209(3): No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Probably saying it should be legal to lane split and pass the car when it comes to a stop in the road because if he was a few feet over he would've got smashed and possibly died. In California, it is legal for motorcyclists to split lanes as long as it is done in a safe and careful manner. Lane splitting refers to the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of traffic on a roadway. . Riding between marked lanes of traffic allows them to get to the front of the line. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. At least a double lane separates both directions of traffic on the roadway. Motorcycle lane splitting has been around since the beginning of the motor age. As a motorcycle rider, that means you need to remain stationary when traffic is stuck, even if you feel that you can slip through the lanes and reach your destination. The idea behind the push for legalization is that lane-splitting would help to alleviate traffic congestion. to legally recognize lane filtering for motorcycles. Utah and Montana have laws that allow lane-splitting, but only if it’s legal under certain conditions. The Current Legal Status of Lane Splitting in Texas. Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle beside cars within the same lane, usually when traffic is slow or stopped. Splitting lanes is not for beginners. 61-8-392. Montana Senate Bill 9 went into effect in fall if 2021, legalizing lane splitting or lane filtering in the state, and as this law may seem dangerous, it can create safer road conditions. Every state has its own rules in. "If traffic is moving 25 miles an hour, or thereabouts. No, Lane splitting is currently illegal in Wisconsin, so doing so here would be akin to breaking the law. Watch on. Jeremy Faison. Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC. Lane Splitting – "Lane splitting" or "white lining" refers to operating a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. You can only lane split if: You’re going 20 mph or less. #3: Stop lights and stop signs; if you split, move all the way to the front and left, even if. Some motherboards might actually have two slots split from a single x16 bus, per this image from ServeTheHome. As of March of 2019, motorcycle lane splitting is banned in the majority of U. Still, Hawaii, Montana, Arizona, and Utah have modified versions of the law that allow motorcyclists to drive between lanes when traffic is stopped. com. September 29, 2022 by Harold Miller Leave a Comment. [1] [2] It is sometimes called whitelining, or stripe-riding. Ok great. It is often done on a highway or freeway, where there are multiple lanes going in the same direction. Lane splitting is against the law in all the U. The bill also includes rules that motorcyclists must follow when lane splitting. As of 2023, California is the only state in the United States that explicitly allows lane splitting. 209(2): The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. “But they do it in a responsible and educated way,” he said. This is a common practice among bikers, but few are certain about whether it is safe or legal. . It varies depending on how you do it and whether it is legal in your state. They often drive between two lanes and weave between cars. Learn More; Riding between lanes 316. In places where filtering has been legalized, it is usually permissible when done "in a safe and prudent manner. Lane splitting is not legal in Nevada. Lane splitting is something motorcycle owners in California can legally engage in, so they should be allowed to do so. California is currently the only state in which it is legal to engage in lane splitting. Motorcyclists must also keep a safe distance. ” Two-wheeled motorcycles are permitted to overtake stopped or slow-moving traffic at a speed up to 20 mph. In some states, motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting may also risk being cited for other traffic violations, such as reckless driving or improper passing. . Under NRS 486. Let’s dive into the details about all the ins and outs of this law in Alberta. Legality & Consequences of Lane Splitting in Las Vegas, NV: Lane Splitting in Las Vegas, NV under the law of the state is not legal. Avoid sharing a lane with a motorcycle as much as possible. Motorcyclists in Nevada are not allowed to slip through. GREAT FALLS — Montana became the third state to legalize "lane filtering," with Governor Greg Gianforte signing a bill in March 2021 that legalizes it under certain conditions. According to an article by Jalopnik from February 2022, California, Montana, and Utah are the only states that have legalized lane filtering. 9, which “allows the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed. that currently allow lane splitting. But it is something I know there's been advocates in Alberta to change the law in Alberta for more cyclists to lane split. 