There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. After being signed by the governor, it went into effect on May 14, 2019. Once passed, this law will allow lane-filtering events at red lights as long as the cars are stationary. Here’s the actual provision of the California Vehicle Code (CVC): 21658. Lane filtering is one other manoeuvre that usually will get confused with lane splitting. Reply. There's a reason why Cali doesnt have a starkly larger rate of accidents per bikes on the road than other states despite having complete and totally legal lane splitting. After the whole weed thing, I view CO as a progressive law state. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. The rider may travel no more than 20 mph – it’s not. A study into safety concerns was ordered. November 9, 2021 / 2:07 PM MST / CBS Colorado AURORA, Colo. When traffic is at a standstill, but motorcycles keep moving, that is a different practice called “filtering. The 2016 rule allows motorcycles to travel between lanes at speeds up to 10 mph, provided that traffic is moving at 30 mph or less. Lane splitting is legal in California and very much a part of the culture out there. Its not legal for them to lane-split with moving traffic at that speed. In this section, we will discuss some safety tips for lane splitting in Colorado to help riders make informed decisions and minimize the risks involved. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. Lane-splitting is currently illegal in Maryland. Rep. 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. e. [64] [65] California is not the only state for which there is no traffic law that explicitly prohibits lane splitting, [43] [45] [66] [67] but officials rely on other laws. The remaining thirty seven states and Washington D. ”. The latter refers to two motorcycles ridden side-by-side within a lane. 4 percent versus 15. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs. Arizona. In 2015 the University of California at…In the past, lane splitting was not specifically addressed by New Jersey law. Twelve other states don't have any laws on lane splitting, where the practice isn't technically legal or illegal. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. In 2016, lane-splitting was made explicitly legal. . Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. California legalized lane splitting by motorcycles in 2017. See full list on fanglawfirm. 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. And no, lane splitting is not legal in Illinois. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. This has been an uphill battle for many reasons, and currently, there’s no push for lane splitting to be made legal in Pennsylvania. A new bill would establish a feasibility study as a potential first step in reconsidering state law. Lane-splitting laws should be nothing for these people. Not specifically prohibited in state law. states. What Is Lane Splitting? Lane splitting happens when a biker travels in at least two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction and rides between slow-moving or stopped vehicles to get ahead. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1503, motorcyclists must follow the same rules and regulations as other vehicles on the road, which includes not riding between lanes or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting must be done at a speed that respects posted speed limits and. The law provides that a motorcyclist is entitled to full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle is allowed to deprive the motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Skip to main. The. California was the first state to adopt a rule to allow lane splitting with motorcycles. Lane filtering is legal in Utah and Montana under specific circumstances (like a red light). In short, no. As of the time of writing, lane splitting is not legally recognized in Florida according to Florida Statute 316. There, motorcyclists can lane split, with a recommendation to not split lanes over 30 mph. In California, motorcycles cannot exceed ten mph above the speed of surrounding traffic when lane splitting. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them to ensure you’re lane. Lane splitting is illegal in Nevada under NRS 486. Florida Statute 316. DUI laws in Colorado. 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. However, since splitting lanes is not preferred, is it really worth the risk? Although due to safety concerns. ColoradoLane splitting is outlawed in 49 states in the United States. 2023 Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? - Motorcycle Laws CO Discuss your legal options with the help of a seasoned attorney following a motorcycle accident,. (1) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. Lane Splitting: Effective January 1, 2017, section 21658. In fact, lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, and you can face fines and other penalties if a police officer catches you weaving between traffic. Nonetheless, lane splitting may be dangerous. Most major cities in PA are trying to improve pedestrian and bicycle travel rather than motorcycle. 2. 1. You knowingly break the law whenever you split lanes. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. Learn more about the legality of lane splitting in Georgia and other essential motorcycle laws. It's not mentioned anywhere in the rules of the road. State law expressly prohibits lane splitting. Traffic Lane Use: Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado. With the increasing popularity of motorcycles as a mode of. Motorcyclists may split a lane of traffic to move past slower-moving vehicles. