Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Pennsylvania?

Motorcycle riders often wonder whether they can legally move between lanes of slow or stopped traffic to avoid congestion. The answer has significant implications for your safety and your rights if an accident occurs. Contact Mette Law to schedule a consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Harrisburg, PA.

What Is Lane Splitting?

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. It is most common in heavy congestion or when vehicles are moving slowly or stopped. Some riders view lane splitting as a way to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, while others use it to move through traffic more efficiently.

Is Lane Splitting Illegal in PA?

Pennsylvania law does not permit lane splitting. While the state’s vehicle code does not use the specific term “lane splitting,” it requires all vehicles to operate entirely within a single lane. Motorcyclists must follow the same lane-use rules as other motorists; riding between lanes of traffic violates state law. Engaging in lane splitting puts you at risk of traffic citations and can severely damage any injury claim if an accident results.

Why Lane Splitting Is Dangerous

Motorcyclists face serious hazards when attempting to squeeze between vehicles in traffic. The tight spaces and unpredictable movements of other drivers create conditions where accidents happen quickly:

• Limited reaction time. Other drivers do not expect motorcycles to pass between lanes and may change positions without warning.
• Reduced visibility. Cars and trucks create blind spots that obscure approaching motorcycles to drivers attempting to merge or change lanes.
• Narrow margins for error. Side mirrors, opening doors, and sudden lane changes leave almost no room for a motorcyclist to avoid a collision.

Legal Consequences

Riders who engage in lane splitting in Pennsylvania face penalties under the state’s traffic laws. Under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3309, all vehicles must drive entirely within a single lane and may only move from that lane when safe to do so:

• Traffic citations. Officers can issue tickets for improper lane changes or reckless driving, depending on the circumstances.
• Points on your license. Moving violations add points to your driving record and can lead to license suspension.
• Increased insurance rates. Citations for unsafe driving practices often result in higher premiums from your insurance carrier.

How Lane Splitting Affects Personal Injury Claims

If you suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, your compensation may decrease significantly. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules allow insurance companies and juries to reduce your recovery based on your percentage of fault:

• Shared liability determinations. Adjusters will argue that your decision to lane split contributed to the collision.
• Reduced settlement offers. Insurance companies use any traffic violation to justify reducing payouts.
• Defense strategies at trial. Defendants will highlight the illegal maneuver to shift blame away from their own negligent conduct.

Contact an Experienced Harrisburg Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you need legal representation that can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation against insurance companies exhibiting bias against riders to reduce liability. Contact Mette Law at 717-232-5000 to schedule a consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer.