Motorcycle lane splitting is when a motorcycle is ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. While many of us have witnessed motorcycle lane splitting while driving in Las Vegas, it is illegal in Nevada. Here, we will discuss motorcycle lane splitting legislation.
If a driver injures you in a motorcycle accident, get medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
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What Is Motorcycle Lane Splitting?
As discussed above, motorcycle lane splitting is when a motorcycle is ridden between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. It is different from lane filtering and lane sharing. Lane filtering is when a motorcycle weaves around traffic that is slow-moving or stopped. Lane sharing occurs when two motorcycles share the same lane, either next to each other or slightly staggered.
If you ride a motorcycle in Las Vegas, do not lane split. If you are a driver in Las Vegas and see a motorcycle, give the motorcyclist space.
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Is Motorcycle Lane Splitting Legal?
We have all seen a motorcycle cruise down the middle of traffic at some point while driving. Just because a motorcyclist does something, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is legal. Across the United States, lane splitting is only legal in a handful of states. Legislation in some of the states is discussed below.
Lane Splitting in California
One survey of motorcyclists in California found that a majority of the motorcyclists admitted to lane splitting at least some of the time while on the freeway. It’s okay that the motorcyclists admitted to lane splitting in California because motorcycle lane splitting appears to be legal in California.
In California, lane splitting is defined as the following:
- Driving a motorcycle 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.
Lane Splitting in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of a handful of states considering lane splitting legislation. Senate Bill 629 was proposed in January 2019. Its purpose is to “permit the operator of a motorcycle to operate between lanes of traffic as is permitted in other states and countries and thereby ease traffic congestion.”
Lane Splitting in Hawaii
In Hawaii, lane splitting is not legal. However, Hawaii has legalized “shoulder surfing.” Hawaii’s House Bill 2589 allows drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles to maneuver their vehicles onto a shoulder at 10 miles per hour or less when traffic is slowed to a stop. The Department of Transportation must designate the shoulders where this is allowed. Hawaii has also considered motorcycle lane filtering.
Lane Splitting in Oregon
Last year Oregon lawmakers passed a bill that would allow motorcyclists to drive between slow or stopped traffic moving at 10 miles per hour or slower. However, Governor Kate Brown vetoed the measure, citing public safety concerns.
Lane Splitting in Utah
In 2019, Utah legalized its version of lane-filtering. In Utah, a motorcyclist can only lane filter when:
- the individual is on a roadway divided into two or more adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel;
- the individual is on a roadway with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less;
- the vehicle being overtaken in the same lane is stopped;
- the motorcycle is traveling at a speed of 15 miles per hour or less;
- and the movement may be made safely.
We hope you stay safe no matter where you ride. We also understand that even the most cautious motorcyclist can be injured in an accident. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury after being injured in a motorcycle accident, seek a personal injury lawyer with traumatic brain injury experience. The legal team at Anthem Injury Lawyers is experienced in dealing with traumatic brain injuries. Contact us at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Lane Splitting Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
If you ride a motorcycle, we want you to be safe no matter where the road takes you. If you are in a state where lane splitting is legal, please proceed with extreme caution. Lane splitting can be dangerous for motorcyclists and drivers. If you do decide to lane split, review the following lane splitting safety tips for motorcyclists from the California Highway Patrol:
- Consider the total environment when you are lane splitting. This includes the width of lanes, the size of surrounding vehicles, as well as current roadway, weather, and lighting conditions.
- Danger increases at higher speed differentials.
- Danger increases as overall speed increases.
- It is typically safer to split between the far-left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic.
- Avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles (big rigs, buses, motorhomes, etc.).
- Riding on the shoulder is not considered lane splitting.
- Be visible. Avoid remaining in the blind spots of other vehicles or lingering between vehicles.
- Help drivers see you by wearing brightly colored/reflective protective gear and using high beams during daylight.
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EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
We hope the above discussion helps you better understand motorcycle lane splitting. If you are injured in a Las Vegas area motorcycle accident, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some people wonder why they need a personal injury lawyer to help them. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
We are based in Henderson, Nevada, and serve clients throughout the Las Vegas area. When we say we offer personal injury law experience, we mean over 25 years of experience. This is the combination of knowledge and expertise you need to win significant compensation as a victim in a Las Vegas area motorcycle accident. Our decades of experience, our expertise, plus our deep familiarity with all aspects of Nevada law, give you a powerful advantage.
Your choice of an accident lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. It’s important to select a Las Vegas attorney that can put you in the best position to win your case. That’s why you need to speak with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Get the best accident attorneys in Las Vegas fighting for you. Our experts offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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