505, motorcycles are not allowed to overtake other vehicles within the same lane. Lane splitting, which is the practice of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of traffic to pass other vehicles, is not explicitly legal or illegal in Montana. A recent study by the California Office of Traffic Safety reports what many motorcyclists already know; that lane splitting is (or, can be) “safer” than sitting in stopped traffic. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the. Some states look the other way and do not specifically address lane splitting in their legislation. Is It Legal To Lane Split In Arizona. S. Popular Posts. In 2017, California passed a law permitting lane splitting, making it the only state allowing motorcyclists to split lanes. B. S. S. On August 19th, 2016, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 51. Riders can avoid traffic congestion, save time, and potentially be safer than halting. This is when a motorcycle drives between two vehicles, splitting two different travel lanes in order to pass them. There are 10 states where it's not specifically legal or banned. Also, don’t split a lane at high speed; a collision at high. thank you for this. This can be a great way to avoid traffic, and get to your destination faster. Legal: right turns, quick drop-offs, parallel parking if the lane is adjacent to a parking lane (“offset”), even deliveries during certain hours. Is Lane Splitting legal in Texas? In Texas, lane splitting is a crime, despite the fact that it is a common practice. In fact, while lane splitting is legal in some parts of Europe and Asia, in the United States, only California has legalized lane splitting. Montana has passed a bill to legalize lane filtering of motorcycles under certain conditions, joining California and Utah as the third state to recognize this practice. This means that the motorcycle can drive in the space between two lanes of cars. § 40-6-312, lane splitting is illegal in Georgia. Police officers are not allowed to ride in the same lane with another vehicle. In some countries like France, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, it is not only legal but the motorcycle riders are expected to split lanes both in city traffic and on the roads. According to Code O. In April, 2022, Arizona became the third state to allow lane filtering and this law went into effect in September, 2022. Oakland, CA 94601. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. Why Do Riders Split Lanes? It seems likely that the prevailing reason that most motorcyclists split lanes is convenience. You don't have enough room between lanes to avoid objects in the roadway. ”. This is taught in Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses and is a commonly followed norm. Presently, it’s only the state of California that allows motorcycles to lane split. Riders who choose to split lanes should be aware of the risks and take them into. Lane splitting, also referred to as traffic filtering, lane sharing and stripe-riding, is a practice of riding a motorcycle past slow moving traffic in the space between two lanes when traveling in the same direction. Driving on roadways laned for traffic. Road easements often come into play when someone needs to access their property. However, lane splitting is not legal in Texas. A. When the traffic comes to a complete halt. But in the general sense, it's not legal in Alberta. For example, in Australia Lane Filtering is Legal but Lane Splitting is not. states. In August of 2016 California became the first state in the country to define lane splitting in its vehicle code. The penalty for lane splitting is a fine from $15 to $100, depending on the situation. That being said, there are some major exceptions. Motorcycle riders say lane split is due to speed and safety. However, motorcyclists are also protected. -google 10-09-2023. B. )Conclusion. Discover the comprehensive state-by-state guide to motorcycle laws, covering helmets, lane splitting, licensing, and more. CHP guidelines can provide useful insights for what is considered “safe. However, it should be avoided for safety. Montana 59901 . Utah and Montana allow motorcycles to do something similar to lane splitting in very restricted conditions. Lane splitting is illegal in Florida, and violators can face fines up to $500. The new law goes. Motorcyclists in Montana will be able to split lanes beginning October 1, 2021, making it the third state in. The passage of Senate Bill 1273, sponsored by Sen. 1 as driving a motorcycle, that has two wheels which are in contact with the ground, in between rows of moving or stopped vehicles in the same lane, including on undivided and divided highways, roads, or streets. Idaho. When filtering, the motorbike must go at a speed of at least 15 miles per hour. Lane splitting would only be permitted on highways with at least two lanes designated for traffic moving in the same direction. There are far too many factors that can quickly go wrong when the driver of a motor vehicle does not expect a motorcycle to appear so close. 