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Is Lane Splitting Legal In Florida?
Lane splitting is a common practice in many states and often sparks debate between motorcyclists and drivers. You may have seen riders pass between two lanes of slower traffic and wondered whether it’s allowed, or safe. Our Tampa, FL motorcycle accident lawyer often hears questions about this issue from injured riders and drivers alike. If you ride in Florida, or were involved in a crash where lane splitting was a factor, knowing the relevant laws is important.
Florida Law On Lane Splitting
In Florida, lane splitting is not legal. State law specifically prohibits motorcyclists from riding between lanes of traffic; according to Florida Statutes Section 316.209, motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a lane, and no motor vehicle may be driven in a way that deprives a motorcycle of that full lane. However, the law also states that motorcyclists cannot pass another vehicle in the same lane or drive between lanes of traffic or rows of vehicles.
This means that if you ride a motorcycle in Florida, you must stay within your own lane just like any other vehicle. Even during traffic jams, it’s not legal to slip between cars to get ahead. Doing so can result in a traffic citation and may affect your ability to recover compensation if you’re injured in an accident while lane splitting.
How Lane Sharing Is Different
It’s important to note that lane sharing is different from lane splitting. Lane sharing happens when two motorcycles ride side by side in a single lane. Florida law allows two motorcycles to ride next to each other, as long as both riders agree to it. But a motorcyclist is not legally permitted to share a lane with a car or any other larger vehicle.
Why Lane Splitting Is Still Common
Even though lane splitting isn’t legal in Florida, many riders still do it—often during slow traffic or at red lights. Some believe it helps them avoid being rear-ended or reduces the risk of overheating in hot weather. Still, the law is clear, and choosing to split lanes can come with serious legal and financial consequences if an accident occurs.
What Happens If An Accident Occurs While Lane Splitting?
If an accident happens and lane splitting is involved, fault may become a major issue. Since lane splitting is illegal in Florida, a motorcyclist who was lane splitting at the time of the crash could be found partially or fully at fault. That doesn’t automatically bar you from recovering damages, but it may reduce the amount you can recover under Florida’s modified comparative fault rules.
For example, if you were 30% at fault for the crash because you were lane splitting, and the driver who hit you was 70% at fault, any compensation you receive would be reduced by your share of the blame. However, if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible to recover damages at all.
Contact Our Firm If You’ve Been In A Crash
Whether or not lane splitting was involved, motorcycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and a blizzard of legal questions. If you were hurt in a crash, it’s worth speaking to someone who understands how Florida law applies to your case. At Mickey Keenan P.A., we’re here to help you figure out your next steps and protect your rights. Reach out to our team today to learn more about how we can support you.