorcycle lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorbike between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. It reduces traffic congestion: When motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, they can weave through congested traffic much more easily than cars, which helps ease traffic jams. Here are the definitions of each practice:Splitting lanes when traffic slows down is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Clinging: As a rider, you cannot attach your motorcycle to another vehicle, i. Lane Splitting. LEGAL TERMS; IS iT LEGAL? BLOG; ABOUT US. Here in Colorado, lawmakers have lobbied for the controversial practice—most recently, in 2016—but that proposal was shot down. That ruling puts an end to the gray area wherein riders split lanes, taking the. 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. The 4-year-old law lets motorcycles move between stopped. While North Carolina law does not speak specifically on lane splitting, it does talk about lane sharing. 309-550-7543; Home; Request; Why Us? Blog; Contact; About. Lane splitting occurs. In Colorado, lane splitting is neither explicitly legal nor explicitly illegal, leaving riders to navigate this gray area cautiously and responsibly. Colorado is considering a bill to allow a study on lane splitting. The answer is yes. Furthermore, the only state where it is explicitly legal is California. A bill was proposed in 2016 to allow. In MA, people are not used to lane splitting like in California, that means it's going to be far more dangerous as nobody will expect or be looking for you. Lane splitting is currently only legal in California, while filtering is not specifically addressed by any state laws. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. Depending on the county you are driving in, the penalties for alleged lane splitting will vary. Sign up for the K99 Newsletter. Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic on a roadway. In Colorado, lane filtering is legal as long as the motorcycle rider does not exceed 30 mph and is. Currently in Colorado, a motorcycle driver cannot pass a vehicle by driving in the same lane or between rows of vehicles, which is known as lane splitting. It isn’t allowed on freeways. When lane splitting, it should be done between the lane furthest to the left (A. So, if Colorado would allow lane splitting, shocked and appalled drivers like you would get used to it just like California did. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. The 3-year-old law allows motorcycles traveling 15 mph or less on roadways with two adjacent lanes to split travel lanes when traffic is stopped. Traffic Lane Use: Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. Today, many states are considering whether they should change their laws to permit lane splitting. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. It’s going to take a while before a new population is aware of a new lanesplitting law. Under current law, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from overtaking or passing a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between. However, it is legal to split a lane with a fellow motorbike rider. Car changes lane, squid hits car, squid complains about car, squid is squid regardless. 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. The only state that permits lane splitting is California. Motorcycle riders must overtake using a separate lane, similar to other vehicles. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. The rider may travel no more than 20 mph – it’s not. While lane-splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, Christopher Nicolaysen, a motorcycle accident attorney with Springs Law Group in Colorado Springs, says that passing the bill could mean both. 209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. Under current law in Colorado, it is illegal for motorcycles to overtake or pass a motor. 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. In Montana, lane splitting is legal to do so when conditions are safe for motorcycles moving under 20 mph in traffic. Lane splitting is illegal in Nevada under NRS 486. In Colorado, lane-splitting is explicitly illegal under state law. In Georgia, lane splitting is considered reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor offense that can result in up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and the suspension of your license. Motorcycle speeds can not be more than 15 mph when filtering. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, except when two motorcycles share the same lane of travel at speeds of 5 mph or less. While you might see a motorcyclist lane splitting in traffic, it is actually illegal in our. ”. states. Posted on: October 17, 2022. In these situations, then the legality and whether or not to ticket a driver is. Read on to learn more about lane splitting. Gordon Klingenschmitt that sought to lift the ban on motorcycles navigating between rows of traffic. Conversely, some states do not consider lane splitting a. You should not use lane splitting when traffic is moving more than 29 M. I follow the CA rules about lane filtering. Greg Gianforte’s signature on a bill legalizing filtering of motorcycles under certain. Lane filtering is not legal in Colorado. Typically, it is more desirable to split between the #1 and #2 lanes than between other lanes. Not to mention the assholes who don’t know it’s legal will inevitably swerve to block you. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. Nowhere in Illinois is lane splitting legal, and splitting lanes and can result in fines and points on your license for improper lane usage. Presently, motorcycle laws in Colorado prohibit lane splitting. What is Lane Splitting? Is it Legal in Colorado? Lane splitting is the act of a motorcycle rider moving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. In 2016, the Colorado House Committee shot down. Legislatively, there has been activity on lane splitting in several states, but only California has enacted a law. e. Legal. However, Utah and Montana have restricted laws regarding lane splitting. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado,. However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane. Lane splitting is not allowed in Pennsylvania. Lane-splitting laws in Colorado. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. Lane-Splitting in California. Drivers in Colorado who practice lane splitting could be pulled over by police officers and issued a. It is illegal for a motorcyclist to engage in lane splitting or share a lane with a standard passenger vehicle in Colorado. Generally, I very much recommend following CA "lane split laws", if only for your own safety. California. In California, it is legal to lane split and it is. The intention of legal lane splitting is within slow-moving or stopped traffic. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. Q: Is there a difference between lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing?As defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. Although lane-splitting generally isn’t illegal in Missouri, it’s very dangerous and should be avoided. November 9, 2021 / 2:07 PM MST / CBS Colorado AURORA, Colo. California is the only U. Lane splitting laws vary across different states in the United States. Utah officially. Lane splitting is illegal. states. Colorado’s Stance on Lane Splitting As of 2022, the Colorado Department of Transportation explicitly forbids lane sharing or splitting with other vehicles in the state. For roadways that are divided into “two or more clearly marked lanes," motorcyclists may change lanes, but may not drive between them. Furthermore, lane splitting can create conflicts with other road users. Jerry Brown in 2016. If the bill is passed, Colorado would join California as the only states in the US that allow lane splitting. Lane splitting is an unspoken contract between riders and. But it a cop doesn’t care, then there’s no enforcement. However, a bill proposed by Texas State Senator, Kirk Watson, in December. This can be two motorcycles or a motorcycle and a car. No. com DENVER ( KDVR) — As temperatures continue to get warmer, motorcyclists will be riding more often. Utah officially. 1 defines lane splitting “as driving a motorcycle. In 2013, a study also found that lane-splitting is practiced by 36% of California Motorcyclists. Lane splitting is only permitted in the state of California. In Colorado, specifically, the law states “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. In the states not mentioned, lane splitting is completely illegal, and lane-splitting motorcyclists may end up in. Lane splitting is not currently legal in Colorado. Moved to Colorado in 2017 and still do some filtering. While several states have recently passed legislation permitting lane splitting, it remains prohibited in Colorado, as well as in most other states. 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. Twelve other states don't have any laws on lane splitting, where the practice isn't technically legal or illegal. Read our blog or contact Orr Law Firm today to learn if lane splitting is legal in Colorado. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Most major cities in PA are trying to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than motorcycle. California was the first state to make it legal for motorcycles to lane split back in 2016. This covers every potential use of lane splitting on roads or highways throughout the state. As of 2023, underSection 545. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. Motorcyclists caught lane-splitting may face fines, points on their license. More than half of those who disapproved. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. In certain places, lane splitting is expressly prohibited. Several other states have proposed legislation to make it. April 11, 2023 In this article, we'll talk about whether it's legal for motorcyclists to lane split and Colorado's current laws. S. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? A new law may help pave the way A new bill has been presented at the Capitol that may help pave the way for lane splitting in Colorado. The remaining thirty seven states and Washington D. Learn more about the legality of lane splitting in Georgia and other essential motorcycle laws. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. Lane splitting by motorcycles has been part of California law for nearly two years. 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. ”. This is a maneuver that is illegal in most US states, including Colorado, due to safety concerns. Let's forget the fact that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, as the "brah" wasn't considering any local laws during this run. (Senate Bill 1273) Arkansas. 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. In California, lane splitting has been legal since 2016, but some restrictions exist. Lane splitting, also known as lane filtering, is the act of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. . I was riding my normal commuting route between Boulder and Aurora and traffic was horrible. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. states. The legality of lane sharing can vary widely depending on the laws and regulations of your area. Motorcyclists can co-ride in a lane with one other motorcycle. Arizona. It is not legal for a motorcycle to share a lane with a car or truck. State law permits motorcycles to move between stopped vehicles on roads with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. The bill requires the Colorado department of transportation, in collaboration with the Colorado state. Lane-Splitting in California. This forward-thinking state has allowed motorcycles to lane-split for some time by dint of a vague "it’s not illegal" stance. S. It is sometimes called “lane splitting,” “white-lining,” “stripe-riding,” or “filtering. Lane splitting is a term to describe a motorcycle passing between lanes of adjacent slower-moving traffic. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. C. . Legislation was introduced in 2017 to make lane splitting legal in Massachusetts. Proponents of legal lane-splitting also note a study conducted in 2015 by UC Berkeley that found lane-splitting isn. The state does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws expressly states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. In Alabama, the legality of lane splitting and filtering is determined by the state’s traffic laws. states. According to the Colorado General Assembly, under current law, if you are riding a motorcycle, you can’t overtake or pass a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between rows of motor vehicle. 2023 Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? - Motorcycle Laws CO Discuss your legal options with the help of a seasoned attorney following a motorcycle accident,. It is sometimes called “lane splitting,” “white-lining,” “stripe-riding,” or “filtering. These states have laws that specifically detail when and where lane splitting is acceptable. 1. The law provides that a motorcyclist is entitled to full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle is allowed to deprive the motorcycle of the full use of a lane. A single motorcyclist in the middle of their lane is more likely to fall. However, state law may not place any strict limits in terms of speed, but it is recommended that motorcyclists avoid splitting lanes by moving faster than 10 mph more than the drivers around them or when surrounding. K. Troy Kessler with CSP said. The New Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Law Explained. states. With safety in mind, the California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. From Arizona joining the league of legalized states, to other states advancing their own bills in the legislature further than ever before, lane-sharing has begun to be practiced far more widely in than it ever has historically. The state does not have a specific law that addresses lane splitting, leaving room for. Yes, motorcyclists can share a driving lane side-by-side in Texas. In fact, it is only legal in California and only under certain circumstances. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. But it is analyzed if the driver sitting in the car is at fault or not. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. ”. If one Colorado state lawmaker gets his way, lane splitting could soon be legal in the state. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. This meant that it was technically legal, but many police officers turned a blind eye to it. Lane splitting in Colorado is explicitly prohibited and can result in a fine and even points on your license. 209. April 11, 2023 In this article, we'll talk about whether it's legal for motorcyclists to lane split and Colorado's current laws. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. Lane splitting is the practice where a motorcyclist overtakes and passes other vehicles in the same lane or between lanes of vehicles. California is the only state that has explicitly legalized lane splitting. Florida: Illegal: Georgia:Technically, lane splitting is the term for riders who are moving while the traffic around them is also moving. So, if Colorado would allow lane splitting, shocked and appalled drivers like you would get used to it just like California did. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co-ride" with one other motorcycle. Not to mention the assholes who don’t know it’s legal will inevitably swerve to block you. While lane splitting occurs more often with motorcycles, it is also illegal to lane split in a car or any other motor vehicle. have anti-lane-splitting laws. You’re right in the middle of the two of them. Call (210) 366-4949 today for a free consultation. ”. No, lane splitting is currently not legal in Colorado and California is the only state that allows lane splitting, There has been recent buzz around the topic as the state legislature did introduce a Colorado lane splitting law that would commission a study on the feasibility of allowing lane splitting in the state. Cars will honk. 1, 2017 and formally. There is currently no legislation in Florida addressing this topic, but it will likely be discussed in the future. As a car driver I also appreciate that for every 20 bikes that lane-split past me on the highway to work, is 20 less vehicles in the length of the queue in peak traffic. California was the first state to make it legal for motorcycles to lane split back in 2016. Here’s the long answer – there is no speed limit just for lane-splitting. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. states. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. Lane splitting, or the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is a controversial topic. MenuCan motorcycles split lanes? A depends for the state! Go is a COMPLETE tour toward lane splitting legal states including AZ & Montana + laws in each state. The legality of lane splitting varies greatly across the United States. Lane splitting must be done at a speed that respects posted speed limits and. do you think lane splitting will ever be legal in Colorado? If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. However, this was never passed and no further legislation has since been heard making the issue, as of now, settled. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make. 4. The people of LA know that lanesplitting is legal. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Lane splitting is legal in some states and illegal in others. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. Under the new law, lane-splitting is legal in Arizona, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Lane-sharing. June 5, 2022. It is legal, however, for two motorcycles to share one lane in Colorado. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, gets his way,. Riders are required to move into a separate lane to pass or overtake another vehicle, just like a car would. This can be done either while the traffic in the adjacent lanes is stopped or moving slowly. ”. Depending on the circumstances, the penalty for lane splitting is fine, ranging from $15 to $100. For example, lane splitting in Hawaii is illegal because of narrow roads, but motorcycle riders can pass on the shoulder lane if traffic is at a standstill. In states with less freeway traffic, lane-splitting doesn’t need to be legal. If lane. Lane Splitting Controversies. Alabama -P Alaska -P Arizona -P Arkansas - California -33 Colorado -33 Connecticut -P Delaware -33 Florida -P Georgia -P Hawaii. Jerry Brown in 2016. A motorcyclist could face a traffic infraction if they are caught splitting lanes in Colorado. 51. 7 percent). ”. State law also prohibits passing or overtaking a. As of this writing, lane splitting is only legal in one state: California, though Utah and Hawaii have legalized modified versions of lane splitting. The. Under current law, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from overtaking or passing a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between rows of motor vehicles, a practice known as "lane splitting". As motorcycle usage becomes more popular, influences from neighboring Utah continue to slowly encourage gradual normalization in some areas. Colorado. S. Lane filtering is one other manoeuvre that usually will get confused with lane splitting. Lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, or between a line of traffic and the curb. California Vehicle Code Section 21658. Conclusion: Know the Laws and Ride Safely. Number 1 Lane) and the lane directly right of that lane (A. What it did show, is that you're a salty driver that hate people that pass you up. 1, lane splitting is driving a motorcycle with two wheels touching the ground between moving or stopped vehicles that are in the same lane. K. Guidelines for safe lane splitting, suggest riders should not exceed 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic and avoid splitting lanes. 060 of the Texas Transportation Code, all drivers and motorcyclists must drive within a single lane. I take that 30 down, but obviously you want to be prepared for people to randomly merge out, stick arms out of the window, pull out of spaces, be. Even if it is legal, lane splitting can be a dangerous practice. Motorcyclists can co-ride in a lane with one other motorcycle. Lane Splitting Is Illegal. Ability motorcycles split ways? It depends on the state! Here is a FULLY escort to lane splitting legal states including AZ & Montana + laws in each state. Rep. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. Lane splitting, when defined as a cyclist riding on the line in between two lanes or rows of traffic, is illegal in Colorado, as it is in most U. Washington. There is no statute in Colorado that specifically prohibits cyclists from lane splitting or lane filtering; the conclusion has always been that since it’s not legal for motorcyclists, cyclists should not do it either. In states where it is legal, the rules vary. Number 2 Lane). Oakland, CA 94601. In California, former Gov. But it is analyzed if the driver sitting in the car is at fault or not. Lane splitting has been legal in California for many years. Other states have tried to pass lane filtering laws since then, with limited success. Lane filtering should be the focus as it’s the most effective way to safely and efficiently provide solutions and incentives for riding in urban high traffic areas. What Is Not Legal brings you all the information regarding the legality of lane splitting in Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Spring, Aurora, etc. Motorcyclists who violate the transportation code by lane splitting could face multiple $100 fines and/or jail time, according to Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs law firm. Lane sharing is also illegal in Idaho. In 2016, Assembly Bill 51 was signed into law, which defined lane splitting and allowed the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish guidelines for safe lane splitting practices. If you have an instance where you would like to speak with an. Lane splitting, as commonly understood in California, is not explicitly legal in Washington. It is considered the best position for keeping a safe distance from. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. 1. Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. Image Credit: motorcycle. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. Montana. I understand the main reason was for air cooling bikes that couldn’t stand still in queues like cars. This law states it is illegal for motorcycles or mopeds to pass another vehicle within the same lane. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of cars that are driving in the same direction–this maneuver is illegal in Colorado. Over the course of the past few weeks, a number of States have kickstarted 2019 by opening discussions about the possibility of making motorcycle lane splitting or filtering legal. The Utah-specific laws for lane splitting are: - The speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. A. In Utah, lane splitting and filtering is allowed when traffic is moving between 0 and 15 miles per hour. No motorcycle operator shall “overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle overtaken” or “operate a motorbike between the lanes of traffic or between two adjacent rows of automobiles,” according to ARS § 29-903. Although it was never “illegal,” the state of California enacted house bill AB 51 to officially make lane splitting legal. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. Presently, motorcycle laws in Colorado prohibit lane splitting. Lane Splitting is Unlawful. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. Lane splitting is, in fact, illegal in Colorado. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. According to Code O. No. In some states, it is legal, while in others, it is not. This can, in some cases, improve the flow of traffic. After being signed by the governor, it went into effect on May 14, 2019. Not saying that to keep you from making your own choices, but don't snivel if you get a ticket.