Can I Split Lanes on My Motorcycle in Maryland?

Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcyclists, though it is controversial. The laws about motorcycle riding vary from state to state, but questions about the legality of lane splitting remain.
So, can motorcycle riders split lanes in Maryland? Let Law Tigers guide you through this complex issue!
What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is the practice of riding between lanes (usually on the split white line between them, hence the practice sometimes being called “white lining”).
Is Lane Splitting Legal?
Unfortunately, §21–1303 of Maryland’s Code of Transportation clearly states that lane splitting is illegal in Maryland. Lane splitting is, in fact, illegal in almost every state except California.
If you’d like to change lanes while riding your motorcycle in Maryland, you can signal your wish to change lanes and move over when it’s safe to do so.
Should Lane Splitting Be Legal in Maryland?
Avid motorcyclists (and those who love and represent them in a court of law) argue that lane splitting should be legal in Maryland and every other state. They claim that lane splitting, when done safely, can help motorcyclists avoid accidents, get through traffic quicker, and even avoid dying while on their bikes.
Lane splitting has been shown to help motorcyclists avoid getting rear-ended in accidents, the deadliest type for bikers.
Efforts have even been made in the Maryland legislature to make lane splitting legal, as 2019’s House Bill 917 demonstrated. The bill’s sponsor, Kathy Szeglia, made these same arguments when advocating for the bill’s passage. Unfortunately, Szeglia’s efforts to make lane splitting legal were unsuccessful, though she later claimed that her goal was to “raise awareness” of the issues motorcyclists face, rather than make the practice legal.
Critics of the bill successfully argued that there wasn’t clear evidence that lane splitting does, indeed, prevent accidents for motorcyclists. They also argued that even if said practice successfully reduced accidents, there was no guarantee that motorcyclists would apply these best practices on the road.
Moreover, motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting and are subsequently injured in an accident may be barred from receiving compensation.
Maryland’s Motorcycle Laws
Regardless of the controversy surrounding lane splitting, it’s crucial to remember that as a responsible motorcycle rider, you must follow the road rules in Maryland. To wit:
- You must be licensed to ride a motorcycle in Maryland. This involves obtaining a Class M license.
- You must wear a helmet and appropriate eye protection while riding a motorcycle.
- You may only operate a motorcycle from your bike’s attached, permanent seat.
- You may only transport passengers on seats designated for them. (You may not put passengers on your lap or on your handlebars…and that especially includes the kids.)
- You must always keep both of your hands on the handlebars.
Law Tigers Always Have Your Back
At Law Tigers, we’re riders just like you. This allows us to provide the best legal representation and resources with a biker-friendly perspective. With our team on your side, you can go on adventures anywhere in the country and know that we’ll be there in case something unfortunate does happen.
Sign up for our free rider benefit kit today so you can be part of The Law Tigers Team. That way, you’ll never ride alone.
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