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. Whether you're a new motorcycle rider or are a recent Florida transplant, all riders should know that an action known as "lane-splitting" is illegal in the state. Note that states sometimes change their laws, and some states have revisited lane splitting laws in recent years. 2021, lane filtering is legal within the state of Montana. Tenderich said these actions can be even more catastrophic in Montana because there's no helmet law. When lane splitting is performed at a speed of 10 miles per hour or less, lane splitting is usually not dangerous. Lane splitting, also known as reverse lane shaving, can be used by cyclists to reduce the number of vehicles they must pass through. This means that motorcycle riders may ride side-by-side with other motorcycles if both parties. Because of that, law enforcement and Nevada lawmakers take this law very seriously. Search for: Search Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas? [2023] by JD Lipton July 21, 2023, 1:26 pm JD Lipton July 21, 2023, 1:26 pm Is it legal for motorcycles to split lanes? Lane splitting is not recommended so that accidents may not occur. Contact the writer: amolina. Lane splitting can potentially be safer for the motorcyclist than staying in the same lane, however there are risks. But Texas just passed a law banning the practice, being the latest to do so. In 2021, lane-splitting became legal in Montana, making it easier for motorcyclists to navigate congested roads. THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF LANE SPLITTING. For example, it’s advised to travel at a safe and prudent speed while lane splitting, typically no more than 10. A: California is indeed the only state where motorcycle lane-splitting is legal, basically without restrictions (Utah and Montana have laws allowing this driving behavior under certain, highly restricted conditions and. Doing so may result in a moving violation. It is illegal throughout most of the United States. In all other states, it is currently illegal. Lane splitting and lane filtering are two different things. Curbside bus lanes get blocked illegally because they are close to the curb and the curb is where the action is. But the government here in Alberta's very hesitant about it, and it hasn't been a safety issue. That’s called “lane splitting,” and, according to Florida Statue 316. I split lanes where it is legal to do so, provided the environment, my. To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online. It reduces traffic congestion: When motorcycles are allowed to split lanes, they can weave through congested traffic much more easily than cars, which helps ease traffic jams. S. Arizona passed a law that goes into effect in September of 2022, and Montana enacted its lane-splitting law in 2021. While this law falls under the purview of each state, only California has currently made it legal. December 5, 2022 by Barack. Is it possible for you to split lanes and be successful at it?Why California lets motorcycles legally split lanes while 49 other states do not. California is the only state where lane splitting is allowed. Drivers cannot predict where you are going, and they may drive into you. S. Recent changes to the law regarding lane splitting in NJ. B. The maneuver is permitted when “on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely. You have to stay within. Even though lane splitting is legal in California, the law does have a few restrictions. [See Texas Transportation Code "Sec. Is lane splitting legal in Tennessee? When caught in a traffic jam, rather than stopping behind a car for a prolonged period, it can be tempting to ride between traffic lanes; however, it is illegal to split lanes in Tennessee. Lane splitting is one of the most dangerous and unsafe actions while driving as it can cause accidents often. Motorcyclists are allowed to pass between two lanes of traffic in Utah, but only when there is a traffic stop. In 2021, lane-splitting became legal in Montana,. There are many repercussions to violating this statute and the least of them is getting a traffic ticket. But Trooper Steve said Florida is one of the few states that do not allow a motorcyclist to drive between two separate vehicles, splitting a travel lane. Yes, lane splitting does in fact save a lot of time from getting stuck in the long, continuous hours of traffic. Whether or not lane splitting or lane filtering should be legal is the topic of serious debate in Georgia and throughout the United States. #2: Split left lanes only, not exactly law but a good practice. While some riders believe lane splitting is a safe and efficient way to get through traffic, others argue it is dangerous and illegal. Lane splitting is not legal in Texas as of 2023. C. Legislation that would have clearly made lane splitting legal was shot down in the state legislature, so we have to wait until next year. Splitting lanes is the safest when done between lane #1 and lane #2. It can happen on divided or undivided roads. Let’s explore the specific laws surrounding lane splitting in Montana. States where lane-splitting is not specifically prohibited: Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia,. Currently, 19 states in the US allow lane splitting. