Lane splitting

[drvsafe]

I am curious, is lane splitting allowed in New Jersey and New York? The reason for my curiosity is twofold. First I was in my cage on the GSP this weekend in horrible traffic and noticed ab out 5 bikes doing the split. Second is I have been in similar traffic on my bike and did not split for a few reasons; the first being I think it is rather dangerous and the second I thought it was illegal.

Any ideas?

thanks,

[acenorm]

It isn't legal, but it isn't illegal either in NJ, because it is not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes, but I believe I read that they were trying to make a lane splitting law this past year. New York on the other hand has this on it's books: § 1252. Operating motorcycles on roadways laned for traffic (b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken. (c) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

Best Regards,
Norm

[pirate50]

Here's a good reference for the various state laws: http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp.
Lane splitting is not directly referenced in New Jersey. I lived in California for 15+ years and split lanes daily. Lots of things in life are dangerous...and illegal. It's your choice.
Pirate

[CaptEvo]

I dont lane split in New Jersey because I know they will try and crush me on purpose....lol. However I have been known to ride along the shoulder if there is a long backup and its in the 80's and my motor is getting hot.

[drvsafe]

Thanks for the input and opinions.

[lfvc77]

Here in the 3rd world it is common practice, specially in city traffic.

[Bob F]

I think it is dangerous too.

[Scooter_Trash]

I think you should make up your own mind if it's dangerous or not. I love how people like to show up in threads and say "it's not safe" or "it's dangerous". I kind of compare it to those people who like to tell us that riding motorcycles is dangerous. I usually tell them "well, don't ride them." So to those that feel it's their obligation to tell lane splitters whats safe and not safe, I say....don't lane split then.

[MaxPower81]

Whether it's dangerous isn't exactly just a matter of opinion. It is fairly dangerous in general. I choose not to personally, but everyone has to weigh the consequences for themselves. All of us take on more risk on our motorcycles than we do in our cars, but we've decided that the benefits outweigh the dangers. I make no judgment on those who decide to split lanes, but I don't know that you can make the argument that it's not dangerous.

[arab1302]

It's illegal here in Virginia, but I can tell you that I nearly did it today. Traffic heading north to DC was backed up due to work on the shoulder. Then heading back from the Pentagon, even the HOV was backed up because of rubberneckers (looking at a truck in a ditch) for the longest time.

I very nearly jumped right on the lines and hauled ass up the middle.

[williamv1203]

I've wondered the same thing here in The U.K. I can't find anything covering this. (time for Folkie or FoxsterUK to chime in)
Whenever I'm stuck behind a line of traffic, sometimes I'll split lanes, others, I'll wait. If other bikes go past me, I'll follow suit and if/when I get stopped, I'd just say... Well, others went... Then I'll get the "If the others rode off a cliff" reply... :laugh

[RIORoosen]

In the Netherlands it's legal, and I do it everyday during the work commute. No big deal, but then again, cagers here are used to the experience...know to make room for lane-splitting riders and genrally won't try to crush you for the fun of it!

[Blaze]

It's illigal in Ga. but I have done it on occasion, if the situation warrents it.
I've also taken the shoulder a few times. A ticket is WAY cheaper than an engine rebuild...
And yes I agree that it is or can be dangerous, but then again....
I don't wear seatbelts, sunblock, or condoms either...:shhhh

[NHRABill]

I have been guilty of splitting the route 18 turnpike backup area many times. only when I feel i can do it safely cause Hell I live in NJ and peope will nudge ya off for a laugh :frownthre

[drvsafe]

I have been guilty of splitting the route 18 turnpike backup area many times. only when I feel i can do it safely cause Hell I live in NJ and peope will nudge ya off for a laugh :frownthre

Hell yeah, especially during the summer, when there are lots of "NYers" visiting from nearby NYC.

PSST, don't tell everyone about Route 18; don't want to ruin it for us in the know.

[dave76]

I don't do it because yes, living in NJ you don't know who your going to piss off, and when they open their door on purpose yur f:censor. My buddy is a state trooper on the Parkway and he said he give's either a carless driving ticket or improper passing, Depending on the person.

[JSee883]

Yeah, you guys aren't kidding!
Some of the drivers out here will cut you off out of aggression or even just plain being oblivious [mebbe being on their cell phone]!

Either way, I could've sworn I'd read somewhere that it was illegal here in NJ, but can't seem to find a concrete reference anymore!

[Papa "D"]

If your state troopers ride air cooled bikes, there MAY be a loop-hole to keep them from burning up in stop and go traffic. Worth checking out. I hate doing it, but have had to a couple of times when temps were high and traffic was stopped for 5 miles. Usually I do it to the nearest exit, then back roads to where I need to be. Sometimes I get a cool cager that pulls over for me and waves me on.

[Bulpitt]

Its common practice in LA, actually unusual to see a motorcylce stopped in traffic. they have carpool lanes here that are a little wider than regular lanes & it makes splitting a bit easier.

[scottsxl1200]

Lane splitting isnt illegal here in mo either, but reckless driving is, so they can get you for that.