Is Lane Splitting Legal in Georgia?

Motorcycles’ small size and maneuverability mean they are capable of riding alongside motorists in the same road lane. So, when there is traffic, motorcyclists might be tempted to move between lanes next to cars, a practice known as lane-splitting. But is lane splitting legal in Georgia?

The answer is no, lane-splitting is illegal in the state of Georgia and can incur fines and license penalties. Moreover, if you split lanes, get into an accident, and sustain injuries, the fact that you were breaking the law could affect your ability to recover financial compensation in a settlement. 

Lane Splitting Laws in Georgia

Section 40-6-312 of Georgia’s Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code explicitly bans operating a motorcycle in between or adjacent to traffic lanes. That means it is illegal for motorcyclists to ride alongside a car in the same lane or move between cars in adjacent lanes. If motorcyclists want to pass a car, they must do so in a passing lane, just like any other vehicle. The only exceptions to Georgia’s lane-splitting laws are police officers performing law enforcement duties.

Lane Splitting Vs. Lane Filtering

Strictly speaking, Georgia law prohibits both lane splitting and lane filtering. Lane splitting is when a motorcycle passes between traffic moving in the same section. Lane filtering is when a motorcyclist moves past slowed or stopped traffic. 

Lane Sharing

The same law prohibiting lane splitting and lane filtering does allow lane sharing between motorcycles. Up to two motorcycles can ride side-by-side in the same lane without breaking the law. It is only illegal for a motorcycle to share a lane when the other vehicle is a car. 

Consequences of Lane Splitting

Lane-splitting and lane-filtering are traffic violations in Georgia and can be met with fines and license points. Fines for lane-splitting can reach hundreds of dollars, and a lane-splitting moving violation can put three points on your license, 

Lane splitting can also affect your liability if there is an accident. If you are lane–splitting in a motorcycle and sustain injuries in a crash, insurance companies and courts will most likely judge you at fault, which could significantly impact your ability to recover financial compensation for any losses. 

Is Lane Splitting Dangerous?

Whether or not lane splitting is more dangerous than beneficial is a controversial and unsettled topic. One study from the University of California Berkeley found that lane-splitting can reduce the severity of motorcycle accident injuries and the chance of cars rear-ending motorcycles. However, the same study also showed that motorcyclists who lane split were more likely to cause rear-end accidents with cars. 

Regardless of the answer, many state legislatures have done the same as Georgia and made lane-splitting illegal. Motorcyclists need to be aware of these rules to operate their bikes reasonably and safely. 

So, is lane splitting legal in Georgia? The answer is no—lane splitting and lane filtering are both prohibited by law. Understanding and following Georgia’s motorcycle laws is essential for staying safe and avoiding fines, license penalties, or complications in the event of an accident.

Law Tigers are Committed to Protecting Riders

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident—whether lane splitting was involved or not—Law Tigers is here to help. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys understand the challenges riders face and will fight to protect your rights.

Contact Law Tigers today for a free consultation and learn how we can support you on the road and in the courtroom. Ride safe!