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcyclist is illegal. Until then, moving violations are a possibility for those caught lane splitting. While sharing split lanes is generally safe, it is. 00 and 2 points. In 2017, California explicitly defined it in the state’s vehicle code, as the first state to make it legal. Motorcycles are permitted to travel 15 mph or less on roads with two adjacent lanes if traffic is stopped for at least 30 seconds under a three-year-old law. The language in the law that made lane splitting illegal was removed by it. Not to be confused with lane splitting, which is when a bike travels between moving cars in a highway traffic jam, like they do in California. 060. However, even though it is allowed, the California lane. G. In these states, it is legal for motorcycles to driveNo, lane splitting in Pennsylvania is not allowed. An easement is the legal right of a non-owner to use a part of another person’s land for a specific purpose. There are a few states that allow motorcycles to split lanes. Phone: 425-399-7000. In Texas, lane splitting is unlawful, but most states have no laws prohibiting it. Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. The new law goes into effect on October 1, 2021. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. Lane filtering for motorcycles. Lane splitting is neither legal nor illegal in California. The determining factor in these examples is whether the motorcyclist safely split lanes or not. The AMA supports lane splitting as a safe and effective way to reduce traffic congestion and enhance motorcycle safety. In some states it isn't a crime to lane split with your motorcycle, and in others, it's not legal or illegal. Is Lane Splitting Legal in Montana? In 2021, Montana became the third state in the country to allow a form of lane splitting known as lane filtering. According to the state’s traffic laws, specifically Wisconsin Statute 346. It took effect. In Utah, motorcyclists can pass between 2-lanes of traffic, but only when traffic is stopped (a practice called “filtering”). According to Code O. However, a bill was introduced in 2019 that would have made lane splitting legal under certain conditions, such as during rush hour traffic and when both lanes are moving at the same speed. The law. Governor Greg Gianforte signed a bill in March to make allows drivers of two-wheeled motorcycles to overtake stopped or slow-moving vehicles at a speed not greater than 20 miles per hour, in order to “filter” between lanes of stopped traffic traveling in the same direction as conditions permit. Notice the multiplexer on the second slot in the top left. Here, it is a common courtesy to split lanes while riding through heavy. Lane-filtering – a motorcycle picks it way through slow-moving or stationary traffic (at a traffic light). It's legal in many states and almost all of Europe. It is one of the only states in the entire country to legalize the practice specifically. This bill allows motorcyclists to lane split to overtake stopped or slow vehicles as long as: The motorcyclist’s speed does not. But since 2021 with the Montana law change on lane splitting. 351. It seems that a lot of locals are unaware that this is legal in MT, and has been for two years now. Motorcyclists in Montana are expected to adhere. Lane Splitting Advantages. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle rider cuts down the middle of two lanes of traffic. (Utah and Montana have laws allowing this driving behavior under certain, highly restricted conditions and they call it “lane filtering”). 08-09-2010, 03:27 PM. With the passage of a new law, Montana will be the third state in this nation to allow lane splitting, or lane filtering. Filtering in Utah became legal in May. In fact, California is the only state where motorcycle lane-splitting is legal, almost without restrictions. This prevents motorcycles from swerving in and out of multiple lanes of traffic during instances where traffic has slowed or stopped. According to studies, lane splitting can reduce overall traffic congestion by up to 35%. Contact Batta Fulkerson as soon as possible and work with them to figure out your next course of action. Turning movements and required signals. Lane filtering for motorcycles. Montana bill S. 8% less likely to die in a crash. GREAT FALLS — Montana became the third state to legalize "lane filtering," with Governor Greg Gianforte signing a bill in March 2021 that legalizes it under certain conditions. See moreApril 12, 2023. California was the first state to allow it and passed a formal law at the beginning of 2017. Since 2016, lane splitting has been entirely legal in the state of California. This is known as lane splitting, according to the California Highway Patrol, when a motorcycle drives between stopped or moving cars in the same lane. Every registered vehicle in Florida must have Personal Injury. If you picked “A,” you aced. , as it is legally required within the state. In spite of this, there are very stringent laws on lane splitting in the United States, and people often wonder if lane splitting is legal in California. NASHVILLE, Tenn. "In Washington State, it is legal for a motorcycle to drive between cars in stopped or slow-moving traffic. You can simply cite an irretrievable breakdown in the marriage to request a divorce. Here's the section of code that makes it illegal. 