Lane splitting, the practice of slipping between the lanes of backed up and slowly moving cars, is currently only legal in California. State Senator John Carona of Dallas, Texas, wants to change that and has introduced Senate Bill 506 to allow lane splitting in Texas.
Lane splitting is usually subject to some controversy wherever it isn’t legal but the ability to move through traffic is an advantage, not only to the motorcyclist but to the car driver as well who can move up into the space vacated by the bike. There would be strict guidelines:
The operator and the passenger have to be wearing helmets. The operator has to operate the motorcycle not more than 5 miles-an-hour faster than the rest of traffic is going. Traffic can’t be going over 20 miles-an-hour and it can’t be done in a school crossing zone or somewhere where the speed limit is less than 20 miles-an-hour.
If you live and ride in Texas and have an opinion on this bill, now is the time to let your legislators know.
Thanks for the tip, Don!
Link: KUHF radio
Phoebe says
The rules sound reasonable (though I’m sure people will object to the helmet thing, of course).
One of the issues with being stuck in traffic is that if you have a strictly air/oil-cooled bike, this can be very, very bad for it. I know my Blast and basically every air-cooled Harley falls into this category, as does my little Honda, though my little Honda can probably take a bit more heat than my Blast.
My own personal issue with traffic too is that it really wreaks havoc on my left wrist from having to clutch so much. I have a repetitive stress issue in that wrist, so once I go over so many clutch pulls in a certain period of time, I just can’t pull the clutch anymore without being in severe pain. This can be a huge deal if I’m a long way from home. Lane splitting would certainly help, if I were stuck in traffic on a highway.
But, this law doesn’t affect me at all. I live in Rhode Island.
ep says
when i lived in San Francisco i rode my girlfriend’s vino 50 all the time because it was so convenient. i defy anyone who thinks there is a faster mode of transport in the city. it was perfect, even for a larger guy (6′, 180lbs). but without lane splitting, i would have felt like a TARGET.
Masonv45 says
Technically, it’s not legal in California…it’s just not ILLEGAL. For example, in Tennessee where I live, there is a law stating that it is illegal to ride between the lanes on the painted line on the road. There is no such law in California.
Personally, I think lane splitting should be legal and we should have two white “stop” lines at major intersections. One closest to the intersection for 2/3 wheeled transportation, and 1 further away from the intersection for 4 or more wheeled transportation. As used in other countries, this setup will allow 2/3 wheeled transportation to filter up to the front when the light is red. And since acceleration is greater on 2/3 wheels, the 4 wheeled transportation behind them will not be held up.
Paul says
While 1 or maybe 2 motorcycles can easily out accelerate a car, when there are several bikes that have moved up to the front at a red light, they all can’t out accelerate the first car. The drivers of the cars now have to wait for the bikes to get out of the way before they can start moving. Obviously this will cause ill feelings on the part of the car drivers. I have been on both sides, and I personally don’t like lane splitting. Thankfully I don’t live in a congested area.
Turnbull FL.
ep says
@masonv45
It is explicitly stated on the California Highway Patrol website:
“Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.”
What is “safe and prudent” is obviously very subjective. The TX proposed legislation has clear boundaries, which I think is good.
chris says
I usually just drive down the breakdown lane at no more than 30 MPH with my flashers on during traffic jams. Only problem is that I have picked up screws and nails in my tires and that gets pretty expensive fast. Some people are jerks and try to run you off the road for doing this. If lane splitting was OK’d, I’d do it. It would save me from getting rear ended by the person behind me reading their newspaper. I rather a flat tire or a ticket, instead of seeing the underside of somebody’s buick. I never have been pulled over, and I have passed many cop cars in the emergency lane when they too, are stuck in traffic.
Clive M.-Sanders says
I lived in san diego and could be anywhere in the metro area within 20 minutes tops. i loved lane splitting. Only one time did i hit someones rear view mirror, it was a nice brand new blue corvette, but there was NO damage whatsoever and the guy just dismissed it. Other than that (it was early in my career) ive never had a problem lane splitting.
