Lane splitting or white lining is a colloquial name for splitting traffic on a motorcycle. As most riders in the New York metro area know, this practice is both common and illegal.

Does NY allow lane splitting?

New York's Lane Splitting Laws

Lane splitting is currently illegal in many states. New York is one of them. A few years ago, California passed a law that allows some degree of lane splitting to prevent gridlock. However, the NYPD has been adamant that no such law should be passed in NYC.

Which states allow lane splitting?

Currently only one state in the US allows lane splitting. Utah, Oregon, Maryland, and Connecticut are considering lane sharing laws in their state legislatures, but none of these laws are on the books yet. As of August 19th, 2016, lane splitting is officially legal in California.

Is split laning legal?

California – California was one of the first states to embrace lane splitting even before it was legalized, motorists and motorcyclists respected the practice for years. In 2016, it was declared legal across the state. California is the only state in America to officially make lane splitting legal.

Why is lane splitting illegal?

California's DMV handbook for motorcycles advises caution regarding lane splitting: "Vehicles and motorcycles each need a full lane to operate safely and riding between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane can leave you vulnerable.

The NYC Lane Splitting Situation - My Thoughts

What are the rules for lane splitting?

Lane splitting by motorcyclists is legal in California. Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal.

Can you lane split a single lane?

It's legal only in California

According to the American Motorcyclist Association's website, every state except California bans the practice of lane splitting. Specifically, the states prohibit motorcycles from passing a vehicle in the same lane and riding between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles.

Can motorcycles split lanes in NJ?

“Lane splitting,” also called lane-sharing and white-lining, refers to a motorcycle cutting between two adjacent lanes of traffic. ... Each state handles lane-splitting separately. While some states have laws that explicitly prohibit the practice, New Jersey does not.

What lane should a motorcycle ride in?

The safest “default” lane position for a motorcycle is in the leftmost third of the lane. Most motorcyclists choose to stay in the left position for the majority of the time they're on the road.

Is white lining legal?

Lane splitting, also known as white lining, is when a motorcyclist drives their bike between cars. ... Lane splitting is illegal in most other states in the United States. In 11 states, it is neither illegal nor legal and is ticketed by the police when they think it is necessary to do so.

Can you lane filter in NY?

But passing cars between lanes of traffic is illegal in the state of New York. The only states that expressly allow lane splitting for passing are California and Utah. ... New York state law does not explicitly disallow sharing lanes. State law only says that all motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane.

Is lane filtering legal in New York State?

Currently, lane splitting is illegal in New York. When it comes to ensuring that motorcyclists are safe on the road, the traffic laws are very important. New York has several laws in place regarding motorcyclists.

What is required on all motorcycles in New York State?

Required Protective Gear for All Motorcyclists in New York

All motorcyclists and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation approved helmet. It is imperative that the helmet you and your passengers use meets all federal motor vehicle safety standards. Additionally, eye protection is a must for all riders.

Why do motorcycles ride so close to the center line?

The centre of most lanes on most roads is a no-man's land for bikers. It's where the oil, fuel and coolant from all the cars, trucks and buses drops and congeals. It's slippery, and dangerous. The wheel tracks offer much more grip.

What is the safest lane to drive?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Crashworthiness Data System, the safest lane seems to be the left lane with the fewest crashes. However, because of higher rates of speed, left lane accidents tend to result in more severe injuries and deaths.

Is lane splitting legal in Pennsylvania?

Lane Splitting in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, lane splitting is illegal and motorcyclists who violate this traffic law can be ticketed.

Can you lane split in Delaware?

While anyone who is operating a motor vehicle should do so with the highest regard to safety, Delaware doesn't have any specific laws relating to lane splitting. In other words, it's not illegal. ... While lane splitting can be dangerous, skilled drivers can do it masterfully.

Are wheelies illegal in NJ?

'Wheelies are not a crime,' say cyclists riding in support of handcuffed teen - nj.com.

Is motorcycle filtering legal?

In the U.S., lane splitting and lane filtering aren't permitted—with the current exception of California and Utah. Four other states—Connecticut, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Texas—have bills currently in the legislative process.

Can motorcycles ride on the shoulder?

Is It Legal for Motorcyclists to Drive on the Shoulder of a Roadway? No, riding in the shoulder isn't legal (except in Hawaii as described above). The shoulder may look inviting in stop-and-go rush hour traffic, but it is not legal in the vast majority of the United States.

Is it safe to ride motorcycle on Highway?

In fact, highway riding is probably safer than scrambling around on surface roads, since everybody's going the same direction at more or less the same speed, and, critically, there's no cross traffic to dodge.

Can motorcyclists weave in and out of traffic?

After lengthy and contentious debates between state government agencies about the safety of lane splitting, the law enabling motorcycles to weave in and out of lanes was officially passed in August 2016. ... Norris isn't the only person to be surprised to learn about the freedom motorcyclists have on California roads.

When was lane splitting legal in California?

This is lane splitting, and it is legal in California. In August 2016, California became the first state in America to pass a law that officially defined lane splitting (also called lane sharing) in its vehicle code. It was also the first state to remove the language in its law that made lane splitting illegal.

Do motorcycles need mirrors in NY?

A motorcycle must have an adjustable rear view mirror to give the operator a clear view of the road and traffic conditions behind the motorcycle. If the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen, the windscreen and its brackets must be permanently labeled by the manufacturer to ensure they are approved for highway use.

Can I ride a motorcycle with a permit in NY?

To drive a motorcycle in NYS, you must have a Class M or MJ Operator's License or Learner's Permit. ... When a learner is practicing, he/she must be supervised by a driver with a valid motorcycle license. The supervising driver must be within sight and no more than one-quarter mile from the learner at all times.