Is lane splitting legal in Washington? Lane splitting is illegal in Washington. State law makes it clear that motorcycle riders cannot operate their bikes between the traffic lanes or in adjacent rows of vehicles.
Those who engage in lane splitting may face fines, points on their license, and liability for any injuries they cause to others. Lane splitting violates the law because it is unsafe. A Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer can help with your case.
Why Lane Splitting Is Illegal in Washington
Some people believe lane splitting is not dangerous. Some studies indicate that a motorcycle rider can safely navigate these areas and pass others without risking those on the road. However, that is not often the case. There are several reasons why lane splitting is illegal:
- Unexpected lane changes: Drivers cannot anticipate the motorcycle rider’s actions when lane splitting. That means they do not recognize the need to look for riders in these areas while driving.
- Reduced reaction times: When motorcycle riders engage in lane splitting, they leave only a matter of inches between themselves and the surrounding vehicles. That means they have very little time to react to changing road conditions. This increases the frequency of accidents.
- Dooring accidents: When riders engage in lane splitting, they increase the risk of dooring accidents. This occurs when occupants in vehicles open doors, often striking the rider they did not see was present.
In all situations, lane splitting can be highly dangerous to all parties involved. Lane splitting is illegal in Washington as a direct result of this. Talk to our Seattle personal injury lawyer today.
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Lane Splitting Laws in Washington
UnderRCW 46.61.608, a driver cannot legally engage in lane splitting. The law recognizes lane splitting as motorcyclists riding along the white center line between two lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. Lane splitting occurs when a rider moves between two vehicles traveling or stopped side by side in adjacent lanes, effectively creating their own lane.
Motorcycle riders cannot ride between lanes like this, even if there is enough room. They cannot use this area between two vehicles to weave or overtake another driver, either. They may only pass another driver by using the full lane adjacent to them, as a car would.
The law specifically states, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” Lane splitting can result in serious fines and driver’s license penalties. It can also cause injuries.
Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering Are Different
It is important to note that while considering whether lane splitting is legal, lane filtering differs. Lane filtering is the process of a motorcycle rider moving between stationary cars to get into a safer or better position. This happens at stopped traffic.
For example, when a light turns red and all cars stop, the motorcycle weaves between the stopped cars to reach the front of the traffic lane, often to get a better position in the traffic. This can mistakenly seem safer, but in reality, it carries numerous risks as well.
Lane filtering is also illegal in Washington. That means motorcycle riders cannot weave through stopped traffic to move ahead of them or to move into another position on the roadway. It carries the same risks associated with lane splitting, though with slight differences. It is still difficult for drivers sharing the road with motorcycles to navigate safely around them.
Note that Lane Sharing Is Different
Lane sharing occurs when motorcycle riders ride side by side in a single lane of traffic. This process allows up to two motorcycles to ride side by side, traveling in the same direction within a single lane. This is not considered unsafe and is not illegal to do in Washington.
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Legal Outcomes for Civil Cases Involving Lane Splitting
When a motorcycle rider is lane splitting and an accident occurs, it may seem like the rider is always at fault. That is not always true. There are still many instances in which the driver is at fault. When an accident occurs, various factors influence the outcome of claims filed by those injured.
Most often, the motorcycle rider and the driver of the other vehicle are partially to blame. The court or police assigns a percentage of fault against each party based on the cause of the accident and its specific outcome.
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. This system allows both parties to sue each other for the losses they incur, as long as neither is 100% at fault. Even if the motorcycle rider was lane splitting and other factors contributed to the incident, the rider may still be able to seek a claim for their losses, minus the percentage of fault attributed to the rider.
For example, if the motorcycle rider travels between two lanes of traffic to overtake a car, engaging in lane splitting, they are partially at fault. The court assigns the rider as 30% at fault. The driver of the car, who engaged in aggressive behaviors to prevent the motorcycle rider from merging, was found 70% at fault. The motorcycle rider can seek a claim valued at 70% of their losses.
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Seek Legal Guidance from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If you are in an accident with a motorcycle rider or you are a rider who suffers injuries caused by an accident with another driver, seek legal representation. It is critical to understand your legal rights and obligations, as they differ across situations. Representation can help you understand what you can do and how best to approach getting what you deserve.
At Siegfried & Jensen, we work with victims of motorcycle accidents to get the answers and details they need to navigate critical decisions. Request a free consultation to discuss your accident, its cause, and whether lane splitting was a factor. At Siegfried & Jensen, our legal team becomes your advocate in protecting your future.
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