What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, typically on a highway or multi-lane road. Riders who lane split pass between vehicles in adjacent lanes rather than waiting in line with other traffic.
While this practice is legal in some states, most notably California, lane splitting is illegal in Michigan under the state’s Uniform Vehicle Code. Michigan law requires motorcycles to operate within a single lane and follow the same lane-use rules as other motor vehicles.
Michigan Law on Lane Splitting
Michigan’s traffic laws treat motorcycles as vehicles entitled to full lane use. Under MCL 257.660a, motorcycles are permitted to ride two abreast within a single lane, but passing between lanes of traffic is prohibited. A related practice called lane filtering, where a motorcycle moves between stopped vehicles at a red light, is also not permitted in Michigan.
Violations can result in a civil infraction and a fine. More importantly, if a rider is lane splitting at the time of an accident, it can significantly affect the outcome of an injury claim.
How Lane Splitting Affects Accident Claims
If a motorcycle accident occurs while the rider was lane splitting, insurance companies will almost certainly argue that the rider was at fault or contributed significantly to the collision. Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule, if the rider is found 51% or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any compensation.
However, lane splitting does not automatically make the rider entirely at fault. If a car driver changed lanes without signaling, opened a door into traffic, or was otherwise negligent, the driver may still bear a significant portion of fault. Each case depends on the specific circumstances.
Michigan riders who have been injured in any accident, including those where lane positioning is disputed, should consult an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, we investigate the full picture of every crash to protect our clients’ rights. Contact us for a free consultation.