Ed Menendez says
Please join the Facebook group trying to legalize lane sharing throughout the United States.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/113221?m=91e6b129
Spartandude says
I have already called my representative. I ride I-45 from Galveston to Houston every workday. There are many time that the traffic on the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane fits the bills proposed conditions. Since I ride ATGATT the helmet thing is no issue. Right now I just sit in traffic like everyone else and watch as other bikers cruise by me, even without this bill. Maybe I can get some local support.
Peace.
dresden says
I dunno about that… I’d say most drivers wouldn’t pay enough attention to it. I see asshattery beyond belief in slow traffic situations like that, and I think about lane splitting, and then I see jerky mcasshat in front of me quick scoot into the next lane, without looking, and on the phone, etc, and I just wouldn’t want to be anywhere near that on a bike.
Larry says
I do it here in the San Fran area, and have for years all over California, it becomes habit. But I will tell you, it aint safe! Anyone of those 50 cars you just passed could have been the last one you will pass. People dont pay attention. And then there’s the door opening thing.
Point is…be aware, be careful…and it’s a good idea.
Hawk says
I was always under the impression that California “tolerated” lane-splitting even though it wasn’t technically “legal”. However, unless you’re in a courtroom, it doesn’t make much difference.
We, in Canada, cannot legally lane-split. A few years ago an RCMP motorcycle cop led a charge to the BC Legislature to try and have it legalised. What got him inspired was 8 deaths the previous year of motorcyclists being rear-ended while waiting in traffic light line-ups. Lots of wording came up about speed differential, maximum speed, liability and so on …. almost to the point of suffocation.
What really killed it though was how to educate the cagers that such a practise would be “legal” …. and how to stop the resulting “road rage” that someone (the motorcycle rider) was gaining an unfair advantage. Sadly, the legislation died.
When I was riding in the mid-fifties, we used to lane-split all the time. Yes, technically it was illegal but nobody seemed to get excited about it …. but then, road rage wasn’t the problem it is today. Don’t forget, we can’t carry guns up here, eh?
Clive M-Sanders says
Responsible lane splitting doesnt involve moving faster than 30 or 40 miles per hour and an even higher level of awareness than a normal situation on a motorcycle. The “douche on the cell phone” switching lanes can be avoided relatively easily as long as these parameters are followed. Think about it, theres not a lot of quick lane changing going on in heavy traffic, and if you see an opening large enough for a car to move into, chances are, a car is going to move into it. so watch out!
taxman says
i have mixed feelings about lane splitting. the way it is described i have no problems with. but i think in the actual aplication of it falls outside of those bounds. it’s not legal in michigan but it still happens all the time. and when those bikes cut through traffic they are not going only “5 miles faster than other traffic” and i’ve seen others lane split when traffic was going faster than 20mph.
if done within the limits described in the original article there it is probably safe and acceptable. but i feel it also encourages others to do things that would put others and themselves in danger.
ep says
the fact that there are idiots who don’t obey the law is irrelevant. if i make a left turn across lanes of oncoming traffic without looking first, i’m a moron and i’m probably going to get killed. does that mean we should make turning left illegal because it’s dangerous?
there are all kinds of situations on the road that require drivers and motorcyclists to exercise good judgment, lane splitting should be no different.
QrazyQat says
when there are several bikes that have moved up to the front at a red light, they all can’t out accelerate the first car.
They sure can in Thailand, and that’s with 100-125cc bikes. But like some others here, I have mixed feelings about lane splitting. Back when I rode in the US regularly I never did it, but in Thailand I do it all the time just like everybody else there. The big difference is that in Thailand the car and truck drivers are much more used to motorcycles. They look for them, they notice them (which in the US often doesn’t happen even when they’re looking at you), and they act accordingly. It’s also a lot easier lane splitting on a small bike than a big wide heavy bike.
So the big problem I see is that in the USA you’re usually riding a relatively big heavy wide bike and dealing with drivers who don’t pay attention to you. That’s potentially very dangerous when lane splitting; maybe better to take up your lane and make yourself as visible as possible.