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. Wondering if lane splitting is legal in Colorado? What Is Not Legal brings you all the information regarding the legality of lane splitting in Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Spring, Aurora, etc. 1, lane splitting is driving a motorcycle with two wheels touching the ground between moving or stopped vehicles that are in the same lane. Obviously, the point of this is only being able to do it during slow traffic. Lane splitting, when defined as a cyclist riding on the line in between two lanes or rows of traffic, is illegal in Colorado, as it is in most U. This spot is referred to as the left or right “tire track. 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. Lane splitting is a term to describe a motorcycle passing between lanes of adjacent slower-moving traffic. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. You should not lane split near on-ramps or exits. Lane splitting in Utah. Motorcyclists must also keep a safe distance. , although many motorcyclists do it anyway. K. What is Lane Splitting? Is it Legal in Colorado? Lane splitting is the act of a motorcycle rider moving between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. The Colorado State Patrol is reminding motorcycle riders in our state that lane splitting is illegal. grab onto another motorcycle or vehicle (i. With safety in mind, the California Highway Patrol wrote educational safety guidelines for lane-splitting after the passage of Assembly Bill 51, which became law on Jan. The new Arizona split lane laws only apply when cars are stopped in the same lane as the motorcycle, despite the fact that the technical definition of lane splitting relates to any biker moving between lanes (independent of the speed of the cars). As of 2023, underSection 545. ” Bill Summary. As of 2022, some states have legalized lane splitting. Furthermore, the only state where it is explicitly legal is California. 209 (3) specifically governs this act. ”. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. states. California has always “allowed” lane splitting, but only formalized this into law in 2016. Lane splitting is illegal in Colorado, but the Colorado State Patrol reminds motorcyclists that sharing a lane or co-riding with another motorcycle is permitted. As of now, lane splitting is not explicitly legal or illegal in Hawaii. The bill would have permitted motorcyclists in slow traffic (moving 5 mph or less) to travel forward. Motorcyclists are required to stay within their designated lanes while riding on public roads and highways. The official pro-lane-splitting bill became active in California on January 1st, 2017. The law fell through but was reintroduced in 2019 as Senate Bill 5254. Presently, Colorado prohibits lane splitting, or passing another vehicle while traveling in the same lane or between rows of vehicles. In the state of Colorado, it is illegal to lane split. Riders are required to move into a separate lane to pass or overtake another vehicle, just like a car would. Motorcycles may filter under 10 miles per hour. In certain places, lane splitting is expressly prohibited. , Ste 668, San Francisco, CA 94104 and at 3140 Chapman St. Safety Concerns: Critics argue that lane splitting can be risky, particularly if riders don’t do it cautiously. In this article, we’ll. Troy Kessler with CSP said. While some. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. People won’t give space and won’t be looking for you in the middle of a lane. Location 1550 Wewatta St 2nd Floor Denver, CO 80202 Phone 720-637-2467 Email [email protected] Get Directions. 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. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. As motorcycle usage becomes more popular, influences from neighboring Utah continue to slowly encourage gradual normalization in some areas. (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. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? A new law may help pave the way A new bill has been presented at the Capitol that may help pave the way for lane splitting in Colorado. California is the only U. Breaking lane-splitting laws in Louisiana can result in fines, traffic citations for reckless driving, jail time, or even more. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. Lane Splitting: As mentioned above, the practice of lane splitting by a motorcyclist is dangerous and illegal. Lane splitting in Colorado is explicitly prohibited and can result in a fine and even points on your license. Lane splitting, also known as “filtering,” “white lining,” or “stripe-riding. A rider who is caught lane splitting can be fined. The Complex Legality of Lane Splitting Whether or not lane splitting is legal depends entirely on the state. Lane splitting is only permitted in the state of California. , only California allowed the. Straying from your lane while on a motorcycle into lanes occupied by other vehicles is commonly referred to as “lane splitting. Photo by Kevin Wing. In January 2017, the aptly-named State Senator Jeff Kruse ® introduced Senate Bill 385, which would have allowed lane splitting in Oregon, if the rider was on a roadway marked for at least 50 mph in traffic moving slower than 10 mph. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. There's a motorcycle who does this every morning on Hubbard heading east into downtown. "What's wrong with lane splitting?" I thought as I sat in traffic crawling home yesterday. Here are the definitions of each practice:Splitting lanes when traffic slows down is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. Moved to Colorado in 2017 and still do some filtering. In California, lane splitting is prohibited near freeway exits and onramps. com. In response to California’s AB-51, lane splitting is outlined as “a motorbike. However, this was never passed and no further legislation has since been heard making the issue, as of now, settled. No. 4 percent versus 15. Statistics show fewer motorcyclist get hurt in areas where lane-splitting is legal. Lane filtering is not legal in Colorado. At the time of writing, lane splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, just as it is in most other U. Lane splitting, when defined as a cyclist riding on the line in between two lanes or rows of traffic, is illegal in Colorado, as it is in most U. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Montana. Lane splitting may be illegal in Illinois, but motorcyclists have certain rights on the road that protect them from blame if a collision occurs. Lane splitting is currently only legal in California, while filtering is not specifically addressed by any state laws. In motorcycle lane-filtering, a motorcyclist who is stopped at the rear of two lanes full of vehicles may. According to the Colorado General Assembly, under current law, if you are riding a motorcycle, you can’t overtake or pass a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between rows of motor vehicle. However, there’s a notable distinction. For many motorcycle riders in Texas, lane splitting remains a lofty wish as it is currently illegal (2023). Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic on a roadway. However, motorcycles can share a lane or ‘co-ride’ with one other motorcycle. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. Other states are expected to pass lane splitting laws in the future. The law explicitly states that it is illegal to lane split or lane share with cars and that riders are not allowed to pass or. Here’s the long answer – there is no speed limit just for lane-splitting. thePunisher1220 Z 400 •. 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. Other states have tried to pass lane filtering laws since then, with limited success. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. Riders are required to move into a separate lane to pass or overtake another vehicle, just like a car would. These states have laws that specifically detail when and where lane splitting is acceptable. Vehicles and Traffic § 42-4-1007. Some argue that it can help alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety for motorcyclists. Lane splitting is not legal in the United States (in most states), that being said, there are some exceptions. The only kind of legal lane splitting in Colorado is when the splitting involves two motorcycles using the same lane. Lane Splitting is illegal in the rest of the country, including the Mitten State. Washington. Lane filtering is legal in Utah anywhere the posted speed limit is 45 mph or less. 1. I have some questions and comments about this. In 2016, Colorado lawmakers proposed a bill to make the practice legal in the state, in limited situations. Whether or not lane splitting was involved, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident at no. What Is Not Legal brings you all the information regarding the legality of lane splitting in Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Spring, Aurora, etc. In Utah, lane splitting and filtering is allowed when traffic is moving between 0 and 15 miles per hour. Since California’s move to make the law neutral, Colorado has only seen one proposed lane-splitting bill. The state does not have a specific law that addresses lane splitting, leaving room for. You can consider it legal as there has been no mention of lane splitting in the Arkansas law. It’s going to take a while before a new population is aware of a new lanesplitting law. Drivers would become aware, courteous of riders and traffic would ease. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. Troy Kessler with CSP said. Lane filtering is not legal in Colorado. Lane Splitting Controversies. In Washington, lane splitting is currently illegal, but the state introduced a bill in 2015 to change that. Some motorcyclists engage in lane splitting to circumvent traffic, which can often frustrate drivers of passenger cars and large trucks. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist drives between lanes of slower-moving traffic. How a Motorcyclist Can Avoid Injury on the Road. Lane splitting is still prohibited in Arizona as of 2022. A motorcyclist may use lane filtering. Passing legislation to permit lane splitting may be the easiest part of the process. Under the legislation, motorcyclists would be able to use lane-splitting on roads with speed limits of less than 45 mph. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. While lane splitting occurs more often with motorcycles, it is also illegal to lane split in a car or any other motor vehicle. California is the only state in America to make white lining legal officially. Lane splitting is a practice some bicycle and motorcycle riders engage in. I follow the CA rules about lane filtering. S. Ron Weinberg, R-Loveland, has introduced a bill that would require the Colorado Department of Transportation to work with the Colorado State Patrol to do a feasibility study of permitting lane splitting. Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of cars that are driving in the same direction–this maneuver is illegal in Colorado. 