Is it legal for motorcycles to weave in and out of…

• The definition and laws for lane splitting differ by state.

We have all been there, driving down the highway, sitting in traffic or stopped at a light when a motorcycle comes weaving between cars. It can be dangerous and startling, but from a motorcyclist’s perspective, in certain circumstances, it is done for their own safety.

Regardless of the speed or purpose, when a motorcycle weaves among other vehicles, also known as lane splitting or lane filtering, it leads many to wonder: “Is this even legal?”

What is lane splitting, filtering and sharing?

The definition of lane splitting and filtering varies based on the state, said Bob Simpson, a rider coach trainer and manager of the quality assurance program for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, who explained that there are many variables in this particular subject.

“Different states call it different things. The definition of lane splitting and lane filtering are different sometimes from state to state,” said Simpson, who added that his statements are his opinions only and that he was not acting as a spokesperson for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “Driving between cars is either lane splitting or lane filtering, and filtering is usually at a much slower speed or when the cars are stopped.”

For example, in California, the only state to Simpson’s knowledge where lane splitting is legal, the maneuver is defined by the California Highway Patrol as “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.”

In Arizona, lane filtering is legal under certain circumstances as long as the street “is divided into at least two adjacent traffic lanes in the same direction of travel” and has a speed limit no higher than 45 mph.

Additionally, the motorcyclist cannot exceed 15 mph while filtering through lanes in Arizona.

Simpson, a rider for about 40 years, does not condone lane splitting at high speeds, calling it a “very dangerous thing to do,” but he sees the benefit of lane filtering in certain circumstances.

“One of the reasons behind that is that often motorcycles are hit from behind because we are small, and people don’t see us. Unfortunately, people are distracted by their cellphones and so on, especially as they approach an intersection or a red light,” he said. “So this helps prevent that a little bit by being between two cars.”

However, Simpson stressed that there is always going to be some danger involved in lane filtering, and that this maneuver needs to be done safely, responsibly and in a way that does not startle other drivers.

Another maneuver that is commonly discussed is known as lane sharing, in which two motorcycles ride next to each other in one lane if there is enough room.

According to Simpson, the most important thing is to be a responsible motorcycle rider.

“Unfortunately, you know, I hear all the time — when we set up at fairs and stuff like that and we’re always saying, ‘Watch for motorcycles,’ you know — some people give us a lot of pushback, saying, ‘Well, you guys are doing wheelies out on the road, you’re weaving in and out of traffic.’ My answer to that is that’s not what we condone. We are just the opposite,” Simpson said.

He continued, “We’re trying to create safe riders that think of safety and try to keep themselves safe and the people around them as well. So safety is key.”

Is lane splitting legal?

Ultimately, it depends on the state you’re in, especially since there are many variables to take into account.

For example, while New Jersey does not have any laws that specifically address or prohibit lane splitting, filtering or sharing on a motorcycle, performing those maneuvers does break multiple laws.

“Unfortunately, there are some motorcyclists that give motorcycles a bad name by the way they ride or behave on the road, but … there’s also car drivers out there that do the same thing, weaving in and out of traffic, driving at high speeds and so on,” Simpson said. “I think that’s the biggest thing with me is that we have a responsibility to behave and act responsibly.”

Simpson continued: “I think motorcycle riding is a fantastic sport, and I for one love it, but we have a responsibility to act civil while we’re riding our motorcycle. It doesn’t give us the right to disobey the laws.”