Is It Legal For Motorcycles to Lane Split in Texas?
Lane splitting may not be a term many non-motorcyclists are familiar with, but it is a widespread practice in some areas across the country and here in Texas. If you have ever seen a motorcycle ride between two lanes of traffic when they are heading in the same direction, then you have seen a motorcyclist lane-splitting. However, we want to discuss whether or not lane splitting is legal in Texas. Here, we will further define lane splitting, its dangers, and the legalities behind these actions.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is a controversial practice among motorcyclists traveling between lanes of moving vehicles traveling in the same direction. When lane splitting, the motorcyclist will travel between the cars while riding on the center dotted line. In many cases, motorcyclists do this when traffic is moving very slowly or stopped at a stoplight. There have long been advocates for motorcyclist lane splitting, and a study from U.C. Berkeley indicates that lane splitting increases motorcyclist safety and can reduce motorcycle accidents by decreasing the chance that the cyclist will be rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic. The research shows that lane splitting is generally safe when it occurs in traffic moving slower than 50 mph, provided the motorcyclist does not exceed the surrounding traffic by 15 mph. However, lane splitting is not legal in Texas. The only state in the United States where lane splitting by motorcyclists is permitted is California.
What Are the Penalties for Splitting Lanes in Texas?
Motorcyclists can be pulled over and ticketed for lane splitting in Texas. Motorcyclists who law enforcement officials stop could face a citation and a fine of up to $175.Additionally, it is crucial to understand that motorcyclists face risks beyond possible citations and penalties. Some of the potential hazards that motorcyclists face when they participate in lane splitting include:
Car doors opening
Hands or objects coming out of car windows
Vehicles turning unexpectedly
Vehicles changing lanes unexpectedly
Can Motorcyclists Ride Side by Side?
Yes, Texas law does allow two motorcyclists to share a lane when they are moving in the same direction. You will often hear this referred to as motorcyclists riding “two abreast.” In group rides, it is not uncommon to see many motorcyclists riding side by side in the same lane.
Motorcycle Accidents Affect Texans
Motorcyclists face significant risks on the roadways in and around Texas. Motorcyclists do not have the same level of protection as those inside vehicles, and even a seemingly minor crash can result in severe injuries. Lane-splitting accidents could result in severe injuries for a motorcyclist as well. It is not uncommon for a motorcycle crash in Texas to result in the following injuries for victims:
Broken and dislocated bones
Concussions
Open head wounds
Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
Other severe back and neck injury
Internal organ damage
Internal bleeding
Lacerations and road rash
Significant scarring and disfigurement
Emotional and psychological trauma
Injured motorcyclists may be entitled to various types of compensation in the event they are injured due to the careless actions of another driver on the roadway. This can include compensation for medical bills, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, and more.