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. 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. While lane splitting is legal in some states like California, it is illegal in Texas. Coastal SoCal, from the border to Monterey, has probably the best year-round climate for riding roads. Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws. However, it should be avoided for safety. Colorado: Illegal: Delaware: Illegal: No. California is the only state in the USA where lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting is a term to describe a motorcycle passing between lanes of adjacent slower-moving traffic. Alaska Lane Splitting LawsMotorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Alaska. Nonetheless, due to motorcycles being smaller and harder to spot from far away distances; lane splitting can put them in danger of getting hit by drivers when they switch lanes. Reply JD September 3, 2022 At 12:13 pmLane Splitting – "Lane splitting" or "white lining" refers to operating a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Overtaking and Passing Certain Stationary Vehicles. The law is not entirely clear on the practice. ”. The intention of legal lane splitting is within slow-moving or stopped traffic. The weather and road conditions permit safe and reasonable. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. This can be helpful during. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Lane splitting in Utah. 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. D. The traffic must be stationary or slow-moving and the way ahead must be clear. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. gov -. According to Code O. Lane splitting is the practice of a motorcycle rider driving between lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. ” Lane Splitting Law: Alabama: Lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitting. 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, also known as lane filtering, is the act of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or scooter between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. If you get caught splitting lanes within the state, you could be hit with a traffic ticket. It involves the motorcyclist riding in between lanes of vehicles, typically in order to cut through traffic by passing in between the slower vehicles;The legislature further finds that although the concept of "motorcycle lane splitting", which involves motorcycles and motor scooters passing between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction would not be a safe maneuver on many of Hawaii's highways and freeways due to the narrowness of the lanes, the concept of "motorcycle lane. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. It's legal only in California. Lane splitting or filtering would be very difficult and dangerous on their streets, so shoulder surfing became a legal alternative in 2018. Keep in mind that lane-splitting is not synonymous with lane sharing. Splitting lanes—the practice of motorcycles passing another vehicle in the same late—is illegal in Nevada. Since the average lane is only about 12 feet wide, it’s only safe for two motorcycles to share a single lane. Violation of this law may result in fines and penalties assessed by law enforcement. C. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. The law reads as follows: “ (a) The operator of a motorcycle shall be entitled to the full use of any single traffic lane, but the operation of more than two motorcycles abreast in any single traffic lane is prohibited. In some states, it is not explicitly illegal while in others, like Tennessee, it is banned under state law. For many motorcycle riders in Texas, lane splitting remains a lofty wish as it is currently illegal (2023). As of 2008, the state Code was revised to include 3-wheelers as motorcycles. I think it should be legal for motorcycles to ride in breakdown lanes when traffic is at a complete standstill, but only at a low speed. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. Lane splitting is legal in California because the state recognizes it as a tool to decrease traffic congestion. Motorcycles can, however, share a lane known as “co-riding. Motorcycle speeds can not be more than 15 mph when filtering. Lane splitting as defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 21658. For. Lane splitting is only fully legal in one US state, California. 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. 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. ” There is a lot of traffic in California, the weather is good, and there are many more motorcycle riders than in. State law prohibits this type of riding, and motorcyclists that are in an accident while lane splitting often face liability for the damage. As a motorcyclist, it is important to know the laws on lane splitting in your state. Lane splitting is a pretty controversial topic. That was California for a long time; it wasn't specifically outlawed. A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. S. It has. While many consider the practice to be safe and helpful in reducing congestion, others believe the practice only increases the likelihood of collisions. CHP ANNOUNCES LANE SPLITTING TIPS SACRAMENTO, Calif. In most states, including Florida, lane-sharing is legal. While HB 4122 outlawed lane splitting in Texas, on the flip side it made it legal for two motorcyclists to ride together in the. The bill was named AB-51. ”. You. Motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacement of less than 50cc can be AS 28. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. Lane splitting by motorcycles has been allowed by California law for nearly two years. Some argue that lane splitting encourages road rage from drivers who become frustrated when motorcycles pass them while they stay stuck in traffic. Only a handful of states don’t have laws against lane-splitting!” NO, this is looking at different data. For. S. Lane splitting is driving through traffic congestion or slow-moving vehicles in the area between two traffic lanes. In effect, this means that motorcyclists cannot ride in between lanes to navigate slow-moving traffic. The first one is commonly known as lane sharing. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. In the video mentioned earlier in this article ( here’s the link again , just in case), the Utah Department of Public Safety attempts to show what safe lane filtering looks like. ”. 