Is Lane Splitting for Motorcyclists Legal in Texas? 

Reg Reinoso

Author

Lane splitting, the practice of motorcyclists riding between lanes of traffic to bypass congestion, is a topic that often sparks debate among drivers and riders alike. While it can offer motorcyclists a way to avoid sitting in traffic and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, the legality of lane splitting varies widely across the United States.

In Texas, however, the law is clear after a new statute was passed in 2023, making lane splitting explicitly prohibited. Unlike states such as California, where lane splitting is legal, Texas has taken the opposite approach, leaving motorcyclists in the state to follow the same traffic rules as cars and other vehicles.

Under Section 545.0605(a)(3) of the Texas Transportation Code, lane splitting is now outlawed. The statute provides clear guidelines that motorcyclists must follow while operating on Texas roads. Specifically, the law states:

• “(a) An operator of a motorcycle is entitled to the full use of a lane and may not:
• (3)(b) operate the motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction; or
• (c) pass a motor vehicle while in the same lane as the vehicle being passed.”

This language directly bans the common practices of lane splitting and lane filtering. Motorcyclists are not allowed to ride between lanes of moving traffic or pass other vehicles while remaining in the same lane. These actions, which are often used to bypass traffic congestion, are strictly forbidden in Texas.

However, there are a couple of important exceptions. Subsection (b) provides that this law does not apply to police officers performing their official duties. Additionally, the statute allows two motorcycles to share a lane and ride abreast of each other, which is permitted under Texas law.

The Impact on Texas Motorcyclists for Safety Considerations

The prohibition on lane splitting in Texas has sparked ongoing debates within the motorcycling community, particularly around the issue of safety. Proponents of lane splitting argue that it can actually reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in slow-moving or stop-and-go traffic. When motorcyclists are allowed to move between lanes, they can avoid being sandwiched between cars, a common cause of accidents in heavy traffic. This practice is seen as particularly beneficial in congested urban areas, where traffic backups increase the risk of collisions.

However, critics maintain that lane splitting can increase the likelihood of accidents, as it requires motorcyclists to maneuver in close proximity to moving vehicles. The unpredictability of drivers changing lanes, combined with the narrow spaces motorcyclists must navigate, can create dangerous situations. Opponents of lane splitting also argue that it makes it harder for drivers to spot motorcyclists, especially in high-traffic areas where visibility is limited.

The impact of the lane splitting ban is felt most strongly by motorcyclists in Texas cities, such as Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin, where traffic congestion is a daily reality. In these urban environments, riders are forced to sit in gridlocked traffic, unable to take advantage of the maneuverability that motorcycles offer in other states where lane splitting is legal. This adds to the frustration of city motorcyclists, who must endure the same traffic delays as cars, even though their motorcycles could theoretically weave through the congestion.

Please note this article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for legal advice.