Lane Splitting and Filtering Laws by State (2026)

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting is when motorcycles navigate between lanes of vehicles moving in the same direction. It allows motorcycles to progress through traffic more efficiently by using the space between lanes. While lane splitting has become quite common, it’s illegal in most jurisdictions.

Lane Filtering vs. Lane Splitting

Lane splitting and lane filtering are two terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different practices. Here are the key attributes of lane splitting:

• A rider travels between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.
• Riders typically do this during busy traffic hours.
• Some states allow it, but most prohibit the behavior.

While it is similar to lane splitting, lane filtering has some key differences:

• The vehicles are either stopped in traffic or moving very slowly.
• Motorcyclists typically use this strategy to move to the front of the line at intersections.
• They may also filter through stoppages on major highways and interstates.

Lane filtering might occur at a crowded urban intersection, where motorcycles move to the front of stopped traffic to avoid delays. Lane splitting, on the other hand, is more common on busy highways, where motorcyclists use the narrow spaces between lanes to keep moving during peak traffic hours.

Generally speaking, lane filtering may be less likely to cause motorcycle accidents because the rider is passing between stopped or slow-moving cars. However, left-turn accidents remain one of motorcyclists' most common collision types, emphasizing the need for caution even in these seemingly safer situations.

For motorcyclists, it’s always important to follow local laws and practice safe operating habits.

States Where Lane Splitting Is Legal

Below, we detail the regulations in each state where lane splitting, or similar actions, are allowed.

California

California is the only state that allows full lane splitting. On January 1, 2017, it added Section 21658.1 to the California Vehicle Code. This section explicitly legalizes lane splitting.

The law itself doesn’t set restrictions on speed or speed differentials while lane splitting, though the California Highway Patrol advises against exceeding 10 mph above surrounding traffic and recommends not splitting lanes at speeds over 30 mph.

The California Highway Patrol offers the following safety guidelines for motorcyclists:

• Assess the overall environment (including lane width, size of nearby vehicles, weather conditions and lighting conditions).
• Splitting between the far left lanes is typically safer.
• It’s best to avoid splitting lanes between semitrucks, buses and other large vehicles.
• Riding on the shoulder is not lane splitting (and it’s also illegal).
• Using high beams in daylight can help other drivers see you.
• Avoid lingering in other vehicles’ blind spots.
• Lane splitting usually gets more dangerous at higher speeds and greater speed differentials.

It’s important to understand that while California is the only state with a law explicitly allowing lane splitting, some states don’t have specific lane-splitting laws. In these states, the practice is neither explicitly legal nor explicitly illegal.

Where Is Lane Filtering Legal?

While most states don’t allow lane splitting, many allow lane filtering. Here’s a look at some state-specific lane filtering laws:

Utah

Utah legalized lane filtering on May 14, 2019. This law aims to reduce congestion and reduce the risk of a rear-end collision. It allows lane filtering under very specific conditions:

• Riders must be on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less.
• Filtering is not permitted on freeways.
• The road must have at least two adjacent lanes moving in the same direction.
• Lane filtering is only allowed between stopped vehicles (meaning lane splitting is explicitly illegal).
• Motorcyclists may not exceed a speed of 15 mph when filtering.

In 2024, it passed H.B. 311, which clarified that motorcyclists may filter between lanes on highway off-ramps.

Arizona

In September 2022, Arizona’s lane filtering law (SB1273) went into effect. Like lane filtering laws in most other states, Arizona’s laws permit lane filtering in certain situations:

• Motorcyclists may only move between lanes of stopped traffic.
• Filtering is only allowed on roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less.
• Motorcyclists may not exceed 15 mph while filtering.
• Filtering is only allowed when there are at least two adjacent lanes moving in the same direction.

Like Utah’s law, Arizona’s filtering law clarifies that riding a motorcycle between lanes of moving traffic is not legal.

Hawaii

Hawaii had a limited version of lane filtering, called shoulder surfing, from 2019 to 2020. Act 218 allowed motorcyclists to ride on the shoulder (or “shoulder surf”) in certain circumstances. This was unique to Hawaii and is meant to help ease traffic in urban areas.

