Is Lane Splitting Legal In Texas?
It is not legal for a motorcycle to split lanes when driving on Texas roadways. Texas Statutes Transportation Code § 545.060 states: “An operator on a roadway divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic shall drive as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane.” This includes motorcyclists.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives alongside, or between, lanes of cars and trucks in traffic. It often occurs when traffic is slow-moving or stopped.
Other terms sometimes used for lane splitting and similar practices include:
- Stripe-riding or white lining — This specifically refers to a motorcyclist driving between two lanes, riding the motorcycle on the dividing line.
- Filtering or filtering forward — These terms are used to describe a motorcycle driving alongside traffic that has stopped, usually at a stoplight, rather than stopping behind the last vehicle. This may be between two lanes of traffic or on the outside portion of a lane occupied by a stationary vehicle.
- Lane sharing — This term indicates when two vehicles that are moving the same direction use the same lane, such as a motorcycle passing a larger vehicle in the space available on the outer edge of the lane.
Recent Attempts to Make Lane Splitting Legal in Texas
In recent years there have been attempts to change this law and allow lane splitting in Texas. State Senator Kirk Watson introduced the most recent attempt, SB-273, on December 20, 2018. SB-273 would have allowed lane splitting at a speed no more than five miles per hour faster than the speed of traffic and in traffic moving 20 miles per hour or less.
The bill was sent to the House Transportation Committee in February of 2019. The bill remained stuck in committee when the 86th Legislature adjourned in May of 2019. This means the bill will have to be reintroduced sometime in the future.
It is likely that Texas will eventually enact laws addressing motorcycle lane splitting. For now, at least, lane splitting is illegal in Texas and motorcyclists who are caught splitting lanes could be hit with a $175 fine.
Texas Lane Splitting: Pros and Cons
The debate on the safety and convenience of lane splitting has been argued for years. Currently, California is the only state in the U.S. that allows lane splitting, but that may change for other states, including Texas. At least 15 states have tried, unsuccessfully, to push bills legalizing lane splitting in the past six years. Let’s look at some pros and cons of lane splitting in Texas.
Pros of Lane Splitting in Texas
Motorcyclists, lawmakers, and other advocates claim that there are benefits to lane splitting. These benefits include:
- Easing traffic congestion — for this reason, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests it may be worthy of further study
- Reducing rear-end collisions involving motorcyclists
- Reducing carbon emissions by getting vehicles off the road quicker
Cons of Lane Splitting in Texas
Other lawmakers and safety advocates believe lane splitting is a dangerous activity and should not be legalized. They cite problems including:
- A blind-spot safety risk when cars change lanes
- The danger of motorcyclists traveling too fast in relation to surrounding traffic
- Vehicle doors that open unexpectedly
- Visibility issues with large trucks
Motorcycle accidents are serious and could have life-threatening consequences for victims. As a motor vehicle operator, you should be aware that, despite the law, the practice of lane splitting will most likely continue. Drive cautiously and check your mirrors often, especially when entering or exiting a lane. Contact an injury attorney if you are involved in an accident caused by lane splitting. He or she may be able to help you win compensation for your injuries.
