Lane splitting is illegal in New York and can complicate liability in a motorcycle accident case. Understanding New York’s traffic laws is important for helping motorcyclists and drivers stay safe, prevent legal consequences, and avoid insurance complications.
The knowledgeable New York motorcycle accident lawyers at Richmond Vona have deep experience handling cases impacted by lane splitting. Our trusted team can help you navigate your case and get full and fair compensation for your claim. Contact us online or call 716-500-5678 for a free consultation.
ON THIS PAGE
- What is Lane Splitting?
- Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering
- Specific Laws About Lane Splitting in New York
- Are There Any Exceptions to the Lane Splitting NY Rules?
- What Are the Penalties for Splitting Lanes in NY?
- How Can Lane Splitting Affect a Personal Injury Claim?
- Contact a Richmond Vona Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle between two lanes of traffic, particularly when other vehicles are stopped or slowed. While some argue lane splitting can help reduce congestion on the roadways and may even be safer for motorcyclists during slowdowns, critics of the practice claim it raises the risk of collisions with drivers who aren’t expecting riders between lanes.
Some states allow lane splitting or similar actions, but the maneuver is illegal in most others, including New York.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering
Lane filtering is a maneuver in which a motorcyclist passes a vehicle while remaining in the same lane, rather than moving between lanes. Some states regulate this move differently than lane splitting, including Colorado, where lane filtering is legal at low speeds but lane splitting is not. In New York, both of these maneuvers are illegal.
Specific Laws About Lane Splitting in New York
New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1252 specifically addresses lane splitting, barring motorcycle riders from operating between lanes of traffic. This law has existed in substantially the same form since it was enacted in 2014, without any major revisions.
Tenets of New York’s lane splitting law include:
No Operation Between Lanes
Motorcyclists cannot ride between two lanes of traffic or between two rows of vehicles, even if one row is parked. Riders also cannot pass a car while in the same lane. However, police officers are exempt from these rules while on the job.
Full Lane Use
Each motorcyclist is entitled to the use of a full lane of traffic, similarly to full-sized vehicles.
Two Abreast
Motorcyclists are permitted to ride alongside another motorcycle in the same lane, but no more than two riders can ride side-by-side at a time.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Lane Splitting NY Rules?
Unlike some states, such as California, New York does not allow lane splitting under any circumstances. Motorcyclists cannot legally pass vehicles by riding between lanes or within the same lane, even if traffic is heavy or slow-moving.
What Are the Penalties for Splitting Lanes in NY?
Lane splitting is a traffic law violation in New York, which can lead to the following consequences:
- Tickets and fines
- Increased insurance premiums
- License points, or having your license suspended
- Additional penalties for related violations (i.e., reckless driving) or repeated offenses
How Can Lane Splitting Affect a Personal Injury Claim?
If you get into a motorcycle accident after lane splitting, it could limit your ability to recover significant compensation through a personal injury case. As lane splitting is illegal in New York, you could be considered partially at fault for any injuries you suffer, and insurance companies may push to reduce your award.
Comparative Negligence in New York
New York’s pure comparative negligence law allows injury victims to recover compensation even if they were primarily at fault for an accident. Under this system, you could still have a claim for damages even if you were 95% or more to blame for your own injuries.
However, you can only recover compensation equal to the other party’s share of liability. If you were 20% at fault for a motorcycle accident, your award can only be up to 80% of your actual damages. As such, lane splitting before an accident can potentially reduce your available compensation.
An experienced New York personal injury attorney can help you understand your degree of fault, minimize your own liability, and maximize your potential recovery after a motorcycle accident.
Contact a Richmond Vona Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Our experienced New York motorcycle accident lawyers are dedicated to getting justice for injured riders like you. With over two decades of combined experience in personal injury law and over $200 million recovered for our clients, we’re ready to help you get the results you deserve. Contact us online or call 716-500-5678 for a free consultation.
