Lane splitting is illegal. (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. Lane filtering is where a motorcycle rider moves past stopped or slow-moving vehicles at 30km/h or less. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. (Senate Bill 1273) Arkansas. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. Lane splitting is currently prohibited in South Carolina,. On a defendant’s first conviction for lane splitting, the maximum penalty for lane splitting is a fine of $150. Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. Every state has different laws about lane splitting, or weaving your bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. The Hurt Report basically concluded back in the 70s and 80s that lane splitting is safer for a rider than just sitting at a stop, exposed in traffic (where. Lane splitting is against the law in South Carolina (California is currently the only state that allows lane splitting). The situation with lane splitting in Arkansas is a tad bit confusing. Lane splitting occurs. Utah and Montana allow motorcycles to do something similar to lane splitting in very restricted conditions. 1 (a) was added to the California Vehicle Code. (3) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. 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. Lane splitting or filtering. 4 percent versus 15. It is often done on a highway or freeway, where there are multiple lanes going in the same direction. Universal helmet laws, placed in 19 states, mandate that all motorcycle drivers and riders need to wear helmets. The Utah-specific laws for lane splitting are: - The speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. Legislation was introduced in 2017 to make lane splitting legal in Massachusetts. In Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia, while it is legal for two motorcyclists to share a single lane, the act of lane splitting has not been. an accident involving. While this practice is controversial, it has become popular among motorcyclists in recent years as a strategy to minimize traffic congestion and enhance overall traffic flow. 2) It is dangerous to split traffic on a motorcycle just like it is on a bicycle. 156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. “Lane splitting” refers to riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic. All motorcycle operators and passengers who ride along North Carolina highways or public roads are required to wear helmets. Not flying past cars traveling full speed down the interstate. However, some states have laws that prohibit passing on the right or riding between lanes of traffic, which could be interpreted to include lane splitting and filtering. According to this law, lane splitting is defined “as driving a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane, including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. According to the statute, motorcycle riders are not allowed to overtake and pass in the same lane as the vehicle the motorcycle is overtaking. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. While motorcyclists are more likely to be injured in an accident, drivers or passengers of other vehicles may also be injured in a high-speed collision or an. Lane sharing refers to driving two or more motorcycles side by side in. Tamir Rise of US Berkeley, Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SafeTrec). Lane splitting, a controversial practice that some motorcyclists advocate for, is not legal in SC. Conclusion. Cops could probably find a law already on the books to cite you for if they wanted to give you a hard time about it. To date, California is the only state in which lane. Stay safe! Stay safe! Tagged with: Charleston motorcycle accident attorney • Folly Beach motorcycle injury lawyer • intersection laws • lane splitting • Safety Tips • South Carolina motorcycle accident attorneysAs of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. 7% of the 61 moped crashes that happened in the county that year. Prior to the law, in 2018 the state had 28 fatalities involving motorcyclists. The Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect on October 1, 2021, making lane-splitting legal in Big Sky Country. 00, 15 days in jail, a surcharge of $88. Lane splitting is against the law in South Carolina (California is currently the only state that allows lane splitting). The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45 mph. South Carolina. South Carolina. It's legal only in California. In California, lane splitting is legal as long as the motorcyclist does not go more than 10 mph faster than the traffic around them. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. Contact Us Online. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. ”. The lane width is sufficient to allow safe passage. Basically, don't drive more than 5mph faster than surrounding traffic and don't lane split over 30mph. So to some degree lane splitting is legal in Montana but with stipulations. Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing. However, this practice is legal in several states surrounding Idaho, such as California and Utah. Because lane splitting is not legal, an accident can be even more. The North Carolina law that most closely addressed lane splitting is GS 20-146. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. Some states have definitions in the law for how lane splitting should be carried out, others simply allow it. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Is lane splitting legal in SC? According to Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws, “motorcyclists. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. S. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. A large part this is due to a decrease in. Is Lane Splitting Legal In North Carolina 2022 State Fair As a practical matter, lane splitting means fewer vehicles and less traffic congestion during high-volume times like rush hour. However, since splitting lanes is not preferred, is it really worth the risk? Although due to safety concerns. Lane Splitting South Carolina Submit your Question. In the past, lane splitting was not specifically addressed by New Jersey law. That ruling puts an end to the gray area wherein riders split lanes, taking the. The language of the law goes on to prohibit motorcycle riders from riding. Only time will tell whether lane-splitting will become legal in Colorado. Lane splitting in California was never illegal, but AB 51 was signed into law that officially made California lane splitting legal and sanctioned. Florida Statute 316. In some states, lane splitting is neither expressly prohibited nor expressly allowed. Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic. More often, lane splitting refers to riding between faster-moving traffic — a practice that is common globally but within the U. A study into safety concerns was ordered in 2018, but efforts have stalled. Due to their lack of protection, motorcycle accidents tend to cause the most serious personal injuries to the motorcyclists as compared to anyone else involved in the accident. The splitting rider may not stop in time if they change lanes. Lane splitting is legal here in California! * Only when traffic is moving at 35 MPH or lower though I almost did the same thing last night splitting my way to the head of the line at a traffic signal. While many motorcyclists still take advantage of this practice due to its convenience, lane-splitting can be extremely. But with this practice comes questions about its legality and safety. Some have laws that specifically allow it, others have pending legislation, some have no laws, and others make it illegal. In South Carolina, lane splitting is covered under section 56‐5‐3640 of the SC Code. The law was passed to legally define lane splitting so California Highway Patrol officers could more easily discern between legal and illegal lane splitting. Is lane splitting legal in SC? According to Section 56-5-3640 (c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws, “motorcyclists are not permitted to operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between. Traffic is going less than 20 mph or is at a stop. In Virginia lane sharing is against the law and Virginia don't play when it come to traffic enforcement. Loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium. Reactions: LizardKing, ES44AC, Button Pusher and 2 others. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. Lane filtering is different from lane splitting – which still remains illegal in Utah. Petersburg. Most major cities in PA are trying to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than motorcycle. . Why was lane splitting legal in Texas before? But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. A standard license is not adequate. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. As far as lane splitting, legal or not, I'm not doing it. There are three topics that are big sources of contention between riders and non-riders, and even between motorcyclists: helmet requirements, loud pipes, and lane splitting. 660 (4) A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or bicycle shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the. Lane splitting is widely regarded as illegal in Canada. the legality of lane splitting varies from state to state. Advocates say the new law isn’t the same as lane splitting, which allows a motorcycle rider to go between rows of cars at regular speeds. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs. Is Lane Splitting Legal In Ct Spinal cord injuries: If a motorcycle accident spinal cord injury occurs, it can lead to paralysis. Others say that it is unsafe and exposes motorcyclists to increased risk on the road. (a) 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. Additionally, motorcyclists cannot overtake another vehicle within the same lane, which means that lane splitting is illegal in our state. The language of the law goes on to prohibit motorcycle riders from riding. According to the statute, motorcycle riders are not allowed to overtake and pass in the same lane as the vehicle the motorcycle is overtaking. A: Lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting, as the term can imply something similar. While lane splitting is still considered illegal in most states, the practice of weaving in between traffic that is stalled or moving slowly is common among. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rider travels down the center line, in-between rows of stopped vehicles, or when a motorcycle passes a vehicle in the same lane. The section of code prohibiting lane splitting in our state is found in Section 56-5-3640 (d), which reads that motorcycles may not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane. Maximum speed is 50km/h. What is the Anti Lane Splitting Law of 2019? Basically, HB 1419 states that: “Any motorcycle stopping or passing through vehicles during traffic on a broken white line in highways shall likewise be considered as lane splitting. ” Lane Splitting is Illegal in SC. Section 56-5-3640(c) of. As a motorcycle rider, that means you need to remain stationary when traffic is stuck, even if you feel that you can slip through the lanes and reach your destination. Only California explicitly notes that lane splitting is legal and most states don’t address the practice at all. B. Utah passed a law to allow riders to lane filter in 2019, while Hawaii made shoulder. An August 2016 Road and Track report on lane splitting states that California has now become the first state in the country to pass a law making the practice legal for motorcycle drivers. Lane-Splitting Isn’t Legal in South Carolina Lane-splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic. Allegations of lane splitting in Florida motorcycle accident claims. The laws around lane splitting vs. Here are the laws that apply to motorcycle riders in South Carolina: - Helmet laws: Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is highly recommended, but it is not required for riders 21 and up. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. Speed differentials up to 15 mph were not associated with changes in the frequency of injury; and Compared to riders who were not splitting lanes. 00 and 2 points. Virginia. Philadelphia 76ers. Is Lane Splitting On A Motorcycle Legal In Sc That means you can avoid dealing with the insurance company and focus on healing from your motorcycle accident injuries. . In South Carolina Code §56-5-3640, the law says that while all motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting is where you can ride between vehicles that are moving slowly or are stationary. 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. South Carolina is one state that has explicitly stated lane splitting is illegal. The intention of legal lane splitting is within slow-moving or stopped traffic. • Lane-splitting causes confusion at intersections. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. Filtering refers to when a motorcycle travels to the front of stopped traffic,. Lane splitting is against the law in South Carolina (California is currently the only state that allows lane splitting). Benefactor. Lane filtering, also known as lane splitting or lane sharing, where motorcycles share lanes with cars and trucks to reduce traffic congestion, is a widespread practice around the world. You can only lane split if: You’re going 20 mph or less. Is Lane Splitting Legal In South Carolina 2022. South Carolina is not among them. Lane splitting is, therefore, not legal in Illinois. Motorcyclists often do it to avoid traffic congestion or get ahead of other vehicles. 19. 209 (3) (4) states only two motorcycles can share a lane. Is Lane Splitting Legal In Sc Bastia. However, the practice is discouraged, as is lane sharing. In South Carolina, lane splitting is covered under section 56‐5‐3640 of the SC Code. While you might see other riders lane splitting or 'filtering' this is not a technique that you should use until you are experienced. What Is Lane Splitting? “Lane splitting” is a term often used interchangeably with “lane sharing” and “filtering,” but these terms technically apply to different actions. Lane splitting – also referred to as “ lane sharing ” – was codified on January 1, 2017 in California Vehicle Code 21658. 880 21st ave n. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. app!The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. 00, 15 days in jail, a surcharge of $88. However, like in most of the US, it was generally frowned upon. However, a handful of these states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, to name a few) are considering or have. Lane splitting by motorcycles has been part of California law for nearly two years. Can you lane split in south carolina; Is lane splitting legal in sc. Lane splitting may or may not be legal in Kentucky. Lane-splitting is specifically legal only in California. Allegations of lane splitting in Florida. We also serve in Edgefield County, SC. According to the law, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. 9, which “allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not in excess of 20 mph, to filter between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction as conditions permit, and. Lane-splitting is not legal in South Carolina ( SC Code Section 56-5-3640 (c) ). Lane splitting is least dangerous when the motorcycle rider is traveling at a similar speed. South Carolina is one of handful of states that have explicitly made lane-splitting illegal. A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. Several states have already voted to allow some form of lane splitting, filtering, or shoulder. Any motorcyclist that is caught lane splitting will receive a citation. Lane-sharing or lane-splitting rules vary by state. (706) 437 9122. Lane-splitting laws should be nothing for these people. Read on to learn more about lane splitting, why it’s illegal, and what the ramifications are for someone who’s in an accident while lane splitting. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), motorcycles need their own full lanes to operate safely as riding between rows of cars, whether moving or stopped, can leave. June 5, 2022. Lane splitting is not particularly legal in the United States. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Your girlfriend is absolutely right—lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. In 2016, California was the first state to make the practice legal. Lane splitting, or lane filtering, is currently not legal in South Carolina. Not all states have clear laws one way or the other, but in South Carolina, lane-splitting is explicitly illegal. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. Even the California Highway Patrol says so. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. Jan 31, 2023. Motorcycle entitled to full use of lane; riding two or more abreast; overtaking and passing; operation in other instances. 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. For example, there is no law dictating the maximum. 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. 1 VC. It basically boils down to a case-by-case basis. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. As of 2023, underSection 545. “Although lane splitting is legal in California, motorcyclists are encouraged to exercise. Lane splitting is not legal in the United States (in most states), that being said, there are some exceptions. South Carolina is a modified comparative fault state when it comes to negligence claims. Lane filtering is one other manoeuvre that usually will get confused with lane splitting. As it probably sounds, this practice is dangerous. 9, which “allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not in excess of 20 mph, to filter between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction as conditions permit, and. PennDOT's Motorcycle Operator Manual states that motorcycles need an entire lane to operate safely and may not bypass. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. Vermont. Home; About the Firm . Any motorcyclist that is caught lane splitting will receive a citation. In the United States, lane splitting is illegal in most states, with a few states allowing it with some exceptions. Lane splitting is legal in some states, while it is illegal in others. Lane splitting is legal in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Texas, and Utah. I commute to work 20 Min every day. S. Your girlfriend is absolutely right—lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. This practice is also known as lane sharing and white-lining. South Dakota. If you cause or contribute to an accident while illegally lane splitting, you could be liable for damages. C. In some states, it is not explicitly illegal while in others, like Tennessee, it is banned under state law. Lane splitting is technically not legal due to the narrow roads in Hawaii. Greg Gianforte’s signature on a bill legalizing filtering of motorcycles under certain. In some states, lane splitting is neither explicitly legal nor illegal, but South Carolina specifically bans the practice. Montana enacted their law in early 2021. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. See moreNo, lane splitting is not legal in South Carolina. 1 was added to the California Vehicle Code and defines lane splitting. C. In 2016, California passed a law 6 that authorized the state Highway Patrol to develop guidelines for legal lane splitting. On the third conviction within 18. Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; FollowIs Lane Splitting Legal In Florida. Georgia Code Section 40-6-312 bans motorcyclists from lane splitting. Many riders swear by lane splitting in congested stop-and-go traffic, where sitting in the middle of a lane leaves them open to being rear-ended by distracted drivers. On October 1, 2021, Montana became the 3rd state to legalize lane splitting with the passing of S. Cars and Motor Vehicles Crafts and DIY Culture, Race, and Ethnicity Ethics and Philosophy Podcasts and Streamers Reading, Writing, and Literature. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. This is apparently legal in California and generally allowed (ie ignored) by cops in many other states. Lane filtering sometimes happens at intersections, the place a motorcyclist advances to the entrance of the road of vehicles stopped at a crimson mild. A University of California - Berkeley study showed that Lane Splitting is safe if done at speeds of 50 mph or less and if motorcyclists do not exceed the speed of other vehicles by more than 15 mph. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. 51. Lane sharing of any kind is expressly prohibited in 34 states, including New York and Florida. Every bit of research I've come across indicates that not only is lane splitting safe, but is actually safer than not lane splitting. In Idaho, lane splitting is strictly illegal. While this may currently be the law, changes in other states could cause a shift in nationwide attitudes toward lane-splitting. Lane-splitting is when a motorcycle rides between 2 lanes of traffic. However, lane splitting can also be performed by drivers of passenger cars and trucks to. In South Carolina, a motorcyclist might resort to lane-splitting to avoid tourist congestion in an area such as Myrtle Beach or Charleston. Lane splitting in South Carolina is illegal. Gc. app! The legislative and law enforcement advice that follows this list does not mention lane splitting or suggest laws be changed with regard to lane splitting. The lane width is sufficient to allow safe passage. 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. According to the American Motorcyclist Association's website, every state except California bans the practice of lane splitting. Is lane splitting legal in Ohio? Let’s take a closer look at these practices and the regulations surrounding them. Lane splitting gives them a fighting chance in traffic most motorcycle crashes occur from getting rear ending. Splitting lanes reduces the amount of space both the motorcyclist and the motorist have in their lane for reacting to maneuvers made by other. 