Act 2018 was set to sunset on 12/31/2020 if it was not renewed. Because the legislature declined to renew it, the law expired, and shoulder surfing is no longer legal.

Montana

In Montana, MCA 61-8-392 allows lane filtering when:

• The motorcyclist does not exceed a speed of 20 mph.
• Lanes on the road are wide enough to safely pass.
• General road conditions make lane filtering safe and reasonable.

Unlike other states, Montana defines “lane filtering” as riding between lanes of traffic moving at 10 mph or less, not just riding between lanes of stopped traffic.

Benefits of Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering

Lane splitting and lane filtering offer many potential benefits to motorcyclists and everyone else on the road:

They’re Often Safer

Lane filtering is generally accepted as safe. It reduces the risk of a motorcyclist being rear-ended and helps them avoid getting sandwiched between two vehicles.

Lane splitting is highly controversial — proponents argue that it reduces the risk of crashes, but others say that riding so close to fast-moving vehicles makes crashes more likely.

They Reduce Traffic Congestion

No one likes being stuck in traffic. When motorcyclists are allowed to ride between lanes, it makes the traffic flow more efficient.

They May Prevent Motorcycles From Overheating

Many motorcycles rely on the flow of air to cool their engines. If they are stuck idling in traffic, the engine could overheat and potentially cause a fire.

Can Motorcycles Split Lanes?

Yes, motorcycles can legally split lanes, but only in one state: California. The state’s laws on lane splitting are pretty broad, too. Riders can travel between vehicles moving in the same direction at low or even high speeds.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued some additional guidelines for motorcyclists. These provisions are meant to help decrease the risk of vehicle accidents. The recommendations are as follows:

• Riders should not travel over 10 miles per hour faster than surrounding traffic
• Splitting is discouraged at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour
• Riders should not split lanes near exits and on-ramps

Again, these are recommendations only, which means that riders can legally travel faster than suggested while splitting lanes in California. Naturally, this behavior can be incredibly dangerous.

Risks Associated With Lane Splitting

There are many dangers associated with splitting lanes, including:

Increased Risk of Personal Injury

The most obvious danger of splitting lanes is personal injury. You could seriously harm yourself or others by splitting lanes. That’s likely why most states haven’t legalized splitting.

Typically, riders involved in a motorcycle crash suffer the greatest injuries, especially if they aren’t wearing a helmet or other safety equipment. However, motorcyclists can also cause serious harm to occupants of passenger vehicles, particularly if the rider is speeding.

Limited Space

The narrow space between lanes leaves little room for error, making it challenging for motorcyclists to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. If you decide to attempt splitting, make sure you have enough distance and space to adjust if a vehicle merges or changes lanes.

Reduced Visibility

Due to their size, motorcycles are already difficult to see, especially if riders are wearing dark clothing. When a rider moves in between lanes of traffic, they may position themselves in other drivers’ blind spots, making them even harder to spot. Semitrucks have especially large blind spots, so being mindful of blind spots is a critical part of avoiding truck accidents.

If you operate a motorcycle and decide to engage in splitting or filtering, be mindful that other drivers may not be able to see you. Try to stay in an area where you are visible to the driver. Typically, if you can see the driver’s face in their side mirrors, they should also be able to see you.

While lane splitting and filtering have their advantages, both practices come with risks. For motorcyclists choosing to engage in these practices, it’s essential to take extra safety precautions to reduce the risk of auto accidents:

• Wear high-visibility gear to increase the chances that other drivers will see you.
• Use your headlights, even during the day, to make your presence known.
• Avoid sudden lane changes and keep a steady speed to reduce the chance of surprising nearby drivers.
• Position yourself where you’re visible to other drivers. If you can see the driver’s face in their side mirror, they should also be able to see you.

Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?

If you’ve been hurt by a motorcyclist engaged in unlawful lane splitting or have suffered injuries while legally filtering through traffic, it’s important to seek legal representation right away.

ConsumerShield can connect you with an experienced lawyer who specializes in motorcycle accident laws in your area and will fight for justice on your behalf. A lawyer can assist with everything from explaining the lawsuit settlement process to negotiating with insurance companies.