com New Hampshire. While there are states that explicitly prohibit this action, in others, it’s up. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. Lane-sharing or lane-splitting rules vary by state. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. ” (California law AB-51, according to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation ). Lane splitting is illegal in New Hampshire, and motorcyclists aren’t permitted to ride more than two abreast in a single lane of traffic. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. According to Wisconsin law, every motorist, of either a car or motorcycle, is allowed full access to their lane without being impeded by another motorist. Under New Hampshire state law, motor vehicles also. However, lane splitting is a somewhat confusing legal subject in North Carolina. 9 allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not. Lane-splitting is the practice of motorcycles riding in between lanes of moving or still traffic on busy freeways and highways. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. 20, no rider is permitted to go between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. 3. This didn't explain why it should be illegal. All of the traffic laws that regulate typical overtaking apply even when lane splitting, notably it cannot be done in places where overtaking is forbidden by the lane markings (double center line) or other traffic signs, a vehicle (even single-track) cannot drive on the center line itself and has to keep a safe distance from other road users. Notwithstanding RSA 231:59 or any other provision of law, a town may raise and appropriate, and the selectmen may expend, money for the repair of any class VI highway or private way which has been declared an. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. As such, many motorcyclists think. TAMPA/St. Image Credit: motorcycle. As of 2022, lane splitting and lane filtering are both against the law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Tea stop conversations start the same type of debate that rages when discussing crossing a solid white line to pass queuing. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. With more than 30 years of. . Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. Lane splitting is considered legal for motorcycles in certain circumstances. The state does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. Lane splitting is not particularly legal in the United States. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. D. S. 8 Prior to this change, California law did not explicitly prohibit lane-splitting (personal communications, January 2022). 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 LEGAL DEFINITION OF LANE SPLITTING. Regardless of its commonality, lane splitting is unsafe and illegal — and lane splitting without knowing the implications can be dangerous. ”Here’s the long answer – there is no speed limit just for lane-splitting. S. Read in NewsBreak. As a motorcyclist, it is important to know the laws on lane splitting in your state. Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is the process of riding a motorcycle or bicycle between the lanes of traffic on a highway. There is a two-point penalty for driving between lanes in New York. As of January 13, 2020, it has retained its current status andcan still be passed. Lane Splitting Rules of the Road. G. Statistics show fewer motorcyclist get hurt in areas where lane-splitting is legal. The other vehicles must be fully stopped, and you can’t go any faster than 45. Lane sharing generally refers to two motorcyclists sharing space in the. 4. It allows riders to ride. As easy as it may be for motorcycle enthusiasts, lane splitting is not legal on Massachusetts roadways. ” In either case, these practices are illegal in New Hampshire. As Section 265:121 explains: “ No person. A: Lane sharing is often confused with lane splitting, as the term can imply something similar. It’s ideal for lane splitting, but you don’t want to try it! The Florida legislature really doesn’t like lane-splitting. (Photo courtesy of the AMA) S. northeast. Even though motorcyclists can travel side by side, most riders stick to a single lane. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. . There are a few "guidelines" the CHP put out. Problems include lane splitting above 30 mph, using no signal, making unsafe lane. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. Lane-splitting is common (and frankly tolerated) in the. Motorcyclists are required to stay within their designated lanes while riding on public roads and highways. States Where Lane Splitting Is Illegal. The survey revealed that approximately 87 percent of motorcycle riders in California engage in lane-splitting. California was one of the first states to embrace lane-splitting even before it was legalized; motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. Several states have already voted to allow some form of lane splitting, filtering, or shoulder. C. ”. Jan 31, 2023. app!Even in California, not every form of lane splitting is legal. The American Motorcyclist Association, an advocacy group that represents more than 200,000 motorcyclists nationwide, supports lane-splitting and is working to make it legal in other states. 