2. Lane-splitting, also called lane filtering, occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two traffic lanes with the same direction of travel, usually in heavy. ”. Legal Lane Splitting States. Currently only California, Utah, and Montana allow lane splitting under certain circumstances. Due to the largely reduced size of a motorcycle, a rider can safely split lanes and not have to wait in traffic that has been caused by a large volume of drivers who ride solo in a vehicle that takes up the lane space of 4 motorcycle riders. Gear Nov 16, 2023 Montana Lane-Splitting Laws Explained. A car that seeks to change lanes without signaling or verifying the travel lane is free is a typical lane-splitting hazard. Recently, Montana became the first state to allow lane splitting. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal. Well, that. In 2016, the Colorado legislature attempted to pass HB 16-1205, which would have legalized lane splitting in limited situations. Motorcycle lane-splitting happens when the motorcyclists ride between two lanes of traffic that are going in the same direction. Riders who choose to split lanes should be aware of the risks and take them into. This means that it is against the law for motorcycle riders to ride between moving or stationary vehicles that occupy adjacent traffic lanes. However, while lane splitting is not explicitly prohibited, it may be illegal under. The prohibition on lane splitting appears in Section 55-8-182 of the Tennessee Code. 1 defines lane splitting as “driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving. His offices are located at 235 Montgomery St. A motorcycle will reduce traffic time by 63% and carbon emissions by 6% if 10% of cars are replaced. B. Yes, you can turn right from either lane unless otherwise prohibited by a red arrow or not turn sign. There’s been a lot of talk about lane splitting recently. In Montana, motorcyclists may split lanes to pass slow or stopped vehicles as long as the biker is not. Those states are Arizona, Montana, and Utah. —. House Bill 1236 would allow the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle to pass another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at no more than 10 miles an hour in the same lane. As of the last update, Montana law does not explicitly permit lane splitting. In the absence of a specific law, the practice of lane splitting is governed by the general rules of the road and the principles of safe driving. 1, 2021. Lane splitting can have some benefits, such as being faster than waiting in line or less fatiguing for the rider, but it also has some risks. Many Californians find it convenient as motorcyclists and moped drivers can go around the. Knowing which states allow lane splitting and where is it legal to lane split can help save you from legal complications. This bill allows motorcyclists to lane split to overtake stopped or slow vehicles as long as: The motorcyclist’s speed does not. — A bill in the Tennessee General Assembly would allow motorcycle riders to lane split during traffic jams on highways and interstates. California is the only state in the USA where lane splitting is legal. The practice. Currently, California is the only state that explicitly permits lane splitting. In 2021, lane splitting is legal in California, Utah, and Montana. G. , nor is it legal in most U. Montana: Montana allows for a regulated form of lane filtering, which allows motorcycles to pass stopped or slow-moving traffic at no more than ten mph in the same direction. White Lines. The new law means Montana joins California and Utah in officially recognizing lane-splitting as a legal form of riding. Lane splitting is a controversial practice, and opinions are divided on whether or not it is safe. The state of Montana legalized lane splitting in 2021. Modeled off Utah’s legislation, the. The truth is, there is no specific law in Texas that prohibits lane splitting. You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109. The determining factor in these examples is whether the motorcyclist safely split lanes or not. Yes, lane splitting is allowed in Indiana. In conclusion, lane splitting is not legal in the majority of the United States but is legal in the state of California. Montana bill S. (1) All motorcycles are entitled to. ”. S. Can bikes undertake cars? It’s perfectly legal for a cyclist to split the road in order to make faster progress through traffic. CVC 22100. The penalty for line-splitting can include fines and citations for moving violations. CAN MOTORCYCLES SPLIT LANES IN AMERICA?. However, lane sharing between two motorcycles is legal whereas lane splitting is not. A. Here in Springfield, a rider slipped between two moving cars