Can You Lane Split in South Carolina on a Motorcycle?

traffic on highway

Riding a motorcycle in South Carolina is a fantastic experience. Whether you take your bike to Myrtle Beach or zip up and down Sassafras Mountain, hopping on your hog in the Palmetto State promises good times, great views, and great people.

During your bike ride, however, you may be tempted to practice lane splitting. So, is it legal? Should you do it? Let’s explore this topic in detail.

What is Lane Splitting?

Sometimes known as “white lining” (due to the practice of riding on the split white line between lanes), lane splitting is a practice in which bikers veer in and out of lanes to get through traffic. 

Lane splitting is illegal in the state of South Carolina. As South Carolina’s Motorcycle Laws clearly state, “no person shall operate a motorcycle between traffic lanes or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.”

Only police officers are allowed to engage in lane splitting, and that permission is restricted to those officers who are conducting their official duties when they do it. In other words, off-duty police officers are required to follow the same laws as everybody else. 

Lane splitting is illegal in every state except California. Efforts to make lane splitting legal in South Carolina and other states have failed, so far. 

What is Lane Filtering?

Lane filtering and lane splitting are two terms used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Lane splitting, which is illegal, involves veering in and out of lanes or riding on the white line to avoid traffic. 

Lane filtering, on the other hand, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between stopped cars on a highway to get to the front of the “pack.” Like lane splitting, though, lane filtering is illegal in South Carolina, and any biker caught doing it will get a citation. Lane filtering is legal in some other states, however.

Motorcycle Laws in South Carolina

Like every other state, South Carolina motorcyclists have laws they must follow. Amongst them:

  • Your motorcycle must always have a license plate that is easily visible to other riders on the road.
  • You must always sit facing forward on your motorcycle, with both hands on the handlebars (carrying packages that take your hands off the handlebars is prohibited).
  • Your motorcycle must be equipped with proper lighting, including a front light that is visible for 500 feet or more in front of it.
  • You must always wear a helmet when you are riding your motorcycle.
  • You must follow the same traffic laws that automobile drivers follow.
  • You must maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car before you — no tailgating! 

Navigating the rules of the road, especially when it comes to lane splitting in South Carolina, can be tricky. Knowing what’s legal and what’s not helps keep you safe and ensures you enjoy your ride without any hitches.

If you ever find yourself unsure about the laws or need help after an incident on the road, remember that Law Tigers is just a call away. Our team of motorcycle advocates is dedicated to supporting riders like you—whether you need legal advice or assistance after an accident. Contact Law Tigers today, and let us help you ride with confidence and peace of mind.

Don’t just ride; ride protected with Law Tigers!

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