Lane splitting by motorcycles – riding between cars moving in the same direction in a single lane – is a common sight in Texas traffic. Many riders see it as a way to keep moving when everyone else is stuck. But here’s the fact: lane splitting is not legal in Texas.
While the Texas Senate Transportation Committee has discussed the potential benefits of regulating lane splitting, including reducing congestion and preventing rear-end collisions, law enforcement warns of serious safety and enforcement challenges. Until legislation changes, lane splitting remains prohibited under the Texas Transportation Code.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve been helping motorcycle accident victims—as well as car accident and truck accident victims—throughout Texas for more than 30 years. Our team understands the laws that apply to motorcyclists, the nuances of complex accident claims, and how to fight for maximum compensation when another driver’s negligence causes harm.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident—whether lane splitting was involved or not—our experienced attorneys can protect your rights and help you recover the full financial compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering in Texas (2025 Update)
Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering
- Lane splitting: When a rider weaves between moving cars in the same lane.
- Lane filtering: When a rider moves between stationary or slowly moving vehicles, such as at a red light.
Both are illegal in Texas under current state law.
Texas Law Status (2025)
- As of 2025, lane splitting is explicitly prohibited under House Bill 4122, which added § 545.0605 to the Texas Transportation Code.
- Motorcyclists may not ride between lanes of moving traffic or overtake vehicles in the same lane.
- Safety concerns such as reduced visibility and sudden lane changes remain primary reasons for the prohibition.
What This Means for Riders
- Riders should remain aware that, while common in some states, lane splitting in Texas is not legally permitted and can have serious legal and financial consequences.
- Violating lane splitting laws can result in fines, points on your license, or even reckless driving charges.
- Texas follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning illegal behavior like lane splitting can reduce or eliminate your ability to recover damages in a crash.
Lane Splitting Implications
Texas motorcycle lane splitting can cause legal problems. As lane splitting is illegal in Texas, it could impact any claims you make after an accident or even result in traffic fines if pulled over. Let’s examine the risks in greater detail.
Traffic Fines
If a highway patrolman pulls you over after witnessing you lane splitting, you could face a hefty traffic fine. Your traffic infraction will determine how much you have to pay. Some motorcycle riders even drive on the shoulder, resulting in a higher penalty.
Accident Claims
Lane splitting may reduce your chances of being rear-ended, but it does not eliminate the possibility of an accident altogether. You can still get into an accident if a car driver moves suddenly. If this does occur, the fact that you were splitting lanes becomes a problem.
Firstly, Texas is a comparative negligence state. This means that the state determines the fault of everyone in the accident. Lane splitting may be seen as an unsafe driving practice and put you above 50% fault. This will negate any claim that you try to make in the accident. Secondly, even if your fault percentage is below 50%, lane splitting may decrease any compensation you receive. Partaking in lane splitting puts you at risk of implicating yourself.
Motorcycle riders and their lawyers must find evidence that the driver shares some of the fault. They could have been texting, not signaling that they were changing lanes, or simply distracted. Whatever the reason, you have to prove this before trying to make a claim.
This is one of the main reasons why you should hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help if you have been in an accident. Motorcycle riders often suffer severe injuries even if they are in slow-moving traffic. It is a consequence of riding a motorcycle and being less protected than a person in a car. They also fall into a driver’s blind spot, which is why accidents can occur easily.
The team at Angel Reyes & Associates & Associates has decades of experience in Texas road law, including motorcycle accidents. Our injury lawyers in Fort Worth, TX understand the nuance and intricacies of these complex cases, as well as the rights of motorcyclists on the road. We will always fight for victims to receive the full compensation they deserve.
FAQs About Lane Splitting in Texas
Is lane splitting or filtering legal in Texas?
No. Lane splitting—riding between moving vehicles in the same lane—is illegal in Texas. As of now, it remains allowed only in California. While states like Utah permit lane filtering (moving between stopped vehicles), and Hawaii allows passing on shoulders in certain scenarios, Texas has no legal exceptions. There are bills under consideration, but none have passed into law.
Does lane splitting improve safety?
Some studies, such as a 2015 UC Berkeley report, suggest lane splitting can reduce rear-end collisions by allowing riders to avoid fast-stopping traffic. However, it remains controversial and risky—and is still illegal in Texas.
Can I still file a claim if I was lane splitting and got hit?
Possibly, but it’s complicated. Texas follows modified comparative fault laws, meaning if you’re found over 50% responsible, you can’t recover damages. Even under 50%, lane splitting may reduce your compensation. You would need to show the other driver shares at least some fault—like distracted driving or failure to signal—to have a viable claim.
Bottom Line:
Lane splitting is illegal and dangerous in Texas, regardless of how common it looks on the roads. Even in low traffic, speed, sudden movements, and blind spots can result in serious injuries. That’s why it’s best to refrain from it—and, if you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash (with or without lane splitting involved), you need attorneys who understand Texas road law.
At Angel Reyes & Associates, we’ve spent over 30 years fighting for motorcycle accident victims across Texas—from minor scrapes to catastrophic crashes. Our team knows how to build powerful cases and secure maximum compensation for our clients. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
