No, lane splitting is not legal in New York. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) § 1252, motorcyclists are prohibited from riding between lanes of traffic or passing other vehicles within the same lane. Motorcycles are required to follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles, meaning they must stay within a single lane and cannot weave between cars in congested traffic.
While some states allow lane splitting or have no laws specifically prohibiting it, New York explicitly bans the practice, and motorcyclists caught lane splitting may face traffic violations, fines, or increased liability in the event of an accident. If you are involved in a wreck due to lane splitting, a Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer can help.
Understanding Lane Splitting, Lane Filtering, and Lane Sharing
Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle rides between two lanes of traffic, typically in slow-moving or stopped traffic. This maneuver is commonly seen in states like California, where it is legal under certain conditions. However, in New York, lane splitting is considered dangerous and is prohibited.
There are also two related motorcycle riding behaviors that are often confused with lane splitting:
- Lane filtering: This occurs when a motorcyclist moves between stopped or slow-moving vehicles, usually at intersections. This is also illegal in New York.
- Lane sharing: This refers to two motorcycles riding side by side in the same lane. Unlike lane splitting and filtering, lane sharing is legal in New York, as long as no more than two motorcycles ride next to each other in a single lane.
Because New York has strict traffic laws for motorcyclists, riders should always remain in their designated lane and avoid riding between vehicles.
Penalties for Lane Splitting in New York
Motorcyclists caught lane splitting in New York may receive a traffic citation and face fines or other consequences, including:
- Fines for violating New York traffic laws
- Points on their driver’s license, which can lead to increased insurance premiums
- Liability in the event of an accident, as lane splitting is considered an unsafe maneuver under New York law
Since lane splitting is illegal and viewed as reckless driving, a motorcyclist who is involved in an accident while lane splitting may be held responsible for the crash, even if the other driver also contributed to the collision.
How Lane Splitting Affects Liability in Motorcycle Accidents
Because lane splitting is not legal in New York, motorcyclists involved in accidents while performing this maneuver may face partial or full liability for the crash.
New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if both parties share fault in an accident, their compensation is reduced based on their percentage of responsibility. If a motorcyclist is found to be lane splitting at the time of a collision, an insurance company may argue that the rider was acting negligently and reduce or deny their claim.
However, liability is not always clear-cut. Other factors may still contribute to a crash, including:
- A driver failing to signal before changing lanes
- A driver making an illegal maneuver or sudden lane change
- Road hazards or poor visibility that contributed to the accident
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, working with a motorcycle accident attorney in Long Island can help you understand your legal options and defend against unfair liability claims.
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What to Do If You Are in a Motorcycle Accident in New York
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and improve your ability to recover compensation:
- Call 911 and report the accident. A police report provides an official record of the crash.
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions worsen over time.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident, vehicle damage, and any relevant road conditions.
- Obtain witness statements. Witness testimony can help clarify how the accident occurred.
- Do not admit fault. Avoid discussing fault with the other driver or their insurance company.
- Consult a Long Island motorcycle accident attorney. An attorney can help you navigate insurance disputes and ensure you are not unfairly blamed for the accident.
How Levine And Wiss Can Help If You Were Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
Because lane splitting is illegal in New York, motorcyclists may face increased challenges when filing insurance claims after an accident. Even if another driver was partially at fault, an insurance company may attempt to reduce or deny compensation by arguing that the rider was acting negligently.
At Levine And Wiss, we have over 100 years of combined experience handling motorcycle accident claims in Long Island and throughout New York. Our legal team can:
- Investigate the accident to determine fault and gather evidence supporting your claim
- Defend against unfair liability claims if an insurer tries to blame you for the crash
- Handle all insurance negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary, fighting for maximum financial recovery
Motorcycle accident cases require strong legal representation, especially when dealing with insurance disputes and state laws that favor larger vehicles.
Speak With a Long Island Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, understanding the state’s lane splitting laws is crucial in determining your rights and legal options. Whether you were lane splitting at the time of the crash or another driver was responsible for your injuries, having an experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference in your case.
Levine And Wiss is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.
