So when an accident occurs due to lane splitting, how it is handled may depend on the officer that arrives at the scene. Passengers in Alaska are not required to wear an age limit, but they are encouraged to wear a helmet and proper footwear. Lane splitting, also known as “white lining” and even “lane filtering” in some regions, is a practice where a motorcyclist rides their bike between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic on a multi-lane road. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. 1. It's legal only in California. S. They smack mirrors, ride dangerously fast in slower traffic, and act with. Lane splitting is not legal in the United States (in most states), that being said, there are some exceptions. After being signed by the governor, it went into effect on May 14, 2019. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. General Provisions. In 31 states, including Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. Petty Traffic Violation Penalties. 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. I can easily see people seeing the suicidal lane splitting and mixing it with filtering. Drivers in the far left lane should move to the left of their lane to give motorcyclists ample room to pass. The following year it reported 18. 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. Lane splitting as defined by the California Vehicle Code Section 21658. While lane splitting occurs more often with motorcycles, it is also illegal to lane split in a car or any other motor vehicle. Currently, lane splitting is illegal in New York. Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. Lane splitting is widely regarded as illegal in Canada. The motorcyclist rides the white line between the lanes of traffic to pass the slower-moving vehicle around them. 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. Though North Carolina law does not specifically prohibit lane splitting, the. In New York it is not completely clear if Lane Splitting (or filtering as you might hear it called) is allowed as there are no specific laws that mention it as either legal or illegal for motorcycle riders. In the United States, lane splitting is illegal in most states, with a few states allowing it with some exceptions. minimum coverage in Hawaii. Since the average lane is only about 12 feet wide, it’s only safe for two motorcycles to share a single lane. In most accounts of lane splitting experiences, people tend to combine splitting and filtering into a single category. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. Pew Charitable Trusts reports that, in recent years, at least 15 states have considered bills that would legalize the practice. Read on to learn more about lane splitting. The decision to outlaw lane splitting for motorcycles and riders is a disappointing oversight of riders' rights and will have little positive impact. Lane-splitting turns road lines into temporary lanes for motorcycles. In his former life, he ran companies with recognizable brand names. Lane splitting by motorcycles has been allowed by California law for nearly two years. Legislation was introduced in 2017 to make lane splitting legal in. 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 effect, this means that motorcyclists cannot ride in between lanes to navigate slow-moving traffic. Conclusion: Know the Laws and Ride Safely. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. The legality of lane splitting varies greatly across the United States. • Lane-splitting causes confusion at intersections. Lane splitting is driving through traffic congestion or slow-moving vehicles in the area between two traffic lanes. In 2016, Governor Edmund G. It’s also called “lane filtering. Time. Motorcyclists are required to stay within their designated lanes while riding on public roads and highways. 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. ”. 309-550-7543; Home; Quote; Why Us? Blog. Legal lane splitting moves traffic forward faster, but yes, the way some riders lane split can be perceived as negative. According to the state government, lane splitting for motorcycles reduces traffic jams and improves roadway safety. I did come across this when looking up the actual law awhile ago, this is the statute verbatim: Lane Splitting 257. Both lane splitting and lane filtering are illegal in SC, but lane sharing is permitted. Colorado: Illegal: Delaware: Illegal: No. Adam Ramirez, J. Failure to. Alaska: Lane splitting is illegal. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. (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. The state is committed to reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads by enforcing laws that are designed for safety. According to CDOT regulations, “passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is prohibited by law in Colorado. In the states not mentioned, lane splitting is completely illegal, and lane-splitting motorcyclists may end up in. Additionally, riders are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the flow of traffic, and if the traffic is moving at more than 30 miles per hour, lane. Lane splitting occurs. If three or more bikers share a lane, it’s illegal. This section of the North Carolina motor vehicle code specifies that vehicles are. You can only ride between lanes of traffic stopped at a light. Montana. No, lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina. 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. 060 states that all road users must remain within a single. The practice is currently illegal in Colorado. In Alabama, the legality of lane splitting and filtering is determined by the state’s traffic laws. The speed limit. This technique, while great for moving through congested areas quickly, is illegal in NYC. S. 827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States. app!Feb 13, 2023 at 1:00pm ET. Splitting lanes in Arkansas, Delaware, Washington, DC, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and West Virginia is not legal, nor is it illegal, but if you do it, you might get a citation. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. Call a Plainfield, IL criminal defense lawyer at 815-666-1285. But that doesn't mean our laws are any clearer! The Ontario Ministry of Transportation states that filtering is “extremely dangerous,” but they make no reference to an actual law. California is one of the only states that permits lane splitting, which is when motorcyclists drive between two lanes of traffic. Co-riding is limited to one other vehicle, so a. Jerry Brown in 2016. 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. state that expressly allows lane splitting in its laws is California. They are: Alabama, Arizona, California. Unlike California, where lane splitting was. ”. AMA Board Chairman Russ Ehnes and Montana lawmakers. If you go much further inland and south of LA, summers can get ridiculously hot, while mountains north of LA can get cold. While lane splitting is legal in some. 185. Short answer: Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan? No, lane splitting or filtering is currently not legal in the state of Michigan. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, state law does not explicitly address lane splitting but prohibits lane sharing. Lane-splitting refers to motorcyclists driving between the traffic lanes to pass slower-moving cars. 2. Technically, lane splitting is the term for riders who are moving while the traffic around them is also moving. 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 does not have any specific laws that address or regulate lane splitting. This practice is illegal in Texas and can land motorcyclists in trouble. Is it legal for motorcycles to split lanes? Lane splitting is not recommended so that accidents may not occur. California currently allows lane splitting under different circumstances than Oregon’s law, and Montana recently passed a bill of its own. California: The only state where lane splitting and lane filtering on multilane roadways are both legal practices. In contrast, when driving on city streets. Despite efforts to legalize the practice, lane splitting is illegal in Texas and lane splitters may be subject to a $175 fine. However, lane filtering and lane splitting are illegal in Georgia. Lane filtering is allowed in Arizona, but only in certain conditions. The lane width is sufficient to allow safe passage. Some argue that lane splitting encourages road rage from drivers who become frustrated when motorcycles pass them while they stay stuck in traffic. Motorcyclists should not exceed 10mph above the flow of. Other states have tried to pass lane filtering laws since then, with limited success. If you ever become involved in a motorcycle accident, a Law Tigers attorney can help. Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent. S. Lane-Splitting in California. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. 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. Lane splitting is where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles at more than 30km/h. Whether or not lane splitting was involved, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident at no. 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. Problems include lane splitting above 30 mph, using no signal, making unsafe lane. 3 min read. The Step-by-Step Guide California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Motorcyclists sometimes use lane splitting to avoid being rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic. A great example is Virginia, which technically has no laws against lane-sharing but has been shown by a lot of online. It involves passing between stopped or slowed lanes of traffic. Here is a COMPLETE guide go lane splitting legal states containing AZ & Montanan + federal in each state. Even the government states that it “does not allow or prohibit” lane splitting. The Texas Transportation Code § 545. ”. The practice has been legal in neighboring California since 2017, where riders are. 1. It's not mentioned anywhere in the rules of the road. (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. Contrary to some media reports, the new Arizona lane filtering law differs from the California lane splitting law. For. 