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. I live in South Carolina and ride a 2000 Honda shadow saber. A vehicle could attempt to change lanes while you are improperly passing it, causing a motor vehicle collision which will likely injure you (one of many examples I have personally dealt with on the job. Facebook;. 827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. ”. For me it's kinda like helmet laws. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. The weather and road conditions permit safe and reasonable. Of the other 48 states, some explicitly prohibit lane splitting, while others do not have any laws that address the practice. No, Lane splitting is currently illegal in Wisconsin, so doing so here would be akin to breaking the law. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas The Current Legislation. That depends on what state you are in. G. ”. To do this, a motorcyclist may drive on the lines that separate vehicle lanes一and the cars in those lanes. The Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect on October 1, 2021, making lane-splitting legal in Big Sky Country. Filtering or Lane Splitting, the art of riding a motorcycle through the middle of two lanes of traffic that are heading the same direction, is legal in the UK, but we have questions about the rest of Europe. Like many other states, lane splitting in Kentucky falls into a legal grey area as the law does not make mention of it. Straying from your lane while on a motorcycle into lanes occupied by other vehicles is commonly referred to as “lane splitting. A: Lane sharing is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same time are in the same lane. Ann §56-5-3640 (c). For one, it can help to reduce traffic congestion. Jerry Brown in 2016. 7 percent). 11 votes, 38 comments. Lane-splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic. louis; Lane splitting south carolinaLane Splitting Laws. In other states, there may be no speed limit, or the limit may be higher or lower. As a two-wheeled vehicle, it is easy for a motorcycle to travel between lanes of traffic. Motorcyclists can ride side by side in the same lane. Recently, another bill that would. Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow; Follow Is Lane Splitting Legal In Florida. The Committee is currently debating the bill. Code § 56-5-3640, South Carolina currently prohibits motorcycle lane splitting. state that formally authorizes motorcyclists to lane split. South Carolina. Is Lane Splitting On A Motorcycle Legal In Sc. Read on to learn more about lane splitting, why it’s illegal, and what the ramifications are for someone who’s in an accident while lane splitting. You can consider it legal as there has been no mention of lane splitting in the Arkansas law. Lane-splitting – also known as “white-lining” or “filtering” – is a motorcycle-riding technique in which a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Montana has become the third state to recognize lane filtering, with the Gov. The statute does allow for two motorcycles to ride alongside each other in the same lane; however, motorcycles and other vehicles must ride separately. The state has specific laws that govern when and where. ”. Specifically, the study found that lane splitting was fairly safe if done in. ” The simplicity of this definition is the problem—it doesn’t draw the line between splitting and filtering. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. The AMA will assist groups and individuals working to bring legal lane splitting and/or filtering to their state. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. Ann §56-5-3640(c). A. 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. In Utah, motorcyclists can pass between 2-lanes of traffic, but only when traffic is stopped (a practice called "filtering"). 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. In December 2016, State Senator Kirk Watson (D) introduced Senate Bill 288, which would have allowed lane-splitting in Texas, so long as the rider was travelling in traffic moving slower than 20 mph and was going no more than 5 mph faster than other road users. Lane-splitting seems like an easier way to drive in a rush, but is it legal?. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. The relevant New York statute states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines. California is the only state in the country where lane-splitting is legal. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. In South Carolina, lane splitting is illegal because it can put motorists, passengers, and motorcyclists at risk. Utah has a law allowing lane “filtering”, but it is more restrictive than California’s lane splitting law. The Utah-specific laws for lane splitting are: - The speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less. It’s not the same thing as lane splitting or lane filtering. In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. The reason most often given for this is that there is no data for or against the safety of lane splitting, and legislators, regardless of their reputation, typically don't like making or ammending laws without a good reason. Arguments in Favor of Lane Splitting. NKD Senior Member. While lane splitting, motorcyclists must still obey all pertinent speed limits and traffic laws to avoid an accident. Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. Personal Injury Law. Tamir Rise of US Berkeley, Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SafeTrec).