Is Lane Splitting Legal in Louisiana?

Motorcycles are subject to numerous state, federal, and local requirements that they must be aware of. Many riders living in or visiting Louisiana may wonder: “Is lane splitting legal in Louisiana?” The practice can be tempting due to the travel time it can cut down. However, it can be incredibly dangerous. Even if another state does not explicitly prohibit lane splitting, it’s important to be aware of the significant dangers it can pose.

It’s also crucial to follow Louisiana state laws. Failing to do so can result in administrative, civil, or even criminal penalties.

Understanding Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when motorcycles drive between lanes of traffic, whether the traffic is stopped, slowed, or moving at full speed. This can allow motorcycles to move past traffic, especially slower-moving traffic. Lane splitting can also help motorcycles in select cases by preventing rear-end accidents. However, in many states, it is not allowed and is considered to increase the danger on the road for motorcyclists.

Louisiana Lane Splitting

In Louisiana, motorcycles are not allowed to share lanes with motor vehicles, and motor vehicles are required to give motorcyclists the full use of a lane of traffic. Motorcyclists are not allowed to operate their vehicles in between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles. Lane splitting is not allowed and can result in fines and even jail sentences.

Safety Risks of Lane Splitting

Drivers and riders can face significant consequences for failing to give each other proper space on the road. This can include the increased risk of an accident. Some of the reasons lane splitting is discouraged include:

• Limited space and maneuverability. Motorcycles that split between lanes limit the space they have to maneuver their vehicles. When circumstances on the road change, riders have fewer options to avoid accidents. Drivers may drift within their lanes, or larger vehicles may take up more space in a lane, giving a motorcyclist nowhere to go.
• Decreased visibility and blind spots. Motorcycles are harder to see due to their smaller size. Additionally, larger motor vehicles have blind spots that are even more limiting the closer the rider is to the vehicle. When a motorcyclist lane splits, they not only place themselves in that blind spot, but they also have less space to react to a vehicle moving to change lanes or pass another vehicle.
• Unpredictable movement. Most drivers do not expect motorcyclists to be lane splitting. Even if a driver is taking care to look out for motorcycles, they may not expect riders who are lane splitting, especially in states where the practice is illegal or not explicitly allowed by law.

How Lane Splitting Affects Car and Motorcycle Accident Claims

The increased risk of lane splitting for motorcyclists is important primarily because accidents can cause serious harm to motorcyclists. Avoiding reckless behavior is crucial to limit the chance of accidents. Of course, even driving safely and defensively cannot always prevent accidents. When motorcycle accidents do occur, the at-fault driver or rider will be liable for the injuries, and claims can be filed with their car or motorcycle insurance for compensation.

If you are in an accident while lane splitting, you may be considered at fault for the accident or as having contributed to the accident. In an insurance claim, the insurer may try to deny the entirety of your claim on the basis of lane splitting, even if the other driver was also negligent, claiming that you took on excessive risk.

Louisiana uses comparative negligence when insurance claims proceed to civil court, so you could be limited in the amount of compensation you can recover or may be unable to recover compensation at all. If your reckless actions or misconduct were a cause of the accident, you will likely be found liable for the accident. Any compensation you are able to recover will be reduced by the percentage of your liability.

Refraining from lane splitting can help protect your personal well-being and your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.

FAQs

Is It Legal to Lane Split on a Motorcycle in Louisiana?

No, it is not legal to lane split on a motorcycle in Louisiana, including to pass a motor vehicle or to move between lanes of traffic. Lane splitting is both dangerous and illegal in Louisiana. It can lead to fines for motorcycles and increase the risk of a serious accident. If you are lane splitting and get into an accident, it can be harder to recover compensation, as you could be considered partially at fault.

How Much Is a Lane Splitting Ticket in Louisiana?

The cost of a lane splitting ticket in Louisiana will depend on the state and local laws where you are pulled over for lane splitting. Different parishes and cities may have their own unique fees and penalties for traffic violations. It is important to review your parish’s fines for unsafe motorcycle operations or improper lane usage to determine the likely fine for lane splitting.

What Are the Motorcycle Laws in Louisiana?

There are several motorcycle laws in Louisiana that must be followed. These laws address issues including:

• The endorsement of your motorcycle
• Helmet minimum safety requirements, construction, and usage
• Eye protection requirements
• Passenger requirements based on seat type
• Safety requirements for handlebars
• Prohibitions on riding with children who are legally required to be in a safety seat.
• Traffic lane requirements and entitlement
• Guidelines for license plates
• Requirements for minimum insurance coverage

Can Motorcycles Share Lanes in Louisiana?

While motorcycles cannot lane split with larger motor vehicles in Louisiana, they can share lanes with another motorcycle. However, it is illegal to share a lane with more than two motorcycles in a lane riding side-by-side. Riders that violate this requirement can face fines and other administrative or civil penalties.

Contact Murphy Law Firm to Get Defense Related to Motorcycle Accident Cases

Accidents as a motorcyclist can be devastating, leading to long-term, catastrophic injuries. If you were lane splitting when you were in an accident, it is even more important that you work with qualified support to navigate a legal claim. Not all accidents involving lane splitting are the sole fault of the motorcyclist, and we can defend your right to compensation.

A skilled lawyer may be able to determine if the negligence of other parties entitles you to partial compensation for losses like medical expenses and lost income. Contact Murphy Law Firm today to see how we can help you.

About The Author

Peyton Murphy

Peyton Murphy, is the founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, specializing in personal injury law. Peyton obtained his law degree from the prestigious Tulane School of Law in 1991 and has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1993. With over 28 years of experience, Peyton is dedicated to representing injured victims and actively contributing to his community. Education: Obtained his law degree from Tulane School of Law in 1991. Professional Associations: Member of the Louisiana State Bar and active in the Baton Rouge Bar Association and the Louisiana Association for Justice. Experience: Founder of Murphy Law Firm, LLC, with extensive experience in personal injury law and licensed in multiple federal courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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