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. If you go much further inland and south of LA, summers can get ridiculously hot, while mountains north of LA can get cold. A great example is Virginia, which technically has no laws against lane-sharing but has been shown by a lot of online. Many riders think Lane splitting is not really lane splitting but attempted murder or suicide death by idiocy. Someday, lane splitting may become legal in Oregon. You should keep up-to-date with your state’s regulations, or any other states that you might plan to driv. 3. OK so, while this doesn't answer your question. Lane splitting is not legal in Texas as of 2023. This practice is common in other states but is legal in only some of them, not including Florida. While it’s a common practice in many states, only California has made this practice legal. The law now puts the state in the company of California, Utah, and Montana. A vehicle could attempt to change lanes while you are improperly passing it, causing a motor vehicle collision which will likely injure you (one of many examples I. This guide will help you break down the. There are no guidelines or specific regulations in place to help. Lane Splitting: The Pros And Cons. Lane filtering is only permitted between stopped traffic. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. 1 states: 191. Contact us today at 1-888-863-7216 to schedule your free consultation. Lane splitting – also referred to as “lane sharing” – was codified on January 1,. Why Is Lane Splitting Illegal? In 2016, the state’s House Committee rejected a bill that would allow lane splitting in certain situations, citing safety concerns regarding the practice. What it did show, is that you're a salty driver that hate people that pass you up. Splitting isn’t permitted by law, and filtering is mandatory. Passengers must also have a footrest. 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. for your bike before you hit the road. 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. TAMPA/St. 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. Lane splitting is outlawed in 49 states in the United States. Even the California Highway Patrol says so. That was California for a long time; it wasn't specifically outlawed. The relevant New York statute states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines. In most cases, motorcycle filtering accidents are the result of an inappropriate speed differential. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. Lane splitting, or "filtering", is legal in all European countries except Germany (where it is legal only in stationary traffic). Virginia legalized this practice in 2012. However, as of January 2020, a new bill was created to make the practice legal. Lane-splitting is illegal in Washington. Lane splitting by a motorcyclist can lead to a misdemeanor charge in Illinois. Lane filtering is technically legal in Arizona as of 2022, but only under certain conditions. We also serve in Edgefield County, SC. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. Put differently, lane splitting involves driving along the dashed line between rows of vehicles, turning it into a temporary, mini-express lane solely for motorcycles. The amendment arose in Texas State. As of 2008, the state Code was revised to include 3-wheelers as motorcycles. B. ” There is a lot of traffic in California, the weather is good, and there are many more motorcycle riders than in. In North America, it’s not as accepted. Lane splitting – also referred to as “lane sharing” – was codified on January 1,. While it might be convenient, lane splitting is illegal in Hawaii and in most other states in the U. I had the piss scared outa me one day: Motor cop bleeped his siren. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps. 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. Here in Springfield, a rider slipped between two moving cars sparking the question. 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. Motorcyclists are significantly less likely to be injured or killed if they're. nope. This didn't explain why it should be illegal. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. Motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Alaska. 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 occurs when a motorcycle rides at any speed between two lanes of stopped traffic. A. This practice is often conflated with lane sharing, which describes two vehicles riding side-by-side in the same lane of traffic. Whether or not a state has official laws against lane-filtering doesn’t really affect local LEO’s perception of it. Lichtenstein. This means the act of lane splitting is neither explicitly legal or illegal. When done between vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, it is called “lane filtering. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Since the volume of freeway traffic in California is higher than in most other states, strategies are necessary to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. gov -. However, motorcycles can share a lane or. Now the California Highway Patrol has issued safety guidelines on the topic — guidelines that apply not. However lane-splitting riders who were involved in collisions were also more than twice as likely to rear-end another vehicle (38. This means that you should not split lanes if. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. Austin is an experienced business leader and passionate rider. Florida Statute 316. Why Is Lane Splitting Legal in California? California’s Vehicle Code specifically permits the practice of lane splitting, which it defines as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. ”Lane filtering/splitting is defined by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as “using or sharing a lane already occupied by one vehicle by another vehicle such as a motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway. Whether or not a state has official laws against lane-filtering doesn’t really affect local LEO’s perception of it. No, lane-splitting is not legal in Las Vegas or anywhere else in the state. The motorcyclist must be: On a road with a speed limit of 45 mph or less, Not going faster than 15 mph, The main difference between lane splitting and lane filtering is the speed of the surrounding vehicles. 309-550-7543; Home; Quote; Why Us? Posted on: May 5, 2023. When it comes to ensuring that motorcyclists are safe on the road, state traffic laws are very important, and New York has several laws in place regarding motorcyclists. Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws. California is the most well-known state when it comes to the legality of lane splitting. It is also known as “white lining” or “striping. Bikes that can’t be easily seen are more likely to get hit. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the left only if that vehicle is. However, it should be avoided for safety. The lack of legislation on this issue leaves room for interpretation and enforcement by law enforcement officers. Oklahoma has some unique motorcycle laws, and failing to obey these laws while in the state can leave you with a ticket, a citation, or even jail time. Then it was lagalised with specific verbiage in the vehicle code. So, there’s not a state law that says no lane splitting or no. It occurs when two motorcycles ride side-by-side within the same lane. states, motorcycle lane splitting is barred in Alabama. The law also states that maneuvering around lanes has to be done safely, which leaves some ambiguity about what exactly constitutes “safe” lane splitting. Lane-splitting is not legal in Florida, in fact, the only U. A summary of current state laws specific to lane splitting and lane filtering. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. Lane splitting — also called stripe-riding or white-lining — is riding a motorcycle between rows of slow-moving cars, bypassing traffic when vehicles are moving in the same direction. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. There are a few reasons why lane splitting is legal in some states. Lane splitting in Utah. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. First things first, it’s crucial to understand that lane splitting is not allowed on any public roadway in Ohio, whether it’s a bustling city street or a wide-open highway. Keep in mind that lane-splitting is not synonymous with lane sharing. 060 states that all road users must remain within a single. In Utah, filtering through traffic is only permitted under certain conditions. The law is clear — lane splitting is not legal in Alabama. There is no specific law addressing lane splitting in Alaska, so the legality of this practice is something of a gray area. Alaska (Anchorage anyway) is the same way, shit happens every year, catches people by surprise every year. States Where Lane Splitting is Legal. (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. 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. A motorcycle may overtake a vehicle on the left only if that vehicle is. The state classifies lane splitting as “lane filtering” and is legal in certain situations. Overtaking and Passing Certain Stationary Vehicles. Lane splitting is outlawed in 49 states in the United States. 3. Here are three ways lane splitting helps both drivers and motorcyclists. This means the act of lane splitting is neither explicitly legal or illegal. If you or a family member was in an accident involving lane splitting in Texas, call an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer at Janicek Law. In the meantime, motorcyclists should avoid the practice for two main reasons: first, because it’s illegal, and second, lane-splitting could affect the outcome of a potential personal injury case. Alaska Arizona Arkansas . A handful of states have legalized lane “splitting” or “filtering” to some degree. In some states, it is not explicitly illegal while in others, like Tennessee, it is banned under state law. Lane splitting is legal no matter whether the road is divided or undivided or whether the traffic is stopped or moving. Given the current trends in Pennsylvania traffic laws, it doesn’t look like it will become legal anytime soon. What is the Anti Lane Splitting Law of 2019? Basically, HB 1419 states that: “Any motorcycle stopping or passing through vehicles during traffic on a broken white line in highways shall likewise be considered as lane splitting. Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of moving traffic heading in the same direction, whereas lane filtering is when a motorcyclist. California Code, Vehicle Code - VEH § 21658. 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. Alabama is also one of a handful of states that follow the doctrine of contributory negligence in personal. If you own and ride a motorcycle, it’s essential to be aware of the fact that motorcycle laws vary from state to state, especially in regards to lane splitting, lane filtering, and lane sharing. The Utah-specific laws for lane splitting are: - The speed limit on the road is 45 mph or less. That was California for a long time; it wasn't specifically outlawed. As a motorcyclist, you are not permitted to travel more than 10 miles per hour faster than the surrounding traffic. Safety Concerns: Critics argue that lane splitting might be dangerous, notably if riders don’t do it cautiously. ”Most motorcyclists refrain from these actions, but collisions still happen even when no lane splitting occurs. This is common in California where motorcycles are allowed to do this as long as. Chapter 73. ”. If you get caught splitting lanes within the state, you could be hit with a traffic ticket. California. 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. I quick look Alaska is not, its specifically banned. Adding lane-splitting only complicates. Although SC law does not explicitly use the terms “lane splitting” or “lane filtering,” SC Code Section 56-5-3640 says: (a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any. Pros of Lane Splitting. . Tyler Pace (R-Mesa District 23) and championed by ABATE of Arizona, allows riders to cruise slowly between lanes at speeds no faster than 15 mph if the other vehicles are stopped. Lane-splitting is currently legal in California, but illegal in most other states. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. Currently, it’s only explicitly permitted in a few states, and specifics vary among areas allowing the practice. As of 2008, the state Code was revised to include 3-wheelers as motorcycles. Chapter 81. In 2016, it became the first state to legalize it. As of 2022, Californiais the first and only state to make lane splitting explicitly legal, and before that, it was a respected practice. Drivers of cars are used to. Motorcycles can, however, share a lane known as “co-riding. When traffic has slowed or come to a complete. Then it was lagalised with specific verbiage in the vehicle code. But the Texas House Bill 4122 amends the former law by adding Section 545. - The road has 2 or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel. . August 12, 2022. Whether a rider is using lane splitting for safety or impatience, is it legal in Louisiana? The short answer is. Alaska: Illegal: Arkansas: Illegal: No law. California is the only state that recognizes lane splitting as legal. 209 Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic. In some of these states, lane splitting is considered de facto legal, but it’s up to the discretion of law enforcement. Lane splitting is prohibited in Texas, but there is no specific law prohibiting it. Learn more from the skilled motorcycle crash lawyers at Zaner Harden Law . Several other states are taking strides to legalize lane splitting. – Lane splitting is a privilege enjoyed by California motorcyclists. The state allows lane splitting. However, this practice is legal in several states surrounding Idaho, such as California and Utah. As of this writing, lane splitting is only legal in one state: California, though Utah and Hawaii have legalized modified versions of lane splitting. Finally, most states still have laws on the books making lane splitting illegal. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. What NC law says about lane splitting. If you stay within 30-45 miles of the coast, the weather is pretty temperate. The state doesn’t allow lane splitting but you can’t ride on the shoulder of the road when traffic is heavy. Lane-sharing. Intersections are already a common location for accidents. Lane splitting is legal for motorcyclists in California, and. The practice is legal in 26 countries, including Ireland, Sweden and Singapore, and California is set to become the first state to legally formalize “lane splitting,” which allows the. Lane-Splitting is Prohibited: Similar to most other U. Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcycle riders, even though it is not always legal. As a motorcyclist, it is important to know the laws on lane splitting in your state. The state of North Carolina does not currently have a specific law which bans lane splitting, thought it is always. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it from the committee to the floor of the. 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: This is a type of road maneuver that is mostly associated with motorcycles. This is when a motorcycle drives between two vehicles, splitting two different travel lanes in order to pass them. According to Oregon state law, a Class A violation could result in a maximum fine of $2,000, and a minimum fine of $225. Sharing a lane with a car while passing them is commonly known as “lane splitting” and is not legal in Oregon. Lane splitting was never illegal in California, but AB 51 was signed into law, making it officially legal and sanctioned. Alaska driving laws require motorcycle helmets all underage riders and all passengers. In Kentucky, however, there is no specific mention of lane splitting in the state’s motorcycle laws. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, swerving, sudden braking and lane. This is generally done in areas of high congestion when traffic is slow-moving or completely stopped. While lane splitting is legal in some states like California, it is illegal in Texas. Lane splitting, which is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, is not legal in Pennsylvania. “He hit his lights, tripped the siren. But it is illegal everywhere in the United States except California.