Motorcyclists maneuvering between lanes, known as lane sharing or lane filtering, are not unusual on congested roads. As drivers move through traffic from bumper to bumper, motorcyclists zigzag between stops, eliciting combined reactions from other drivers. While convenient for cyclists, the practice raises questions about its legality, especially in Louisiana and Texas.
Before we get into the details, it’s vital to perceive the difference between lane sharing and lane filtering. According to the Ride Apart website, lane filtering occurs when a motorcycle passes a stopped vehicle when rolling between lanes and merging in front of the vehicle. On the other hand, lane sharing occurs when a motorcycle rolls along the dotted line between two lanes, creating a new lane.
Nationally, lane sharing and lane filtering are largely prohibited. However, several states have begun to legalize such practices. California was the first state to officially legalize lane-sharing in 2016, after decades of “unofficial tolerance. “Utah introduced itself in 2019 with a lane filtering law, and Montana followed suit in early 2021. This year, Colorado’s lane filtering law will be passed. it will go into effect in August and the Arizona one will remain in September. Minnesota plans to implement lane sharing in January 2025.
In Louisiana and Texas, lane sharing and filtering are still illegal. Both states have strict traffic laws that do not account for those practices, which means that motorcyclists caught between lanes can expect to be fined. Enforcement is strict and drivers are asked to comply with classic traffic patterns and penalties.
While some states are gradually passing legislation on lane splitting and filtering to reduce congestion and traffic flow, Louisiana and Texas have yet to take steps in this direction. Motorcyclists in those states deserve to be patient and stick to popular traffic rules, as any violation will be more likely. It will likely result in fines and legal repercussions.
As more states experiment with and pass lane-sharing and filtering laws, Louisiana and Texas will possibly reconsider their stance in the future. However, for now, motorcyclists are asked to comply with applicable legislation and exercise caution on the roads.
For more data on where it is legal to share lanes and filter lanes, check out the full report on Popcrush.
Gallery Credit: Sarah Jones