sparking the question. Tyler Pace, R-Mesa, makes Arizona one of three states to allow some form of motorcycle lane-splitting. This section, while technically not a motorcycle lane splitting law in California, defines lane splitting 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. If a police officer does stop you for lane splitting. The new law allows lane filtering in Arizona under the following conditions: When the maximum speed restriction in effect is less than 45 mph. Lane splitting is legal in California because the state recognizes. But it is illegal everywhere in the United States except California. Lane splitting in Utah. The issue of whether lane splitting should be legal has been contested for years, and currently California is the only state that permits the practice. And while you are here, go register for your FREE Law. Lane sharing is legal in some states, but illegal in others. However, it is essential to note that the state’s traffic laws require all drivers, including motorcyclists, to. The operator of a motorcycle may not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken (d). After the Montana Senate Bill 9, lane splitting became legal in some form in Montana in 2021. Pros of Lane Splitting. April 1, 2021 Montana becomes the third state to pass legislation allowing lane-splitting in certain circumstances. Motorcyclists caught lane-splitting can pay the price, and not only regarding the threat to their safety. Squeezing between cars is nothing new, but the practice is controversial. Lane-splitting, also called lane filtering, occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two traffic lanes with the same direction of travel, usually in heavy traffic. Utah. In states where lane splitting is not legal, riders can still do it, but they can get in trouble if they are caught. Lane splitting has long been standard practice in California, but a 2016 bill made the Golden State the first to officially allow motorcyclists to split lanes. Although lane-splitting generally isn’t illegal in Missouri, it’s very dangerous and should be avoided. It is illegal to split lanes or filter in Nevada. Can Motorcycles Split Lanes In Nevada – Is lane splitting legal? | States where lane sharing is legal 🏍– 2022 guide includes Arizona and Montana!. At least a double lane separates both directions of traffic on the roadway. While virtually all motorcyclists support lane splitting, it is still a very controversial practice in the United States. This means that you are allowed to ride between two lanes of traffic, as long as you do so safely. To many California bikers, splitting lanes is essential: one San Francisco consultant claimed it “radically changed [his] daily. The Current Legal Status of Lane Splitting in Texas. Legislation to legalize lane splitting has been proposed in recent sessions but hasn't passed. “Lane splitting” or “lane filtering” will be legal in Montana beginning Oct. Montana became the third state in the country to allow lane filtering, a form of lane splitting for motorcycles. Utah: Legal Utah and Montana have laws that allow lane-splitting, but only if it’s legal under certain conditions. Montana: Montana allows for a regulated form of lane filtering, which allows motorcycles to pass stopped or slow-moving traffic at no more than ten mph in the same direction. 060, all vehicles must drive within a single lane for traffic. In August of 2016 California became the first state in America to define lane splitting in its vehicle code. Even if you don't, a driver may. While this presents some risks, it can actually improve rider safety in some situations, particularly at. This means that a motorcycle can ride in between two lanes of traffic. Motorcycle speeds can not be more than 15 mph when filtering. There are two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction; Traffic is stopped (typically at a stoplight or in heavy traffic) The speed limit is not more than 45 mph; The motorcyclist is traveling at not more than 15 mph; Montana. 4. This is common in California where motorcycles are allowed to do this as long as. A federal judge has largely blocked Montana's upcoming wolf trapping season over concerns devices used by hunters could harm threatened grizzly bears, handing a. What is legal is for motorcycles to share lanes. Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont, do NOT allow individuals to lane split as it is not legal. Lane-splitting is common in parts of the world, such as Europe and Asia, but remains largely illegal in the United States (only allowed in California, Montana, Utah and Arizona). Most states have lane splitting laws in place that aim to curb this behavior. Did Montana legalize lane splitting? › Lane-splitting, also called lane filtering, occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two traffic lanes with the same direction of travel, usually in heavy traffic. Account for inattentive or distracted drivers. state that has legalized lane-splitting is California. In Montana, lane-splitting became legal in 2021. California Lane Splitting. S.