Why are motorcycles allowed to lane split?

Lane splitting helps with traffic congestion, increases rider safety and helps motorcyclists avoid overheating. It also gives an escape route to avoid rear ending. Simply, motorcyclists lane split to get places faster and it’s just one of the benefits of riding a motorcycle.

Why might it be safer for a motorcycle to ride between lanes instead of riding behind a vehicle?

Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. This allows riders to save time, bypassing traffic congestion, and may also be safer than stopping behind stationary vehicles.

Why do motorcyclists filter through traffic?

The intent of filtering is to allow motorcyclists to make progress through slow-moving or stationary traffic. Motorcyclists are safest when travelling within a speed they can stop at quickly if something goes wrong and not too much faster than the vehicles they are overtaking.

Why is lane splitting safer?

Some may wonder how motorcycles weaving through traffic could possibly make the roadways safer. For example, lane filtering reduces the risk of a rider being hit from behind while stopped in traffic. Lane splitting places the motorcycle into a more secure area that is created between two larger vehicles.

Is filtering illegal?

Filtering, as an act, is legal and if you do it safely the police should not stop you. Filtering in an unsafe manner is illegal, however that very much depends on the speed of the traffic you are filtering past and the speed at which you pass them. Filtering is also illegal in a no overtaking zone.

In what states is lane splitting legal?

Currently only one state in the US allows lane splitting. Utah, Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut are considering lane sharing laws in their state legislatures, but none of these laws are on the books yet. As of August 19th, 2016, lane splitting is officially legal in California.

Are bikers allowed to lane split?

Messages for Other Vehicle Drivers Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal.