Is Lane Filtering Legal in Iowa?

No one likes being stuck in traffic, especially on a motorcycle. Additionally, motorcycle riders and passengers are much more likely to sustain severe injuries if a car rear-ends them. One way some riders protect themselves is by lane filtering. Let’s examine this issue as it applies to Iowa motorcycle riders.

What Is Lane Filtering?

Lane filtering is related to but distinct from lane splitting. Both practices involve motorcycle riders riding along the line separating two lanes of traffic. The key difference is the state of traffic around the motorcycle.

Lane filtering involves riding between two rows of stopped cars to reach the front of traffic. By contrast, lane splitting involves riding between two lanes of (usually) slow-moving traffic to avoid getting stuck.

Is Lane Filtering Legal in Iowa?

Lane filtering is not legal in Iowa. State law specifically prohibits motorcycles from riding between traffic lanes or adjacent lines or rows of vehicles. Therefore, lane splitting is also illegal in Iowa.

Lane Filtering vs. Lane Sharing in Iowa

While lane filtering and splitting are not allowed in Iowa, state law allows two motorcycles to ride side-by-side and share a single traffic lane. This practice, called lane sharing, is a good way for motorcycle riders to improve visibility and reduce their risk of crashes, provided they can ride side-by-side without colliding. Having two motorcycles next to each other makes both riders more visible to other cars, thereby reducing the chance of rear-end or sideswipe crashes.

Arguments in Favor of Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting

Many motorcycle safety advocates argue that lane filtering and lane splitting help riders avoid collisions. They say that letting motorcycles move through slow or stopped traffic lowers the chance of potentially rear-end collisions. Riders also argue that riding through slow or stopped traffic can help them stay cool in hot weather, reducing stress on the rider and making it easier for them to control their car. Finally, many riders say that letting motorcycles filter through or split lanes of traffic can reduce congestion, making the roads safer for everyone.

Arguments Against Lane Filtering and Lane Splitting

The primary reasons people argue against lane filtering and lane splitting have to do with safety. Lane filtering opponents argue that motorcycle riders can easily collide with other vehicles while filtering or splitting lanes. In particular, lane filtering opponents often raise the issue of potential dooring accidents if someone opens their door in the path of an oncoming motorcycle. If a motorcycle is splitting lanes of slow traffic (as opposed to stopped traffic), there’s also a chance it might collide with a car that suddenly changes lanes or tries to overtake someone in front of it.

Who’s Liable for a Lane Filtering Accident in Iowa?

Lane filtering may be against the law in Iowa, but that does not mean a motorcycle rider is always liable for a lane-filtering accident. The liable party depends on the circumstances of the crash.

For example, suppose a rider is riding between two lanes of stopped traffic, then someone opens their car door in front of the rider, causing a crash. While lane filtering is illegal, drivers and passengers must also be careful when opening their doors to avoid causing a collision. In this scenario, the motorcycle rider may have a plausible case for compensation.

Similarly, a motorcycle rider may have a valid claim if a driver suddenly moves in front of them to overtake another car. Drivers must be careful when passing other vehicles, and their careless actions may make them liable for a collision even though the motorcycle rider broke the law.

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