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. -google 10-09-2023. If you ride a motorcycle or scooter, you may have taken advantage of your vehicle’s slimmer profile to ride between slow or stopped cars. To schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your case, call us at 212-681-2535. Since lane splitting is illegal in the state of Wisconsin, a motorcyclist who violates the laws in this manner may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from an accident. Oklahoma. So when an accident occurs due to lane splitting, how it is handled may depend on the officer that arrives at the scene. Florida Statute 316. gov -. Doing so may result in a moving violation. 19, the governor signed Assembly Bill 51, which formally defines lane splittingand makes California the first state to formally make lane-splitting legal. IC § 9-21-10-6 makes lane splitting in Indiana illegal. Check Out Current New Hampshire State Motorcycle Laws, including up-to-date info about Lemon Laws, Helmet Laws, Eye Protection, Turn Signals, and Minimum Operator Age. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. Maine prohibits lane splitting (moving between lanes of traffic), with fines ranging from $100-$500 and potential license suspension. When done between vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, it is called “lane filtering. S. In Germany, for example, lane splitting moving traffic is prohibited, but slowly moving between lanes of stopped vehicles (“filtering”) is tolerated, though not expressly allowed. "A. A. Lane splitting is illegal in Wisconsin. Here the people cannot drive their cars between rows of slow. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 51 into law in California, which officially made lane splitting’s status legal. The 2016 law known as AB 51 established lane splitting as something that state transportation authorities could regulate, and the California Highway Patrol developed official lane splitting guidelines two years later. Now, however, the practice is explicitly banned. Nowadays, this lane splitting is in the practice of riding a motorcycle, bicycle, or other two-wheeled vehicles available in the market. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law statute. Lane splitting, or "filtering", is legal in all European countries except Germany (where it is legal only in stationary traffic). As such, many motorcyclists think. state where zipping between lanes of cars on a motorcycle is legal. This is also known as “threading the needle. Learn More. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. ”. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Facebook Twitter. It is legal only in a limited number of states. Maximum Sound Level - Max sound level of no more than 106dBA when measured 20" from the exhaust pipe at a 45 degree angle; NH 266:59 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. California is the only state in which lane splitting is legal. S. Be aware that lane splitting in New Hampshire is illegal under NH 265:121. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. Georgia is a comparative negligence state for motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents ( O. The rider may travel no more than 20 mph – it’s not. The second type happens when a motorcycle rides between two lanes – often on the. Régis Guyot, a prefect (state official) said, “It seems preferable to acknowledge [lane. According to the American Motorcyclist Association's website, every state except California bans the practice of lane splitting. Helmet Speakers - No Restrictions Lane Splitting - Not authorized; NH 265:121. 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 state’s law was modeled after California law which defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Lane splitting is currently legal in California, making it the only state in the country to do so. Lane splitting is strongly discouraged when the traffic flow exceeds thirty miles per hour. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. 2-857, A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives any motor vehicle so as to be abreast of another vehicle in a lane designed for one. Local Office. Legal Complexities: The legality of lane splitting varies broadly. It’s hard to believe that lane splitting in Texas is illegal when motorcycle riders always do it. Our Indiana-based firm can help you through a difficult situation. California is the only state in the USA where lane splitting is legal. Lane splitting is the practice of maneuvering a motorcycle between marked lanes of slower-moving vehicles. Lane filtering, which is lane splitting when traffic is stopped or at a slow rate of speed, is also illegal in. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. 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 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. Given the current trends in Pennsylvania traffic laws, it doesn’t look like it will become legal anytime soon. No, they can’t. The bill was named AB-51. Technically, lane splitting is the term for riders who are moving while the traffic around them is also moving. Offenders can face fines, license. It basically boils down to a case-by-case basis. In some places, lane splitting or sharing is allowed, while in others it is illegal. Whitelining Laws across States. Passing legislation to permit lane splitting may be the easiest part of the process. Montana is actually one of many states that don’t really have any laws for or against lane splitting. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. Lane splitting, when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of traffic, is not legal in West Virginia or most of the other states in the US. Section 265:24. Upon a roadway which is divided into 3 lanes and provides for 2-way movement of traffic, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction when such center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for making a left turn or where such. Posted on: May 5, 2023. The situation with lane splitting in Arkansas is a tad bit confusing. Reads 85. Even though motorcyclists can travel side by side, most riders stick to a single lane. , California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. 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. Two states, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania,. Still, motorcyclists are permitted to ride side-by-side in the same lane, as long as the lane is wide enough to do so safely. Splitting isn’t permitted by law, and filtering is mandatory. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. Lane splitting laws are evolving; make sure to look up your local guidelines. Evening and weekend meetings can be arranged upon request. Even when traveling at low speeds, motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries. today at 317-720-3229 for a FREE case review. In a study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, researchers examined 6,000 motorcycle crashes and found that 17% of them occurred while a rider was lane splitting. Michael Padway. 1 defines lane splitting “as driving a motorcycle. Some tips for lane splitting safely include: Only doing it when you. According to the state government, lane splitting for motorcycles reduces traffic jams and improves roadway safety. 156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. While many consider the practice to be safe and helpful in reducing congestion, others believe the practice only increases the likelihood of collisions. "Johnson said a WSP lieutenant spotted a motorcyclist lane splitting on northbound State Route 167 Wednesday morning and attempted to stop the rider. Cops and troopers here are pricks to motorcycles and everyone else tbh. Riding on the shoulder is not lane-splitting and is not legal. California is the only state that allows lane splitting on the road. It can be dangerous, requiring advanced riding skills, and can lead to accidents. As such, lane splitting is illegal. 209 makes it clear: “The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken,”. In California, lane-splitting is now formally a recognized and legal activity. First, here’s a little background: On Aug. "Lane splitting up to 40, 50 miles an hour. It is also known as white lining, stripe riding, lane. 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. Contact us today at 1-888-863-7216. Even when traveling at low speeds, motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries. What states don’t have laws making lane splitting legal or illegal? Montana allows lane splitting, but only if traffic is traveling above 20 mph. "In order to address safety concerns, lawmakers this year included a provision to the lane-splitting bill that would make violating the law’s provisions a class A violation, punishable by up to a $2,000 fine. You have enough room to safely lane split. Despite some efforts to legalize it in New Hampshire, the law still prohibits it. See full list on motorbiscuit. Georgia is a comparative negligence state for motor vehicle collisions, including motorcycle accidents ( O. According to the American Motorcyclist Association's website, every state except California bans the practice of lane splitting. Side by side lane sharing is legal in Minnesota, but lane splitting is not. Legal lane splitting moves traffic forward faster, but yes, the way some riders lane split can be perceived as negative. It's legal only in California. 19, the governor signed Assembly Bill 51, which formally defines lane splittingand makes California the first state to formally make lane-splitting legal. Posted in Motorcycle Accident on May 17, 2023. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas The Current Legislation. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more lanes clearly marked for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall. Others say that it is unsafe and exposes motorcyclists to increased risk on the road. Is Lane Splitting Legal in South Carolina? No, lane splitting is not legal in South Carolina. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. It is important to check with your state’s Department. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. gov -. What about left or right hand turns? If there are 2 left turn lanes or 2 right turn lanes, is lane splitting still legal in California? LANE SPLITTING—Defined by California Vehicle Code Section 21658. 4 percent versus 15. 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. , California is the only state where lane splitting is explicitly legal. While many bikers do it anyway, lane splitting in Oklahoma may result in a citation, fine, and points on. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. Many consider the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes in standstill. According to studies, lane splitting can reduce overall traffic congestion by up to 35%. “He hit his lights, tripped the siren. State laws on lane splitting vary greatly in different states. It was neither legal nor explicitly illegal as it is now. March 6, 2015 4:52 pm ET. Lane splitting is a riding technique where a motorcyclist rides between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. Some riders filter to the front of traffic at stoplights while. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. (a) For the purposes of this section, “lane splitting” means 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. WSJ rides along with. Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal riding practices in Georgia, as they put riders at risk of injury and increase the. Section 265:121 explains: “no person shall drive a motorcycle on a roadway between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcycle riders, even though it is not always legal. According to Code O. This is when a motorcycle drives between two vehicles, splitting two different travel lanes in order to pass them. Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws; Motorcycle Lane Splitting Guidelines; Contact a Motorcycle Attorney. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. What NC law says about lane splitting. Laws Surrounding Motorcycle Lane Splitting in Texas. Lane splitting is a term to describe a motorcycle passing between lanes of adjacent slower-moving traffic. The 2016 law known as AB 51 established lane splitting as something that state transportation authorities could regulate, and the California Highway Patrol developed official lane splitting guidelines two years later. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, which can help them avoid being hit from behind by another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic or other precarious traffic situations. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. From La. By Kira, 2023-07-20. 060 stipulates that all road users must remain within a single. Such repair may include removal of brush, repair of washouts or culverts, or any other work d Twenty-nine states have laws prohibiting lane splitting, though many are reconsidering their stance. Previously, Texas had no laws addressing lane splitting at all. B. Even though motorcyclists can travel side by side, most riders stick to a single lane. Universal Citation: NH Rev Stat § 265:26 (2022) 265:26 Driving on Divided Ways. Last edited by a moderator: Mar 9, 2017. It’s not enforced at all, but the traffic law actually states that during stopped traffic a motorcyclist must filter all the way to the front for higher visibility, and use the designated motorcycle spots. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. 1, 2021. The state defines the practice as “A motorcycle ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane including on. Home;Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. Is Lane Splitting Legal in the UK? When it comes to lane splitting, the legal stance in the UK is quite clear. Call Now (978) 459-3085. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. 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. "In order to address safety concerns, lawmakers this year included a provision to the lane-splitting bill that would make violating the law’s provisions a class A violation, punishable by up to a $2,000 fine. B. Section 265:24. Lane splitting means riding your motorcycle between two vehicles to pass them. Click below for a. Photo by – motor1. Alligator Spotted on Lake Michigan Beach Monday. Two. Washington. This can be two motorcycles or a motorcycle and a car. As a result. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. “It is very safe as long as you are keeping your speed reasonable compared to the surrounding traffic,” said Nick Haris, a lobbyist for the group. Lane sharing is allowed with up to two motorcycles abreast in one lane. Lane splitting has been legal in California since 2016, although there are qualifications. It was neither legal nor explicitly illegal as it is now. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. It is illegal for a car to block you, or swerve into you, etc. The law further restricts the lane splitting to roads with speed limits under 50 mph thus eliminating the ability to do this on any Utah interstate. Avoid lane splitting around large vehicles such as commercial trucks and motorhomes. Committee recommended, and a house voice vote concurred, that is was "Inexpedient to Legislate". In the US, motorcycles must follow the same road rules as other vehicles. For the time being, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Florida. In 2013, a study also found that lane-splitting is practiced by 36% of California Motorcyclists. Virginia. 51 was signed by the governor of California, thus making lane splitting explicitly legal in the state. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. 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. When traffic is at a standstill, but motorcycles keep moving, that is a different practice called “filtering. This means that if you’re caught lane splitting, you could be hit with a fine of up to $50. "The practical reality is that it will only increase the incidents of motorcycles and lane splitting in general traffic conditions," said Jarvis. But it a cop doesn’t care, then there’s no enforcement. Hawaii. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. Known as “lane splitting,” this riding technique is actually illegal throughout New York. DUI laws in Maine apply to motorcyclists. For the other 49 states, the act of lane splitting is either fully illegal, or no clear legislation on the matter currently exists. Lane splitting is illegal in. Since lane filtering is now legal in Arizona, you can use this practice to stay safer on the road. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. Once passed, this law will allow lane-filtering events at red lights as long as the cars are stationary. An attorney at Ernst Law Group can protect your rights. In most states, including Florida, lane-sharing is legal. The offense of unlawful passing on a motorcycle or moped is currently a class B violation that can carry a maximum $1,000 penalty. ”. The washington state legislature passed a law in 2019 making it legal to lane split on motorcycles. In most accounts of lane splitting experiences, people tend to combine splitting and filtering into a single category. that has two wheels in contact with the ground, between rows of stopped or moving. 309-550-7543; Home; Quote; Why Us? Blog; Get; About. All of the traffic laws that regulate typical overtaking apply even when lane splitting, notably it cannot be done in places where overtaking is forbidden by the lane markings (double center line) or other traffic signs, a vehicle (even single-track) cannot drive on the center line itself and has to keep a safe distance from other road users. Motorcyclists must obey the same traffic laws as other motorists, which means they should occupy a full lane, stay in the same direction, and not maneuver between traffic lanes. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. While lane splitting is legal in some countries, it is currently not legal in most states in the US. If lane. Under the legislation, motorcyclists would be able to use lane-splitting on roads with speed limits of less than 45 mph. Neither explicitly legal nor illegal, lane-splitting has had the tacit approval of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles. This legislation update allows motorcyclists to split lanes provided that: The rider. Motorcycle lane splitting is broadly legal in California, and legal in Utah, Arizona and Montana under specific circumstances. This is a confusing one. Lane-splitting is dangerous because: The motorcycle might not be visible to other vehicles who are maneuvering traffic because they’re blocked by another vehicle. In 2018, Hawaii passed House Bill 2859 which authorizes the Department of Transportation to allow two-wheeled motorcycles to drive in designated shoulder lanes with the goal to prevent rear-end. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. Short Answer. Chicago, IL 9 hours ago. So to some degree lane splitting is legal in Montana but with stipulations. The Committee is currently debating the bill. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle. ” Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia? Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles do not take up a whole traffic lane. Section 56-5-3640(c) of the South Carolina Code of Laws specifically states that “motorcyclists are not permitted to operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. That being said, lane splitting is only considered illegal since you cannot find any specific laws that permit or allow motorbike riders to move between automobiles that are within their lanes. Here's what you need to know about state laws regarding lane splitting: Practically Illegal in Most States. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. Lane-Splitting in California. July 13, 2023 Impaired Driver Care Management Programs in New Hampshire. Whenever any roadway has been divided into 2 or more lanes clearly marked for traffic, the following rules in addition to all others consistent herewith shall apply: I. Therefore, motorcyclists and automobiles are advised to use separate lanes as much as possible. In Taiwan, no local traffic laws prohibiting lane splitting for motorcycles. The state forbids lane splitting in Part 1, Title XIV, Chapter 89, Section 4A of its General Laws, saying that vehicle operators must ride entirely in a single lane on any road with two or more lanes. In some states, motorcyclists can navigate around traffic using a technique known as lane splitting. While many motorcyclists ignore this. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. ”. com. Here the people cannot drive their cars between rows of slow. The Maryland 2/3rds of 495 especially is monstrously dangerous for motorcycles already. ago. – I. 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. The current fine for lane splitters is $175. The bill was named AB-51. Although it was never “illegal,” the state of California enacted house bill AB 51 to officially make lane splitting legal. Petersburg. Lane-Splitting in California. Lane splitting is illegal in Michigan, as is lane filtering. Lane splitting is illegal in. 1. In fact, lane splitting is not legal in most states in America. In these states, lane splitting is consideredPros of Lane Splitting. 21658. Currently, there are seven states that are considering legalizing lane splitting or lane. Differences Between Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting. ”. Every motorist, motorcycle or car, is entitled to the width of the lane they’re in. These fears have led the vast majority of states to ban lane splitting. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the left only if that vehicle is. Michigan traffic law. The law is not entirely clear on the practice. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle. Let's forget the fact that lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, as the "brah" wasn't considering any local laws during this run. I miss very few things about CA, and the weather isn't top of the list.