The Difference Between Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering

Lane splitting, i.e. when a motorcycle makes its way between rows of traffic heading in the same direction (moving or stopped), has long been a staple of vehicular traffic in California. While a common practice for decades in the Golden State, it was only officially and explicitly legalized in 2017. California stands alone in that regard. 

However, its more “respectable” cousin – lane filtering – has picked up considerable momentum in recent years. Lane filtering is similar to lane splitting although performed only in stopped (or very slow moving) traffic, such as at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

To Split or Filter?

As stated above, lane splitting is legal in the United States in California and California only.

Meanwhile, lane filtering is legal in Utah (2019), Montana (2021), Arizona (2022), Colorado (2024), and, as of July 1, 2025, Minnesota.

The laws vary slightly state-by-state. For example, in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah, traffic must be completely stopped, while Montana and Minnesota allow for lane filtering when speeds are moving at speeds up to 10 miles per hour. Motorcycle speeds are limited to 15-25 mph while filtering depending on the state, and Arizona and Utah further limit it to roads with a speed limit of 45 mph or less.

Despite these minor differences, the dates of legalization demonstrate a clear and recent trend toward the widespread acceptance of the practice. Expect that to continue. 

Lane filtering is either openly allowed or not explicitly illegal in more than a dozen other states, with Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and Washington actively considering their own laws in this regard.

Oregon may be the next to join the fray. In fact, the law nearly passed there in 2021 – only to be vetoed by the governor – and then again in 2023 – only to be struck down by the Joint Transportation Committee. The bill refuses to die and is back on the table with state legislators currently debating its merits.

Why Allow It? And Is It Safe?

Even the more controversial act of lane splitting stands up well to research. The Safe Transportation Research & Education Center University of California Berkeley released a study that found a reduction in overall injuries and their associated severity when lane splitting versus not as it removes motorcyclists from the danger zone sandwiched between automobiles.

The practice also helps to reduce traffic congestion for motorcycles and cars alike, while preventing air-cooled engines from overheating while stuck in traffic.

With all that considered, it’s not overly surprising that lane filtering, at least, is gaining traction across the United States.

Keep In Mind…

Those benefits are not always so readily apparent to frustrated drivers, especially in stressful conditions (and traffic jams rank among the most stressful activities encountered in daily life).

Annoyed drivers sitting in their cars may be prone to viewing the act as unfair rather than beneficial or a valid safety measure. Drivers have not only been known to attempt to block or impede the progress of motorcyclists to prevent them from lane splitting or filtering, they’ve done so pervasively that it has been made explicitly illegal in Minnesota’s newly introduced version of the law.

Beyond that, serious road rage incidents connected to lane splitting and filtering are not unheard of.

Again, riders who engage in lane filtering need to be aware of this possibility and proactively employ a defensive riding mindset while equipping themselves with high quality protective gear. 

Consider when and where you do it. Use caution and ride courteously, especially in states where the practice is new and drivers are less likely to be aware that it’s legal or understand the benefits.

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