Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas?
No, lane-splitting is not legal in Texas. Though some riders believe it keeps them safer, state law clearly bans lane-splitting, even in slow-moving or stopped traffic. Police officers can issue tickets for it, and insurance companies can use it as an excuse to minimize or deny claims.
If you got hurt in a Texas motorcycle wreck, you should talk with a motorcycle accident lawyer before you deal with the insurance companies, whether you were lane-splitting or not. An attorney from Loewy Law Firm Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can review your case, explain your options, and protect your rights. Contact our firm today to get started with your free initial consultation.
What Is Lane-Splitting?
Lane-splitting, also called white-lining or stripe-riding, happens when a motorcycle moves between two lanes of traffic that are going in the same direction. It involves the motorcyclist riding directly on the painted line that separates traffic lanes. Riders might do this to get ahead when traffic slows or stops.
Some riders believe lane-splitting helps them save time or avoid getting rear-ended in slow traffic. Others think it gives them more control in crowded conditions. However, lane-splitting puts riders in tight spaces next to vehicles that might swerve or change lanes without warning. Some data suggest that this practice increases crash risk, which is why most states ban it.
Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Texas?
No. Lane-splitting is not legal in Texas. The law clearly says that a motorcyclist cannot ride between lanes of traffic, even if other vehicles are moving slowly or stopped. It also says motorcycle riders can’t pass a vehicle in the same lane or ride more than two abreast in a single lane. If a crash happens while a rider is splitting lanes, that rider could be held responsible or get ticketed by law enforcement.
Common Myths About Lane-Splitting in Texas
Sometimes riders pick up bad information about lane-splitting from social media, out-of-state friends, or even other bikers. Texas law doesn’t leave much room for debate here. It clearly states what you can and cannot do on a motorcycle when sharing the road with other vehicles. Operating under the wrong assumptions could lead to a traffic stop, a fine, or even a crash.
Below are some of the most common myths people believe about lane-splitting in Texas (and the facts that prove them wrong):
- Myth: Lane-splitting is allowed if traffic is stopped or slow.
- Fact: Texas law does not make any exceptions for lane-splitting based on traffic speed.
- Myth: It’s OK if you don’t touch another vehicle.
- Fact: Physical contact isn’t important. Lane-splitting is illegal whether or not you bump into a car.
- Myth: You can ride the line if you do it carefully.
- Fact: Riding on or across lane lines is still lane-splitting, regardless of how careful you are.
- Myth: California allows lane-splitting, so Texas probably does too.
- Fact: Lane-splitting is legal in California but not in Texas. Each state has its own rules.
- Myth: If there’s no sign that says “no lane-splitting,” you’re allowed to do it.
- Fact: The law doesn’t require a posted sign to make lane-splitting illegal.
- Myth: Police don’t enforce lane-splitting laws.
- Fact: Police can and do ticket riders for lane-splitting in Texas.
What Is Lane Filtering? Is It Legal in Texas?
Lane filtering is similar to lane-splitting but involves some key distinctions. It happens when a motorcyclist moves between stopped vehicles to reach the front of a line, usually at a red light.
Some states allow lane filtering in limited situations, but Texas does not. Texas law treats lane filtering and lane-splitting the same way. It says a rider can’t operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, which includes moving between cars that are stopped or barely moving. Riders who lane filter through traffic in Texas risk getting ticketed or blamed if a crash happens.
Relevant Texas Lane Splitting Laws
Motorcycle riders in Texas are largely subject to the same road rules as other motorists, though the Texas Transportation Code includes some laws that apply only to motorcyclists. Below are the key laws that cover motorcycle lane use in Texas.
Section 545.060 – Driving on a Road with Marked Lanes
The law requires you to stay in your lane as much as possible on laned roads. It says you can only change lanes if you know you can do so safely. All motorists are subject to this law, including motorcycle riders.
