Is lane splitting legal in Texas? What You Need To Know

Is lane splitting legal in Texas? This is a common question, especially when it comes to motorcycle safety and traffic laws.  In Texas, the legality of this practice is straightforward: lane splitting is not legal. The Texas Transportation Code, adopted in 2015, states that vehicles must drive completely within a single lane. This means no driving between lanes, effectively prohibiting lane splitting. Furthermore, there are no specific driving laws in Texas that permit lane splitting or the related practice of lane filtering.

As your motorcycle accident attorney, TK Injury Lawyers is here to clarify the legal standing of lane splitting in Texas and help you ride with confidence and within the bounds of the law.

Is lane splitting legal in Texas?

Texas law does not explicitly permit or forbid lane splitting. This gray area typically leads to confusion among riders, and the ambiguity can further complicate matters in the event of an accident. Motorcyclists must understand the potential legal repercussions of lane splitting in Texas.

Is it Legal to Split Lanes on a Motorcycle in Texas?

While the law does not explicitly prohibit or allow lane-splitting, the provision requiring vehicles to use one lane inherently makes lane-splitting against Texas law. This means that it is NOT legal to split lanes on a motorcycle in Texas.

Some people believe that lane-splitting can be a safe practice and should be legal under certain circumstances for motorcyclists. Others assert it is dangerous conduct that puts everyone at risk. Regardless of which side of the debate you might be on, it does not change the fact that the law does not allow motorcyclists to split lanes, as it requires them to stay within one lane.

What the Law States

While Texas doesn’t have a specific law regarding lane splitting, motorcyclists are expected to adhere to general traffic laws, which dictate that all vehicles should be driven within a single lane.

Legal Consequences of Lane Splitting in Texas

Engaging in lane splitting may have several legal ramifications:

• Traffic Violations: If caught lane splitting, you may be cited for failure to stay within a marked lane or other related traffic violations, which could lead to fines or points on your driving record.
• Personal Injury Claims: If you’re involved in an accident while lane splitting, it may adversely impact any personal injury claims arising from the accident. The other party could argue that lane splitting contributed to the accident, potentially reducing your claim for compensation.

Protective Measures

Given the legal gray area surrounding lane splitting, it’s advisable to exercise caution:

1. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any changes in Texas traffic laws concerning motorcycles and lane splitting.
2. Practice Safe Riding: Adhering to general safe riding practices can help mitigate risks on the road.
3. Seek Legal Advice: In the aftermath of an accident, especially one involving lane splitting, consult with a motorcycle accident attorney to understand the potential implications on your case.

Who Could Be Liable in a Motorcycle Accident When Lane Splitting?

When motorcyclists do split lanes, accidents might happen. When they do, who is to blame?

Liability for a motorcycle accident in a lane-splitting accident varies depending on the circumstances. Although motorcyclists who perform lane splitting take a risk, other parties on the road can also be at fault and contribute to the accident.

Potential parties who could be liable for the accident include:

• Other Drivers: Drivers of surrounding vehicles, including trucks, cars, or SUVs, may be held liable if they acted negligently leading to the crash. They may be liable if they make negligent actions, including sudden lane changes, turning without indicating or failing to check blind spots.
• Authorities: Poorly maintained roads, hazardous road conditions, and inadequate signage can contribute to a motorcycle accident. A road authority may be liable if a road or its state played a significant role in causing the accident.
• Motorcyclists: A motorcyclist may be partially or fully liable for the accident if they engaged in reckless lane splitting in violation of traffic laws.

Knowing who is liable is necessary to identify your legal rights following a lane-splitting collision. If you are to blame, you cannot seek compensation from another party’s insurance company. However, if another driver caused or contributed to your collision, their insurance should fully or partially cover your medical bills and other losses if you suffered injuries in the crash.

Your Legal Companion on The Road

Understanding the legal landscape around lane splitting in Texas is crucial for every rider. As a motorcycle accident attorney, I am here to provide precise and reliable legal guidance to ensure that you ride within the legal framework, minimizing the potential repercussions of an unfortunate event on the road.

If you have any inquiries about lane splitting or if you need legal representation following a motorcycle accident, feel free to reach out. Together, we can work towards achieving a favorable resolution, ensuring that justice prevails and your rights remain protected.

How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help

How can a motorcycle accident attorney help after a lane-splitting accident? Here’s how:

• Determine who’s at fault: An attorney specializing in motorcycle accidents can investigate the unique circumstances of your lane-splitting accident and determine who is liable. This includes gathering evidence like video footage and witness statements.
• Gather evidence to support your claim: They can help you collect all the necessary documentation to prove your injuries and losses, such as medical records, doctor’s notes, and eyewitness accounts.
• Negotiate with the insurance company: Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company and fight to get you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and other damages.

If you’ve been injured in a lane-splitting accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. Give us a call at (512) 910-2000 and contact a motorcycle accident attorney today for a free consultation.