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. However, in the United States, it is only legally permitted in a handful of states. B. The bill was named AB-51. Lane-splitting is illegal but lane-sharing by 2 scooters seems to be ignored by most law enforcement. 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. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. Here are three key things to know:. The only U. 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. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. ” The simplicity of this definition is the problem—it doesn’t draw the line between splitting and filtering. The practice is currently illegal in Colorado. Lane filtering is only permitted between stopped traffic. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. 1, 2021. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. California, Utah, Montana, Hawaii and Arizona allow some form of lane splitting in state law. Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota. Your girlfriend is absolutely right—lane splitting is illegal in Kansas. Offenses and Accidents Section 185. By: Janaki Jitchotvisut. Lane splitting, also referred to as lane sharing or filtering, is a common practice in many parts of the world. ” Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia? Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not take up a whole traffic lane. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Alaska Lane Splitting Laws Motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Alaska. Call (210) 366-4949 today for a free consultation. nope. 21, 2023, at 11:48 a. Lane splitting involves motorcyclists riding down the white center line of two lanes of traffic going in the same direction, basically creating their own center lane where one does not exist. Arguments for lane. The North Carolina law that most closely addressed lane splitting is GS 20-146. ”. ”Most motorcyclists refrain from these actions, but collisions still happen even when no lane splitting occurs. Conclusion: Know the Laws and Ride Safely. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. This means that you should not split lanes if. . (B) if a lane change under (A) of this paragraph would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed considering the traffic, roadway, and weather conditions; (2) with fewer than two lanes traveling in the same direction, unless otherwise. 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. Lane splitting, also called white-lining, nose riding, or lane sharing, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes or lines of stopped or slow-moving cars. —. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. Lane-splitting, sometimes called “white-lining,” refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding on the road lines between lanes, including lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or in between opposing directions of traffic. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. 209 (3) states, “no person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. In North America, it’s not as accepted. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. Missouri law on this topic is not explicit. If you go much further inland and south of LA, summers can get ridiculously hot, while mountains north of LA can get cold. Even though the law and motorcycle license course is very specific about not doing that, the police do not strictly enforce it, since they are aware that drivers here are crazy or distracted. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. 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. Lane. Texas Lane Splitting LawsLane splitting is not legal in Nevada. If you go much further inland and south of LA, summers can get ridiculously hot, while mountains north of LA can get cold. A Lane Splitting Accident Can Be a Legal Problem for Victims If the Damage Was Personal Injury or Death. Overall, lane splitting is legal in Nevada; however, riders should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of other drivers. California: Legal. However, motorcycles can share a lane or. In cases of severe gridlock, motorcyclists may lane split through multiple lanes of traffic. Stipulations in Texas Laws Regarding Lane Splitting. Drivers of cars are used to. Problems include lane splitting above 30 mph, using no signal, making unsafe lane. Yes, lane splitting is legal in Alabama. Again, lane splitting refers to the practice of driving a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, typically on a multi-lane road or highway during a traffic jam. OK so, while this doesn't answer your question. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. You run a major risk in receiving a ticket if you lane split outside of California so ride with caution. In the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and. No, lane-splitting is not legal in Las Vegas or anywhere else in the state. The road must have two or more adjacent lanes of traffic that travel in the same direction. ”. Lane splitting was never illegal in California, but AB 51 was signed into law, making it officially legal and sanctioned. It isn’t allowed on freeways. Jaynen00. The passage of Senate Bill 1273, sponsored by Sen. . Currently, it’s only explicitly permitted in a few states, and specifics vary among areas allowing the practice. 3 min read. AMA Board Chairman Russ Ehnes and Montana lawmakers. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. 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 amendment arose in Texas State. Hawaii. States without universal helmet laws recorded that 57% of motorcyclist fatalities involved an unhelmeted driver, while states with universal helmet laws recorded 11%. Lane filtering is different from lane splitting – which still remains illegal in Utah. New Mexico is a state that specializes in comparative negligence. Motorcycles and motor scooters with engine displacement of less than 50cc can beAS 28. California is one of the only states that permits lane splitting, which is when motorcyclists drive between two lanes of traffic. 1. 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. It’s not only legal, but expected that motorcyclists will go to the front of the line at Washington State Ferry Terminals, but lane splitting is illegal in Washington. There is no longer an official rule that makes lane splitting illegal or legal in California. Alaska’s Motorcycle Lane Sharing Law. Lane splitting, also called white-lining, nose riding, or lane sharing, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes or lines of stopped or slow-moving cars. As such, many motorcyclists think. California is the only state in the USA where lane splitting is legal. 