Is Lane Splitting Legal in Alabama?

Lane splitting is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slower or stopped traffic to get through quicker. It’s legal in a few states, but is lane splitting legal in Alabama? The short answer is no. Lane splitting is illegal in Alabama.

While lane splitting is illegal in the state, it’s still important for motorcycle riders to understand what the law says about it and how other riding laws could apply after a motorcycle accident.

Alabama Law on Motorcycle Lane Splitting

According to Section 32-5A-242 (c) of the Alabama Code, “No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.” This law makes it clear that lane splitting is not legal and that motorcyclists also shouldn’t ride between two rows of vehicles, even on roads that don’t have designated lanes.

The primary reason for this lane splitting ban is that riders maneuvering between slow or stopped cars can present a hazard. If a driver isn’t expecting a motorcycle to be between the lanes, it may change lanes, leading to a collision that could be serious for the motorcyclist.

Motorcycle Rights to the Road in Alabama

In Alabama, two motorcycles can ride side-by-side. However, every motorcyclist is also entitled to the full width of their lane. This is important because it means that a car or truck cannot pass a motorcyclist within their lane, just as the motorcyclist can’t do the same to larger vehicles.

In some motorcycle accident cases, the other motorist may claim that the accident happened because the motorcycle rider was illegally lane splitting. An experienced lawyer from Law Tigers can help you prove that you were not lane splitting and that the other driver violated your right to the full width of the lane.

Is Lane Filtering Legal in Alabama?

Lane filtering is slightly different from lane splitting. In lane filtering, motorcyclists move slowly between stopped vehicles to the front of the queue at a traffic light. Riders often do this as a safety measure to prevent them from being rear-ended by drivers who may not see them stopped behind traffic.

Unfortunately, lane filtering is also illegal in Alabama. Riders can do other things to make themselves more visible, such as wearing reflective gear. Or they can make it less likely to be directly struck by a negligent driver by moving to one side of their lane when stopped. But they cannot filter through traffic.

Alabama’s Lane Splitting Exception

The only exception to Alabama’s lane splitting law applies to police officers who are performing official duties. If a police officer on a motorcycle needs to ride between lanes of traffic to reach an emergency, they may do so. There are no exceptions for regular riders.

So, is lane splitting legal in Alabama? No, Alabama law strictly prohibits lane splitting and lane filtering, with no exceptions for regular riders. Understanding and following these laws is essential for staying safe and avoiding legal complications while riding in the state.

Callout to Law Tigers

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident in Alabama—whether or not lane splitting was a factor—Law Tigers is here to help. Insurance companies may try to use lane-splitting claims against you, but our experienced motorcycle attorneys know how to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Law Tigers today for a free consultation. Ride safe and let us handle the legal road ahead!