NY Motorcycle Lane Splitting Laws
May 27, 2022
Motorcycle lane splitting causes accidents because other vehicles do not see the motorcyclist and move into another lane or open their door suddenly. Drivers can be aggressive in NY and the lanes are too small, making motorcycle lane splitting dangerous. Lane splitting is illegal in New York and many states.
When you have an accident with a motorcycle, whether it was due to lane splitting or other circumstances, the Levtisky Law Firm can review your case and help you navigate the complicated laws surrounding motorcycle accidents. Our personal injury attorneys can help you get the best compensation for the injuries and damage you have suffered.
What is Motorcycle Lane Splitting?
Motor cycle lane splitting is when motorcyclists move or weave between two lanes when traffic is moving slowly or has come to a complete stop. They do this to pass out other vehicles and move along quickly in congested traffic. They ride an imaginary line between two lanes and pass out other vehicles on the left or right.
Difference Between Moving Lane Splitting and Stopped Traffic Lane Splitting
When traffic is congested and moving along slowly and a motorcyclist tries to pass other vehicles on the left or right between two lanes, this will be called moving motorcycle lane splitting. Stopped traffic lane splitting occurs on a road or highway with traffic at a complete stop. The motorcyclist uses the same technique to pass other vehicles between two lanes on the left or right. Right lane splitting can be more dangerous because of entrance and exit ramps where vehicles get on and off a highway.
Motor Cycle Lane Splitting is Not Legal In New York
Motorcyclists can share a lane with other motorcyclists going in the same direction. This is called lane sharing. It is illegal for motorcycles to lane split on the right or left and ride between two lanes with other vehicles going in the same direction. Even in congested or stopped traffic, this practice is illegal in New York.
Risk Of Lane Splitting
Lane splitting causes accidents due to
- Someone opening their door as the motorcycle is driving by
- A vehicle changing lanes suddenly and not looking
- Drivers have a blind spot like large trucks or big campers.
- Drivers are not paying attention talking on their cell phones or to someone in the vehicle
- Vehicles getting on or off the highway using exit or entrance ramps
Understanding Why Lane Splitting Remains Illegal in New York
New York maintains its ban on lane splitting for several safety-driven reasons. In areas like Brooklyn and Manhattan, narrow lanes and unpredictable traffic patterns increase the likelihood of collisions. The New York State legislature continues to enforce this prohibition to reduce traffic injuries and promote consistent driving behavior.
Unlike states that have experimented with lane filtering or pilot programs, New York has not passed any bill to legalize this practice. Motorcyclists who lane split may face fines, liability in the event of an accident, or both. Because of this, both motorcyclists and drivers must understand their rights and responsibilities on New York roads.
Legal Consequences of Lane Splitting Violations
When a motorcycle collision involves illegal lane splitting, liability can become complicated. Courts in New York apply the doctrine of comparative negligence, meaning that both parties may share fault. If the motorcyclist was lane splitting, that fact may reduce their compensation even if the other driver also contributed to the accident.
For example, if a vehicle changed lanes without signaling and collided with a motorcyclist who was lane splitting, both parties might bear partial fault. The court may reduce any award based on the percentage of liability assigned to each person.
Impact on Insurance Claims
After a motorcycle crash, insurance companies will closely review whether illegal behavior, such as lane splitting contributed to the event. Adjusters often use this argument to lower settlement offers. A skilled Brooklyn personal injury attorney can challenge those assumptions, especially if evidence shows the driver acted negligently regardless of the motorcyclist’s movements.
That is why collecting strong evidence at the scene is essential. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, and detailed medical records can help establish your position. Working with an attorney early in the process improves your chance of avoiding blame that does not belong to you.
Why Local Legal Support Matters
Brooklyn and New York City have unique legal nuances that can influence how accident cases are resolved. Local courts, law enforcement, and even jury expectations may differ by borough. Choosing a firm with experience handling personal injury claims in New York City ensures that your legal strategy is suited to local standards.
At The Levitsky Law Firm, we represent clients in both Brooklyn and Manhattan who have been involved in motorcycle accidents. We understand how to collaborate with local courts and medical professionals to build a strong case from the outset.
Recommended Steps After an Accident Involving Lane Splitting
After a motorcycle crash, your actions in the minutes and hours that follow can significantly impact any legal claim. Following a clear set of steps helps protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and avoid mistakes that could hurt your case later on.
- Get medical treatment immediately, even if the injuries are not apparent.
- Contact the police and ensure that a formal report is filed.
- Photograph the scene, including traffic signs, vehicles, and visible injuries.
- Ask for witness contact information.
- Do not speak to any insurance company until you have consulted a lawyer.
- Call a New York motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights.
Contact Us at Levitsky Law Firm
Motorcycle lane splitting remains illegal in New York for good reason—it significantly increases the risk of accidents and complicates liability in the event of a crash. Understanding the laws, knowing your rights, and taking the proper steps after an accident can make a critical difference in protecting your health and your legal interests.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, including one involving lane splitting, the Levitsky Law Firm can provide experienced guidance, help gather crucial evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t navigate these complex legal issues alone—reach out to a trusted New York motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.