JimmyR says
I actually don’t know the legal status of lane splitting here (Aust). But I do lane split – only when the traffic is absolutely still at a red light. It’s kinda the whole point of riding a bike in a city. I ride in 1st gear to the head of the queue and make sure I don’t hold anyone up. On a Harley with sporty bars I have never hit any wing mirrors or had any issues. And it saves incredible amounts of time. When I’m driving my car I try to leave space if I see a bike coming. I think lane splitting is a reasonable part of city driving if done safely – it can make traffic flow a lot better and maybe even make more people think of taking up bikes.
danno says
It was a big readjustment for me when I returned to the States from living (and riding) in Europe. Why is this one of the few countries that does not permit the incredibly sane and logical practice of lane-splitting? Oh wait, yeah, I forgot.
FREEMAN says
I live in Washington State and occasionally see riders sharing lanes with traffic. Here in Seattle and I can’t imagine an easier place to end up dead lane sharing. The lanes here are narrow enough as is. I can’t see the big advantage in city’s like Seattle or on the highways here (carpool lanes are open to motorcyclists). Give yourself time and wait in line like everybody else. Or do yourself a favor and take the less worn paths on your ride.
petep says
Yeah, Danno, same thing happened to me. I was “filtering” through a jam on the interstate, and a VA state cop went waaaay out of his way to give me a “performance award”. That, after living 10 years in Europe was laughable. Yes, I laughed at him. It was worth the ticket to see the look on his face.
coho says
QrazyQat hit it right on the head, “The big difference is that in Thailand the car and truck drivers are much more used to motorcycles. They look for them, they notice them.”
California drivers (and most Europeans) also are accustomed to seeing lane splitting or filtering, whatever their feelings about it.
Texan drivers will have a steep (and elongated) learning curve, and will have to get used to it, too. Most people are incredibly lazy when it comes to altering any part of something they think they’ve got down pat. Change, especially with what many will perceive as an unfair advantage to the 2wheelers, will make them angry. Most will get over it, the ones who don’t are almost certainly unredeemable d!ckheads anyway and will do what they’re gonna do regardless.
Lane sharing is a good solution to part of a large problem, and we (in the US) should all be doing it. But if it were legalized here in Washington* today I would likely not start doing it for quite awhile except perhaps at downtown stoplights, to let the asshats get used to it.
*Can somebody please explain to me why we need 50 separate DMVs, each with their own version of the rules, for one country?
abraxas says
I live in South Africa, where it is legal, and have been lanesplitting the 30km journey to work and back for about 2 years now.
It IS dangerous, and more than a few guys have gone down in that time. But IMHO on the highway, it’s still a lot safer than travelling back roads. The traffic flow and driver habits are much more predictable. Even in worst case, if you do go down, Your chances are it will hurt, but not be deadly, unless you tangle with a truck.
Travelling the “normal” way, you face many daggers from cars turning across your path, to people rear ending you. Being out of the usual flow of traffic definitely has increased my personal safety.
I hope they allow it there, and wish you all well 🙂
Roadkill says
I’m curious WHY the site has chosen to display the image of a M/C illegaly passing on the left in a no passing zone, instead of a correct & accurate image of a motorcycle passing between two cars travellling in the same direction?
Mechanicaldan says
I’ve been living and riding in Scotland for 2 years now. Lane splitting is awesome! The same drive through town in a car takes 45-60 minutes. On my bike it takes about 20 minutes. To me, the rule seems simple. If traffic is crawling along, I’m lane splitting. Anything over 30 mph, and I’m happy to stay in my lane moving with the rest of traffic. When I’m splitting, I’m probably going about 5-10 mph faster than traffic. What’s even nicer is that driver do watch their mirrors, and some will actually move over and make more room for you! I think the proposed rules for lane splitting in Texas seem fair. It would sure beat sweating so badly stuck in traffic on a bike.
Bikes cut down on traffic congestion, road wear, etc. I do see this as an issue to rally around as something that I will support in whatever state I move back to and live in.
Even in Europe, Amsterdam in particular, when there is traffic moving along at 50-60 mph, bikes are lane splitting. The system just works, likely because everyone has grown up with it this way in Europe.
On a seperate topic, I’m still confused by the lack of roundabouts in the USA. For a country that is just full of people that are constantly on the move, it’s strange that we just sit at stop and go lights. Crazy. Roundabouts really help keep traffic moving.
Scottie says
When I lived in Dallas I lived in Dallas proper and commuted just a couple of miles downtown on side streets because the highways were totally clustered.
I have never lived anywhere where the “my time is more valuable than your time†attitude prevails so strongly. So unless lane splitting is well explained and well publicized cagers will be throwing doors open and nudging to the center to prevent bikers from passing.
Josh says
I live in Australia and it’s illegal here but is extremely common. The only reason I don’t do it is because I’m still a provisional rider, but I can only see it improving traffic flow. Unless of course there is a whole posse of bikers lined up between the cars.
stu says
yeah it’s very common place here in Australia. Between lanes, up the breakdown lane, you name it. i’d imagine we’re no different than other countries, in terms of the cops turning a blind eye most of the time, then occassionally having a blitz. It’s easy to get complacent and ride to fast, too close, shaving it too fine, so you’ve just got to remember that you’re always a poofteenth away from being smashed. We too have the problem of envious and stupid cagers trying to block your progress or swerving to scare you. I find a good solution is to follow them and have a quiet word or two. And before i go, it amazes me that some of my American friends still harp on about compulsory helmet-wearing and civil liberties. The principles of liberty and freedom are not licenses to be stupid. If you follow the same logic, why as a society would you bother having police who negotiate with jumpers? it’s their life! let em die!
AWB2529 says
I lived and rode in Houston for many years (I am now back in California), and I can tell you that Texas is NOT ready for lane splitting! The drivers there regularly try to run bikers off the road. I have even had drivers try to hit me on the HOV lane. Here in California it seems drivers are more used to seeing bikes split lanes and I rarely get a person actively trying to block me off (happens every now and then). Until Texas drivers get an attitude adjustment I would advise against it in Texas. just my 2 cents, but i speak from thousand upon thousands of miles ridden in both states.
stu says
strewth. sounds like helmet-wearing should definitely be compulsory in texas. Full face. Visor down!
Phoebe says
I think we should at least be allowed to run in the breakdown lane, even in we’re creeping in first gear, for the reasons I stated above. Granted, the breakdown lane is definitely not ideal, but at least we have some swerving room.
Jim R. says
I am all for lane splitting as long as it is done cautiously. It would save time and sanity especially when sitting it down town traffic in Texas cities like Austin and Dallas in 100 degree temps.
Niki S says
Lane splitting is illegal in California and you will get a ticket if you start splitting lanes.
What you are allowed to do is ‘share’ lanes. This might sound like splitting hairs more than lanes but the law states that you can share a lane with another vehicle and pass it at up to 15mph faster (up to the speed limit of the roadway). If you’re wondering what the difference is, try it on California roads. Once you start crossing the lane divides you are splitting lanes and you will get a ticket.
todd says
Niki, do you mean “straddling lanes”? That’s illegal but it’s impossible to do with a motorcycle. If you are accurate enough to ride along on the painted stripe that defines the lanes, you would technically be between lanes. I think it would be very difficult to get a ticket for that.
One thing that bothers me (even though it would be legal) is when a car comes up from behind and shares my lane or passes me in my lane. It’s a little nerve racking considering I’m usually only riding slightly to one side in the lane.
-todd
ep says
@ Niki S
I don’t know where you’re getting this info. There is NO distinction in the California law between “lane splitting” and “lane sharing”, and there is nothing in the law about how fast you can pass someone. Again, the law permits lane splitting as long as it’s done in a “safe and prudent” manner. The courts and/or police may define that differently, which is why it’s such a contentious issue.
See this website for the FACTS:
http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html
Ali. says
I tend to lane split , only when the traffic has come to a stop “safety first ” most car drivers do not think Bike & make no effort to check for them . So I agree that this should not be illegal, but do not condone two wheeled morons who speed through traffic endangering them self’s their passengers and other road users .
