- One benefit of riding a motorcycle is they are nimble enough to skirt around traffic.
- Lane splitting is a common practice motorcyclists engage in, but not all states allow this maneuver because of its increased risk of motorcycle crashes.
- Michigan motorcycle laws do not permit lane splitting.
- Motorcycle accidents tend to result in more severe injuries and fatalities than other kinds of motor vehicle accidents.
- If you or a loved one suffers injury or wrongful death in a motorcycle accident, a skilled Michigan motorcycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need to pay your medical bills, replace lost wages, and more.
Riding a motorcycle comes with both the freedom to feel the breeze and enjoy the rush of adrenaline. They also have the benefit of being nimble enough to go around traffic. This is called lane splitting, and while it may be time-efficient, it is illegal in Michigan and can also lead to devastating motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycles are less protected from accidents than larger vehicles, so motorcycle riders tend to experience worse injuries and higher chances of death.
Continue reading to hear about the legalities of lane splitting in Michigan, and if you have been involved in an accident because a larger car didn’t see you, contact the experienced attorneys at Matz Injury Law to schedule a free consultation.
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist is traveling on the road between two vehicles headed in the same direction while traffic is stopped or slow-moving. When people think about this behavior on the road, they envision a motorcycle weaving through traffic at excessive speeds.
This is not often the case.
In many instances, motorcyclists may utilize land splitting to protect themselves, especially with drivers who are driving below the speed limit. Lane splitting enables them to bypass stop-and-go traffic and avoid becoming fatigued.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Michigan?
No, motorcycle lane splitting is not legal in Michigan. According to Michigan Code 257.660 (5):
“A person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or electric skateboard shall not pass between lines of traffic, but may pass on the left of traffic moving in his or her direction in the case of a 2-way street or on the left or right of traffic in the case of a 1-way street, in an unoccupied lane.”
What Risks Are Associated With Lane Splitting?
While lane splitting offers a few benefits (saving time, bypassing vehicles going under the speed limit, etc.), lane splitting on freeways and other roadways also carries many risks and is illegal in Michigan.
1) Limited Car or Truck Driver Visibility
Since motorcycles are so slim and sleek, larger vehicles traveling on the same roads may find motorcycle riders difficult to see in blind spots. This puts the rider at risk when a larger vehicle makes a turn or changes lanes.
2) Risk of Being Hit By Opening Car Doors
Larger vehicles often do not see motorcyclists and, if they are stuck in traffic, may open a door, swinging it directly into the driver. Alternatively, if the rider decides to pass on the right, a parked car may open a door, hitting the rider. Motorcyclists have limited reaction time if either scenario occurs, and being hit by a door while traveling at speed can lead to severe injury.
3) Dangerous Speed Differential
When motorcyclists decide to travel at a much faster speed during a lane-splitting maneuver, this increases the probability of an accident occurring. If one occurs, it’s more likely the motorcyclist will be the one with the more serious injuries.
4) Reduced Reaction Time
One of the problematic issues associated with lane splitting is drivers not having enough reaction time, either for the motorcyclists or the other drivers. When motorcyclists occupy the space between two lanes, there is limited space to move and less opportunity to react to prevent an accident.
Related Resources
- What Causes Motorcycle Crashes in Michigan? Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Michigan include lane switching, lane splitting, head-on collisions, and turning vehicles. Learn how to avoid these dangerous situations.
- How Can Motorcyclists Protect Themselves in an Accident? Bikers can protect themselves by following good motorcycle safety practices. Make strategic maneuvers, be careful when changing lanes, and wear a helmet and other safety gear.
- Who Is at Fault in Most Motorcycle Accidents? Michigan is a no-fault state for insurance purposes, but it is still important to identify the at-fault party. Learn why fault matters and how a skilled Michigan accident lawyer can help you determine liability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lane splitting and lane filtering have a similar sounding ring to them, but there are some significant differences. As noted above, lane splitting occurs when the motorcycle and all other vehicles on the road are moving, or stopping and going.
Lane filtering occurs when vehicles are stopped and the motorcyclist navigates through the non-moving vehicles so they can reach the front of traffic. This can help them avoid being “sandwiched” between other motor vehicles and being put into a susceptible situation.
Many states outlaw both lane splitting and lane filtering for a variety of reasons, mainly ones focused on keeping everyone safe while traveling on the road.
Lane splitting and lane filtering are both illegal in Michigan.
To be considered street-legal in Michigan, motorcycles need to have several specific parts:
- Front and rear brakes
- Rearview mirror
- Taillights
- Stop lights
- Working headlights
- Horn
- Muffler
- Permanent seat
- Footrests
- Correct handlebars
Lane-splitting laws vary from state to state. California is the only state in the U.S. legally allowing lane splitting. A handful of other states permit variations of lane splitting, including Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, and Utah. Eleven states and Washington D.C. do not address lane splitting at all in their traffic laws. All other U.S. states have laws against this practice.