Section 545.0605 – Operating a Motorcycle on a Laned Roadway
The law applies specifically to motorcyclists. It says motorcycle riders have the right to the full use of a road lane. It also prohibits other drivers from trying to squeeze you out or share your lane unless you choose to ride side-by-side with another motorcycle. However, the law explicitly says that riders cannot:
- Ride between lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction (this is lane-splitting)
- Pass a car while staying in the same lane as that car
- Ride side-by-side with three or more other motorcyclists in one lane
The rules apply to everyone except police officers who are performing their official duties.
Section 545.061 – Driving on a Multi-Lane Road
If you’re riding on a one-way road with three or more lanes, this law says you have to yield to anyone already in another lane you want to move into. If you’re changing lanes from left to right, you have to yield to other vehicles moving into the same lane from your left side.
Section 545.062 – Following Distance
The law says you have to leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you so that you can stop safely. We can infer from this law that weaving through slow traffic isn’t allowed. If you follow another vehicle too closely or split lanes and get into a crash, you could be held responsible.
Section 545.063 – Driving on a Divided Highway
If a highway has two roads separated by a median, barrier, or lined space, you hae to stay on the right side unless a sign or police officer says otherwise. You cannot drive across the divider unless there’s a proper crossover or break in the barrier.
The Consequences of Lane-Splitting in Texas
You could be in serious trouble if you lane-split in Texas. The police can ticket you for violating Section 545.0605 of the Texas Transportation Code, which bans riding between lanes. If you cause or contribute to a crash while lane-splitting, you could receive additional citations.
If you file an insurance claim after a motorcycle wreck that involved lane-splitting, the adjuster could use the fact that you were lane-splitting to reduce or deny your claim. They might say you were riding recklessly or breaking the law, which could lower or eliminate your payout. If someone sues you, they might also use lane-splitting to shift blame onto you.
Even if no crash happens, just weaving through traffic could lead to fines. Texas law doesn’t allow lane-splitting under any conditions, so riders take a risk every time they do it.
Lane-Splitting and Motorcycle Accidents
Lane-splitting can increase the risk of motorcycle crashes. Car drivers don’t expect motorcycle riders to pass between lanes, especially in stop-and-go traffic. In other words, drivers might change lanes without seeing you or drift slightly within their lane, which could lead to a collision if you are lane-splitting.
If a crash happens while you’re lane-splitting, the insurance company or the police might say you caused it. That could affect your ability to get paid for crash injuries or damage. Even if the other driver made a mistake, lane-splitting could still work against you and complicate lawsuits or insurance claims.
If you get hurt in a crash while riding between lanes, you should talk with a Texas accident lawyer before you try to deal with any insurance companies.
How a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
A motorcycle accident can turn your life upside down. If you are blamed for having caused the crash by lane-splitting or riding carelessly, that could make things even more stressful. A Texas motorcycle accident attorney can handle your injury case for you, push back against unfair accusations, and demand the recovery you deserve by:
- Gathering witness statements that support your side of the story
- Requesting traffic camera or dash cam footage from the scene
- Collecting medical records that show the extent of your injuries
- Talking with your doctors to better understand your treatment needs
- Looking at the other driver’s record for past traffic violations
- Working with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene
- Challenging claims that you were riding unsafely or broke the law
- Dealing with the insurance company so you don’t have to
- Calculating what your injuries and other losses are worth
- Negotiating a fair payout so you don’t settle for less than you deserve
- Filing a lawsuit if the other side refuses to pay or takes too long
Contact a Texas Motorcycle Crash Attorney Now
If you got hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t try to handle the process alone. The other driver’s insurance company might try to blame you or offer less than you deserve, even if you weren’t lane-splitting when the crash occurred. Loewy Law Firm Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has recovered millions in compensation for motorcycle crash victims like you and will fight tirelessly for a fair outcome on your behalf. Contact us today at (512) 280-0800 to set up your free initial consultation.
The content on this website is for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Laws change, and case outcomes depend on specific facts. Viewing this material does not establish an attorney-client relationship. For legal guidance on your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney.