Is Lane Splitting Legal in North Carolina?

No, lane splitting is not legal in North Carolina. According to state laws, you are required to stay in one lane while operating a motor vehicle on multi-lane roads. The same rule applies to motorcycles and those who ride them. 

Lane splitting is a topic of ongoing debate among motorcyclists, lawmakers, and safety advocates alike. Even though this driving practice is common in some places, its legality varies across the United States. 

It’s important to understand the legal stance on lane splitting as well as its implications and the consequences you could face if you are caught engaging in this behavior. Otherwise, you could get in a crash and end up having to hire a Raleigh motorcycle accident lawyer.

What is Lane Splitting, and How Does it Differ from Similar Practices?

Lane splitting refers to the practice of a motorcyclist riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. This typically takes place on highways or other commonly congested roadways. 

It’s essentially a way by which motorcyclists take advantage of the slim nature of their bikes and move through traffic in ways other drivers cannot. Try not to confuse lane splitting with these two related behaviors:

• Lane filtering: This is when you move between vehicles at a stoplight or in heavy traffic. It is often performed at lower speeds. 
• Lane sharing: This refers to a situation where two motorcycles are riding side by side in the same lane. 

Why is Lane Splitting Controversial?

The debate over lane splitting centers largely on the safety and practicality of drivers on the road. Advocates argue that lane splitting can contribute to efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve motorcyclist safety in certain situations. 

However, those who are opposed to the legalization of lane splitting cite concerns about the potential for accidents and the confusion it can create among other drivers—namely, those who are operating motor vehicles, not motorcycles. 

There’s also the question of how lane splitting and motorcycle accident liability would be handled. For instance, if a motorcyclist is lane splitting and ends up getting hit by a car due to the driver not being able to see the motorcyclist in their blind spot, who would be held liable?

Arguments in Favor of Lane Splitting

Here are three points commonly posed by those who think lane splitting should be legal: 

• The flow of traffic: Lane splitting can reduce congestion because it means motorcyclists can move out of the way and take up less space in traffic jams. 
• Reduced risk of rear-end collisions: Motorcyclists are at a higher risk of being rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic, so lane splitting can help them avoid being hit from behind.
• The benefits to the environment: Lane splitting can lower fuel consumption and emissions by reducing idle time in traffic.

Arguments in Opposition of Lane Splitting 

Here are a few reasons why people believe lane splitting should remain illegal: 

• Confusion created for other drivers: Many drivers are not accustomed to motorcycles riding between lanes, so allowing this behavior to become more common via the legalization of lane splitting can result in unpredictable reactions.
• Narrow margins for error: Lane splitting requires precise control and judgment skills as motorcyclists move between vehicles with limited space. This may exacerbate the odds of making a mistake or a poor judgment call. 
• Lack of uniform laws: The inconsistency in lane-splitting laws across states confuses motorcyclists traveling through different jurisdictions.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in NC?

No, lane splitting is not legal in NC because all drivers in North Carolina, including motorcyclists, are required to stay in a single lane unless they’re changing lanes.

Does Lane Splitting Affect Insurance Claims?

Lane splitting might affect insurance claims if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident while engaging in this illegal driving behavior. An insurance adjuster might try to argue that the rider motorcyclist was participating in unlawful or reckless behavior at the time of the collision. 

In turn, this can reduce the payout that the injured motorcyclist receives from the insurance company. However, it’s also important to note that North Carolina abides by the contributory negligence rule. 

This means that if a motorcyclist is found to be slightly at fault for an accident, they may be barred from recovering compensation entirely. Your ability to recover compensation will depend on the circumstances of the crash, and a lawyer can help you understand what to expect. 

Alternatives to Lane Splitting

For motorcyclists in North Carolina, not only is actively avoiding lane splitting a legal requirement, but it is also a safer choice. Instead of lane splitting, opt for one of the following alternatives when making your way through traffic:

• Use high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes 
• Time your rides more strategically
• Adopt defensive driving techniques 
• Make use of smartphone traffic apps 
• Ride in groups whenever possible 

Reach Out to a Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyer for more Information About Lane Splitting in North Carolina

While lane splitting may be a convenient practice for motorcyclists, it is not legal in North Carolina. There are alternative driving behaviors that riders can choose to engage in instead, but this doesn’t mean collisions caused by lane splitting don’t happen. 

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, Whitley Law Firm is here to help. With over 120 years of combined experience, Whitley Law Firm is committed to empowering our team, protecting our clients, and serving our community. 

You can rely on us to answer the call and stand by your side through every step of the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and meet with us. We can tell you how we can help you and how we plan to advocate for your rights.