Is it illegal to drive next to motorcycles in Texas? According to Texas law, driving beside motorcycles or lane-splitting in Texas is an illegal action. Everyone should be aware of motorcycle driving laws in Texas for safety purposes, though motorcycle riders must be the most diligent of all in following them.
Keep reading to learn more about Texas lane-splitting laws, motorcycle laws, and traffic laws to stay safer on the roads. Angel Reyes & Associates is a personal injury law firm committed to providing 5-star service to injured victims, including motorcycle riders, in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and throughout Texas.
What Is Lane-Splitting and Is It Legal in Texas?
Lane-splitting is when a motorcycle passes one or more slow-moving vehicles between two lanes heading in the same direction, primarily to avoid making a full stop during heavy traffic. Is lane-splitting legal though?
Motorcycle lane-splitting isn’t legal in Texas, and any motorcyclist caught making this maneuver will likely get a traffic citation. Tempting as it may be to coast around congested traffic, motorcyclists must abide by traffic rules and remain at a full stop during traffic congestion.
The Dangers of Lane-Splitting
Is lane-splitting safe? In short, it’s not a safe move to make, and Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law to make it a part of the motorcycle laws in the state. The Texas Department of Public Safety and lane-splitting legislation have found that making it legal to split lanes in Texas would cause more accidents. The Senate Transportation Committee was also opposed to legalizing lane-splitting.
When motorcycles split lanes, accidents can more easily occur. Lane-splitting is the most common reason behind motorcycle crashes. Other drivers may not notice motorcyclists crossing lanes. Large trucks also have massive blind spots, making it much easier to miss the smaller profile of a motorcycle rider.
Some scenarios may arise with sudden braking, which can create a chain reaction for rear-end collisions when motorcycles split lanes. With little to protect them, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable on the roads.
Making lane-splitting legal in Texas would open the door to even more serious or fatal injuries incurred by allowing this dangerous practice. Similarly, lane filtering is also not legal. It’s similar to lane-splitting, though lane filtering involves stopped vehicles rather than slow-moving vehicles in the same direction.
Texas Law and Lane Sharing
Can you ride in the same lane where a motorcycle rides? Under Section 545.060 of the Texas Transportation Code, all drivers and motorcyclists must drive within one single lane. A motorcyclist is permitted to change lanes on any roadway that has marked lanes, but they can’t split lanes or engage in lane filtering maneuvers between any other motor vehicle.
Lane sharing is different though. Riding side-by-side in traffic moving in the same lane is permitted in Texas. However, both riders must agree to the arrangement of lane sharing, and it must not impede traffic while they ride in a single lane.
Penalties for Violating Texas Law
If you have a valid motorcycle license, it may be put in jeopardy if you violate the transportation code by lane-splitting. Citations may be issued for speeding, reckless driving, unsafe lane changes, or following another vehicle too closely and being in danger of a rear-end crash.
Generally, lane-splitting in Texas will result in fines and a reckless driving charge that could be up to $200. It’s also possible to be sentenced to up to 30 days of jail time for this action.
Safety Considerations for Motorcyclists in the Same Lane
The sole purpose of these laws is to keep every motorcycle enthusiast safe. There are other ways to keep traffic moving, such as choosing to use the roads during off-peak hours or planning alternate routes.
Engaging in these behaviors can put you at risk for an accident or have you facing legal troubles. It’s just not worth it to wind your way around other vehicles as it may cost you more time spent on dealing with civil or criminal issues. As a motorcyclist, you’re expected to obey the law like any other motorist, and that includes following the speed limit, stopping at stop signs and lights, signaling turns and lane changes, and yielding the right of way.
Lane-Splitting Laws in Other States
California is the only state that has legalized lane-splitting, with former Governor Jerry Brown signing Assembly Bill 51 into law in 2016. As the only state to allow what they also call “white lining,” the California Highway Patrol additionally works with motorcycle safety groups in the name of developing safe practices for all motorists. Similarly, other states such as Montana, Hawaii, and Utah have traffic laws that allow motorcycles to go beyond stopped traffic or filter lanes in specified circumstances.
Accidents Caused by Lane-Splitting
If lane-splitting results in an accident, the injuries tend to be severe. It will require a thorough investigation to see who’s liable for the crash. Even if you were not lane-splitting at the time, you may be blamed for the accident, either fully or partially.
Motorcyclists are often blamed in accidents with other vehicles, even when they’ve done nothing wrong. Insurers consider motorcyclists to be risk takers, and while you certainly have less to protect you in the event of an accident, you don’t deserve to suffer from injuries caused by other careless motorists. It’s in your best interest to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney who understands motorcycle laws to provide you with your legal options.
Liability for Accidents
If an investigation proves that you split lanes in Texas, you would be liable because it’s an illegal action. By lane-splitting against the law, you’d be deemed reckless, though the accident may not be completely your fault.
Texas uses an at-fault model for insurance and modified comparative negligence. This allows each party to share some of the blame. The driver of the other vehicle may also need to face penalties and pay compensation for your injuries.
Consulting a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
If you’re hurt in a motorcycle wreck, it can lead to disabilities, chronic pain, mental impacts, financial losses, and even death. The stress of dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle accident can make it difficult to recover, and the insurance company will fight you at every turn to minimize your payout or deny your injury claim.
A motorcycle accident attorney can help you navigate this complex process, negotiate for your fair settlement, and prepare for taking things to trial while supporting you fully throughout the legal process.
Is Lane-Splitting Legal in Texas?
In Texas, lane-splitting is considered a serious offense that’s against the law. Motorcyclists need to be aware of all the rules of the road and conduct themselves according. By understanding the dangers of lane-splitting and the penalties for violating Texas law, you can take the steps needed to protect yourself. If you do wind up in a lane-splitting accident, make sure you contact Angel Reyes & Associates to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney who can protect your rights and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