60. Colorado Motorcycle Road Laws. No, lane splitting in Pennsylvania is not allowed. However, even there the laws could be about to change with a new bill allowing lane filtering only when traffic is travelling 30mph (48km/h) or less and riders can only filter at 10mph (16km/h) faster than surrounding traffic. California recommends only splitting lanes when traffic is slow, and you keep your speed within 10 mph of surrounding traffic. Lane Splitting Laws in Texas. ”. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida. com. C. It's legal here, but you still have the squids going far above the filtering speed limit, as if ghe cars around them don't exist. So even if you do split lanes in Arkansas, you can get away with it. They are:For the time being, lane splitting is illegal in the state of Florida. ”. Under the terms of this amendment, both lane. This covers every potential use of lane splitting on roads or highways throughout the state. Posted on: May 5, 2023. no chance of getting hit. The Utah-specific laws for lane splitting are: - The speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less. ” So, yes, it is illegal. states. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. S. It is controversial, and its legality varies from place to place. Read our blog to learn if lane splitting is legal in Colorado. I know it's not legal in. 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. Lane splitting is illegal in most states, but is common in California. Motorcyclists can co-ride in a lane with one other motorcycle. The Colorado State Patrol said lane splitting is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives between two rows of vehicles traveling in the same direction. The legality of lane splitting varies greatly across the United States. While you might see a motorcyclist lane splitting in traffic, it is actually illegal in our. In Georgia, lane splitting is considered reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor offense that can result in up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and the suspension of your license. Number 2 Lane). To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. Instead, HB 23-1059 seeks to fund a feasibility study to determine what a safe lane splitting law for Coloradans might look like. Lane splitting laws vary across different states in the United States. However, this does not mean that it is completely legal. For instance, Colorado is considering a law to study the viability of lane splitting, and Arizona's law legalizing lane filtering was passed just recently in 2022. ”Stipulations in Texas Laws Regarding Lane Splitting. What it did show, is that you're a salty driver that hate people that pass you up. This means it is never legal on the freeway. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is explicitly prohibited in Colorado, and the chances for legalization appear dim. LEGAL TERMS; IS iT LEGAL? BLOG; ABOUT US. Motorcycle lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorbike between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. In Texas motorcycle riders are not allowed to split lanes in any situation. This maneuver is especially used when traffic is moving. Lane splitting is not currently legal in Colorado. The short answer is no, Colorado law forbids lane splitting for all drivers. Splitting is good for both bikers and drivers. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. Lane splitting also puts. I will continue at a level. Straddling a line means driving over a marked line as opposed to driving in between two marked lines. Keep in mind that lane-splitting is not synonymous with lane sharing. A. Lane Splitting is one of the most controversial issues in the motorcycle world. This can, in some cases, improve the flow of traffic. Lane splitting is legal in California, Oregon, and Washington. The road must have two or more adjacent lanes of traffic that travel in the same direction. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? [ANSWERED 2023] by E. Not saying that to keep you from making your own choices, but don't snivel if you get a ticket. While a new bill seeks to fund a feasibility study to reopen the question, only time will tell if […]Under current law, the driver of a motorcycle is prohibited from overtaking or passing a motor vehicle by driving in the same lane as the motor vehicle or between rows of motor vehicles, a practice known as “lane splitting. While lane-splitting is currently illegal in Colorado, Christopher Nicolaysen, a motorcycle accident attorney with Springs Law Group in Colorado Springs, says that passing the bill could mean both. This is a maneuver that is illegal in most US states, including Colorado, due to safety concerns. Lane splitting is where you split two lanes of traffic going in the same direction. Earlier this year, Colorado lawmakers introduced proposed legislation to commission a study on the potential benefits of lane splitting. S. According to the Colorado Motorcycle Operator’s Handbook, it is also illegal for a motorcycle rider to pass or overtake a vehicle in the same lane as is sharing a lane with cars. In 12 other states, including Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Missouri, Ohio. Injury rates leap up in all categories when both of these conditions are violated. —. Currently, California is the only state that allows lane-splitting, and even then, it’s only allowed under certain circumstances. Guidelines for safe lane splitting, suggest riders should not exceed 10 mph faster than surrounding traffic and avoid splitting lanes. Utah officially. According to Code O. Currently, California is the only state in the country where lane splitting is legal. However, Utah and Montana have restricted laws regarding lane splitting. Image Credit: motorcycle. The Current and Future State of Lane Splitting in Colorado. Several other states have proposed legislation to make it. 1 defines lane splitting “as driving a motorcycle. It is a practice that has long been a point of contention among drivers, motorcyclists, and lawmakers alike. In short, no. The short answer is no, Colorado law forbids lane splitting for all drivers. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co-ride" with one other motorcycle. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make lane splitting legal. ”. ”. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. A: Lane sharing is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction at the same time are in the same lane. 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. It isn’t allowed on freeways. In 2016, the Colorado House Committee rejected a bill introduced by Rep. One such law is Colorado’s left lane passing law. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rides between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic that is moving in the same direction. States without laws regarding lane splitting or filtering include: Washington DC also does not have laws pertaining to lane splitting. Jan 31, 2023. ABOUT US; CONTACT US; PRIVACY POLICY; TERMS OF SERVICE; Menu. I understand the main reason was for air cooling bikes that couldn’t stand still in queues like cars. There are various labels for. 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. There is no law in CA that states "how many vehicles per lane". A commonly asked question among motorcyclists is whether or not lane splitting is legal in Colorado. A. Lane splitting is not allowed in Pennsylvania. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. State law also prohibits passing or overtaking a. Wondering if lane splitting is legal in Colorado? What Is Not Legal brings you all the information regarding the legality of lane splitting in Colorado, Denver,. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. Per Illinois statute 625 ILCS §5/11-703 (c), any person operating a two-wheeled vehicle such as a motorcycle, moped, or. Motorcyclists caught lane-splitting may face fines, points on their license. Gordon Klingenschmitt (R-15. Allegations of lane splitting in Florida motorcycle accident claims. Most automobile driving laws are similar for motorcyclists; however, there are a few exceptions that pertain only to motorcycles, as cars couldn’t physically perform these actions due to size. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Colorado? A new law may help pave the way A new bill has been presented at the Capitol that may help pave the way for lane splitting in Colorado. . The Colorado State Patrol said lane splitting is a traffic maneuver in which a motorcyclist drives. The charges are elevated to a Class 3 felony if the act of lane splitting causes an accident that leaves another person with a bodily injury. Splitting lanes reduces the amount of space both the motorcyclist and the motorist have in their lane for reacting to maneuvers made by other. In California, former Gov. It is not legal for a motorcycle to share a lane with a car or truck. What is lane splitting? Lane splitting, also known as white-lining or stripe riding, is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. Motorcycle riders can only lane-split when traffic is moving at 50 miles per hour or slower. However, the law does allow two motorcyclists to ride side by side in the same lane. Greg Gianforte’s signature on a bill legalizing filtering of motorcycles under certain. Lane splitting has always been legal in New Zealand. MESSAGES FOR OTHER VEHICLES Lane splitting by motorcyclists is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner. Who we are; Warehouse Branch; Meet our Team; FAQ; Helpful Links;Understanding Lane Splitting in California. Lane splitting is legal in some states and illegal in others. 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. No, absolutely do not "send it" between cars. “When accidents occur from lane splitting, the motorcyclist will be on the losing side,” Sgt. “A motorcyclist being able to go in between cars when traffic is less than 40. Regulations from the Colorado Department of Transportation make it clear that lane-splitting is illegal, as is a motorcyclist sharing a lane with a car. However, it is legal to split a lane with a fellow motorbike rider. To be clear, this bill does not, in and of itself, seek to make. In lane sharing, you’re allowing other traffic to use the unused portion of a lane. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. Riders do this to save time or to bypass traffic congestion. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co. C. state for which official statements state that lane splitting, when done safely, is legal. (2. States Where Lane Splitting Is Illegal. Colorado tried to pass a bill in 2016 enabling the traffic move in the state, but the measure failed in an 8-5 vote, despite overwhelming support from the biking community. However, in Colorado, lane splitting is illegal. State law permits motorcycles to move between stopped vehicles on roads with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. Currently, there’s only one place in the United States where lane splitting is legal for motorcycles—and that’s California. Lane splitting, or the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, is a controversial topic. The motorcyclist must be:. Currently reconsidering its state laws governing lane splitting. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. It is not advisable to lane split when traffic flow is at 30 mph or faster - danger increases as overall speed increases. (CBS4) - A.