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. The state allows lane splitting. This would really help for both vehicle and human overheating in the hot summer months. Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. However, lane sharing is legal, and two motorcycles can ride beside each other, or slightly staggered, in the same lane. Commissions do not affect. Speed. However, motorcycle drivers must follow lane-splitting etiquette. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. Passing legislation to permit lane splitting may be the easiest part of the process. Lane-splitting is currently illegal in Maryland. No, lane splitting is illegal in Connecticut and has a section ( Sec. Motor Vehicles Chapter 35. This technique is also known as white lining to experienced motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are required to stay within their designated lanes while riding on public roads and highways. And technically you can only pass on the right side (CVC Division 11, Chapter 3, Article 3, section 21754 (b) and (c)). Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. Although it might save time and be convenient, lane splitting is a risky driving behavior, and therefore, illegal in Illinois. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. 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. Now the California Highway Patrol has issued safety guidelines on the topic — guidelines that apply not. ” There is a lot of traffic in California, the weather is good, and there are many more motorcycle riders than in. Lane Splitting: The Pros And Cons. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. Go is a COMPLETE tour toward lane splitting legal states including AZ & Montana + laws in each state. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. Many riders think Lane splitting is not really lane splitting but attempted murder or suicide death by idiocy. A: Splitting lanes is only legal when traffic is moving 40 miles per hour or slower. 51. - The road has 2 or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. This is illegal in Oregon and can be dangerous. However, motorcycles can share a lane or. Lane splitting by a motorcyclist can lead to a misdemeanor charge in Illinois. Lane splitting is a gray area in many US states. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the. For instance, it’s legal in California but illegal in some other states. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. The latter refers to two motorcycles ridden side-by-side within a lane. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. The Risks of Lane Splitting. editor Updated: Jan 25, 2023, 3:02am Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. C. Lane filtering is legal in Utah anywhere the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. The Senate version of Faison's bill has been referred to the Transportation and. From La. Lane splitting in California was never illegal, but AB 51 was signed into law that officially made California lane splitting legal and sanctioned. If you stay within 30-45 miles of the coast, the weather is pretty temperate. FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. C. 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. In his former life, he ran companies with recognizable brand names. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. 209 articles 2-4, which read: (2) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. States Where Lane Splitting is Legal As of 2022, California is the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. Who we are; Warehouse Locations; Join our TeamQ: Lane splitting is technically legal for motorcyclists in California, but the way it is done is often not legal. Even the government states that it “does not allow or prohibit” lane splitting. The California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. Alaska requires the operator of any motorcycle with an engine displacement of 50cc or more to have a Class M1or M3 license in addition to the regular license. The details of the law are outlined below, in our original piece from when the Arizona state legislature signed this bill into law in March, 2022. . Lane-splitting is illegal but lane-sharing by 2 scooters seems to be ignored by most law enforcement. What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving traffic. Motorcycle Laws. state that expressly allows lane splitting in its laws is California. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. There are a few reasons why lane splitting is legal in some states. Only a handful of states don’t have laws against lane-splitting!” NO, this is looking at different data. This is generally done in areas of high congestion when traffic is slow-moving or completely stopped. Florida Statute 316. Though North Carolina law does not specifically prohibit lane splitting, the. 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. By allowing motorcycles and scooters to move between the lanes, it allows other vehicles to continue moving at a faster pace. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not. We also serve in Edgefield County, SC. Even more troubling is the fact that 7 percent of respondents admitted that they have actively taken steps to try to prevent a lane-splitting motorcyclist from passing. Some people believe that lane splitting is legal in Mississippi, while others believe that it is not. 1. thePunisher1220 Z 400 •. G. Driver Negligence. Legislation was introduced in 2017 to make lane splitting legal in. Lane splitting, also called lane sharing or white lining, is when a motorcyclist maneuvers their bike between lanes or rows of unmoving or barely moving vehicles that are heading the same way. The M1 license is valid for all sizes and is available only to individuals who are 16 years of age or older. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. “Lane splitting” or “lane filtering” will be legal in Montana beginning Oct. Time. Section 21658. Then it was lagalised with specific verbiage in the vehicle code. Riding between marked lanes of traffic allows them to get to the front of the line. These states have laws that specifically detail when and where lane splitting is acceptable. If passed, Senate Bill 422 would make it legal for a motorcycle or moped to lane split under certain circumstances. These rules often change and adapt, and a lawyer can help guide you to ensure your legal safety. A distracted driver is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle Lane Splitting (AB 51, Quirk): This law defines “lane splitting” as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Here is a COMPLETE guide go lane splitting legal states containing AZ & Montanan + federal in each state. June 5, 2022. Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill in March to make allows drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not greater than 20 miles per hour, in order to “filter” between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same. 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. In some states, it is not explicitly illegal while in others, like Tennessee, it is banned under state law. Violation of this law may result in fines and penalties assessed by law enforcement. 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. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. It became legal in January 2017 [1]. Lane filtering is allowed in Arizona, but only in certain conditions. These fears have led the vast majority of states to ban lane splitting. Alaska. The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Motorcycle Laws makes it clear that lane splitting is illegal. Lane splitting is illegal in Texas, while most states have no laws expressly forbidding it. Coastal SoCal, from the border to Monterey, has probably the best year-round climate for riding roads. Lane splitting, also known as lane sharing, is a practice that was officially legalized in California in August 2016. There are no legal speed limits applying to lane sharing or lane-splitting (for example, 40 mph). A summary of current state laws specific to lane splitting and lane filtering. 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. [1] [2] It is sometimes called whitelining, or. 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. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. Lane splitting is not legal in the United States (in most states), that being said, there are some exceptions. Tamir Rise of US Berkeley, Safe Transportation Research & Education Center (SafeTrec). Lane splitting is where you can ride between vehicles that are moving slowly or are stationary. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. It is legal only in a limited number of states. Currently, Nevada gives lane splitters a $190 fine. While lane splitting can help alleviate traffic congestion and make the. The Cons of Lane Splitting. However, there are four more states- Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah where lane filtering is allowed with certain restrictions. com has all the information you need to get on the road and stay on the road. 185. Utah and Montana allow motorcycles to do something similar to lane splitting in very restricted conditions. The Utah-specific laws for lane splitting are: - The speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less. The passage of Senate Bill 1273, sponsored by Sen. The lane-splitting law does not permit motorcyclists to ride on the shoulder of the road or to share a lane with a large vehicle such as a semi-truck or a motorhome. Yes, lane splitting does in fact save a lot of time from getting stuck in the long, continuous hours of traffic. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal riding practices in Georgia, as they put riders at risk of injury and increase the. app!Feb 13, 2023 at 1:00pm ET. minimum coverage in Hawaii. lane splitting was not legalized by California, but rather by removing the law prohibiting it from the state constitution. As per the law, lane splitting is allowed as long as it is done in a careful manner. I quick look Alaska is not, its specifically banned. . State lawmakers, twice. "A. A. 209 (3) (4) states only two motorcycles can share a lane. Alaska driving laws require motorcycle helmets all underage riders and all passengers. Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. Filtering refers to when a motorcycle travels to the front of stopped traffic,. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio. The law now puts the state in the company of California, Utah, and Montana. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on both divided and undivided streets, roads, or highways. 937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140. 880 21st ave n. Lane splitting, also called lane sharing or white lining, is when a motorcyclist maneuvers their bike between lanes or rows of unmoving or barely moving vehicles that are heading the same way. Lane Splitting Is Illegal. According to the American Motorcyclist Association, lane splitting is when a motorcycle passes between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. California currently allows lane splitting under different circumstances than Oregon’s law, and Montana recently passed a bill of its own. . Lane splitting, or "filtering", is legal in all European countries except Germany (where it is legal only in stationary traffic). A: Currently, lane splitting is only legal in eight states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. We would like to have additional research to provide information about the safety or dangers of lane splitting. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle in between two traffic lanes moving in the same direction, usually on the white dashes that divide the lanes. As a motorcyclist, you are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the surrounding traffic. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. Georgia’s Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code §40-6-312 states that motorcyclists cannot operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or adjacent rows or lines of traffic. In California, lane splitting is prohibited near freeway exits and onramps. (COLORADO) – The Colorado State Patrol is sending a clear reminder to motorcycle riders that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. Here are three ways lane splitting helps both drivers and motorcyclists. Lane Splitting Rules of the Road. Several states have already legalized lane splitting or filtering, while it is banned under state law in Tennessee. Proponents said the bill was a compromise from past attempts to legalize lane splitting in Oregon and drew a distinction between the proposal and the law in California, where riders can travel in. Skip to content. Lane splitting, which is often referred to as traffic filtering or white lining, is the act of driving a motorcycle in between two lanes of traffic.