What is Lane Splitting and is it Legal in Kentucky?

Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on September 10, 2024

In Kentucky, and many other states, lane splitting for motorcycles is a unique issue. Many states do not explicitly prohibit it, nor do they explicitly allow it, and the legality of the maneuver is left up to law enforcement’s discretion. As both motorcycle accident lawyers and police misconduct attorneys, Cooper and Friedman are here to help answer the question:

What is Lane Splitting and is it Legal in Kentucky?

Lane splitting is a maneuver where motorcyclists drive between other vehicles on the white lines separating traffic lanes. This allows them to ‘split’ the lanes and continue moving past slower vehicles when all lanes are occupied and a normal pass is not available.

Kentucky law does not mention lane splitting in its transportation laws. This means that officers should act according to the state of traffic and other driving habits of the motorcyclist. If the motorcyclists is lane splitting erratically or without looking, driving at high speeds, or driving in an otherwise illegal or unsafe manner, then they will likely pull you over. However, if motorcyclists lane split safely and appropriately, police officers may allow you to continue doing so.

Lane Splitting vs Lane Filtering vs Lane Sharing

Lane filtering is a type of lane splitting. Filtering applies to motorcyclists driving between two lanes of stopped or stop-and-go traffic instead of active traffic. Some states have made filtering legal without legalizing lane splitting. This is to protect motorcyclists in situations where rear-end accidents are most common. Kentucky does not outline the legality of lane filtering in their transport laws.

Lane sharing is when two or more motorcyclists ride side-by-side in the same lane. Lane sharing is illegal in Kentucky. Motorcyclists must stagger themselves while in the same lane.

Pros and Cons of Lane Splitting

Proponents of this maneuver cite that it provides more safety for motorcyclists and more efficiency for everyone on the road. Those who are against lane splitting say that it is too dangerous with the proximity to cars and exposure to the lane markings.

Pros

1. Motorcyclists are at less risk of being rear-ended or run over if they are between cars and putting themselves in more visible places.
2. Lane splitting can decrease congestion for other cars and vehicles if motorcyclists remove themselves from the queue and use all of the available road.
3. There are less emissions and fuel consumption for moving vehicles than stagnant ones.

Cons

1. Cars might not be expecting a lane split and have a higher probability of accidentally merging into a motorcyclist, especially in low-visibility light or weather conditions.
2. There is less space to avoid road hazards and react appropriately.
3. Lane markings have less traction than the rest of the road.
4. Lane splitting has been known to upset drivers and increases the probability of aggressive or violent behavior towards motorcyclists.
5. Lane splitting is known to be associated with illegal high-speed driving from motorcyclists.

Cooper and Friedman, Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Louisville, KY

Ultimately, while there are some pros to lane splitting, motorcyclists need to be careful. This maneuver can be very dangerous if other vehicles aren’t paying attention or they encounter a sudden road obstacle. You should always be wearing the appropriate attire for driving a motorcycle, and never lane split around corners and curves. Be safe as you discern where your best course of action may be, and know that it is likely a police officer might pull you over for lane splitting if they deem your actions unsafe.

In that case, be sure to:

1. Record Your Interaction
2. Know Your Legal Rights
   1. For example, when a search and seizure occurs for a routine traffic stop, officers cannot conduct the search unless:
      1. The officer has express consent from you for a search.
      2. The officer has probable cause to believe that there is evidence of a crime on your person/motorcycle.
      3. The officer has reason to believe their or others’ safety is at risk.
      4. The officer has legally arrested you for a crime and the search is related to that arrest.
3. Remain Calm and Cooperative if the Situation Escalates

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the State of Kentucky and are in need of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer, give the lawyers at the Cooper & Friedman law firm a call. The attorneys at Cooper and Friedman PLLC have over 50 years of combined experience defending the rights of motorcycle accident victims. Contact us with questions you might have or schedule a free case consultation with an attorney by calling 502-459-7555 today.

Posted Under: Bike Accidents, Kentucky Laws, Motorcycle Accidents