One law that should be changed is all potential drivers should have to pass their test on a motor cycle first before moving on to a car license, which would promote greater awareness of other road users, road conditions and how vulnerable two wheelers are.
“THINK SAFE BE SAFE & STAY ALIVE.” Ali
Mike says
Though the study in now rather old, the Hurt report found that in California lane splitting was statistically safer for the motorcyclist than being in the lane, in front and behind cars. You can easily find it through google.
My issue is with driver education. As a daily rider in Los Angeles, I find that there is a lot of misinformation, both on the part of motorcyclists and drivers. Many motorcyclists do not adhere to long established guidelines (Only between #1 and 2 lanes, only when the traffic is moving slower than 30 mph , and not +5 mph more.) And drivers do not know it is legal.
This would not be difficult to remedy though an advertising campaign, etc. but I have yet to see it happen.
Matt Schreiner says
I hear that the bill just passed through the TX Senate…. headed for the House now.
petey says
I’m all for it.
The legal and proper way will just have to be inforced by law enforcement.
All riders should keep safety in mind..
I’ll just pass at a slow rate of speed in first gear when cagers are completely stopped.
Violators fined.
Captain ED says
I am sweating
The ice cream I went to get for the mother of my soon to arrive grandchild is melting
The exhaust from the cars is choking me
Lane splitting
HOO RAH !
gixxerpick says
thumbs up,
Gus says
Any updates on this? was the law approved or what happend? Do any of you guys know if lane sharing is now legal in Texas?
Thanks 🙂
Andy says
I’ve been watching almost daily on the state website for an update:
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/BillStages.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB506
Still nothing….it is not legal, yet. However, i’ve seen more and more bikers who ride like it is recently.
RoninMD says
In Texas, lane splitting not illegal. http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=tx
You can do it but the road raging cager might kill you for getting ahead of them. There needs to be a campaign about it so that people in cars don’t kill motorcyclists.
Andy says
This bill still needs to be approved by the senate and governor before it’s legal. I’ll continue to trust my state website.
Gus says
Hey Andy, your state website doesnt seem to update at all. I have been watching it since 6/10/09 and nothing.
Andy says
I think it’s our government that doesn’t update.
Arturo Da Silva says
I think lane splitting should be legalized because it encourages more people to have motorcycles. If more people decide to lane split, traffic jams will go down due to less cars. When I visit my family in Sao Paulo, Brazil, people lane split all the time and that helps lower traffic jams.
Corey Bryant says
I agree with Scottie up there. I’ve lived in Dallas all of my life and rode here for the last few years. The way people act here, splitting lanes is not a good idea. People will indeed be throwing open car doors and moving to the center, and people will get hurt.
Bogfart says
I was very dissapointed to hear that the ‘lane splitting’ bill was not passed, on safety grounds. I grew up lane splitting (or filtering as it is known in Scotland), riding 8,000 miles per year on average for 15 years without a problem. Have travelled a fair amount of the world (Europe, Middle & Far East, Central America etc) and the US is the only country I’ve ever been to where lane splitting is not considered legal (except for Calf of course). Have been living in Houston, Texas for the last 3 years (still averaging 8,000 miles per year) and do occasionally filter through stationary traffic here (after scanning the area for cops, of course).
Was even more suprised to hear that the helmet law was changed to make helmetless riding easier than before (as if carrying my medical insurance card is somehow going to protect my exposed skull from a heavy impact).
It makes me think that I’ve somehow been transported into a parallel universe where up is now down, and black is now white. Maybe its time to quit my engineering job and go to work at Wallmart for more money & better benefits.
Juan Carlos says
I can’t believe that they don’t want to legalize splitting lanes while they legalize helmetless. I freak out every time I see one of those guys with a piece or rag on their heads going 70 miles an hour on their harleys. I had an accident with my motorcycle and I am alive because of my helmet. Lane splitting should be legal, I think we need to grow up as drivers and as riders.