Riding a motorcycle in Washington can be exciting, but traffic jams on I-5 or Highway 99 slow things down. Some riders weave between cars to keep going. That’s called lane splitting. It seems like a quick way to beat the traffic, but is it okay to do? At Murphy Trial Law, we help people hurt in motorcycle crashes. This post will explain what lane splitting is, the laws in Washington, safety concerns, and what to do if you’re in an accident.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between two rows of cars, usually in slow or stopped traffic. Imagine being stuck on I-405, and a rider zooms past between lanes. That’s lane splitting. It’s different from:
- Lane filtering, where a rider passes stopped cars at a traffic light.
- Lane sharing, when two motorcycles ride side by side in one lane.
Riders like lane splitting because it saves time. In busy areas, it might feel like the only way to get through traffic. But it can be dangerous, and the law has rules about it.
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Is Lane Splitting Allowed in Washington?
In Washington, lane splitting is illegal. The law, called RCW 46.61.608, says motorcycles must stay in one lane. They can’t ride between lanes or pass cars in the same lane. If you get caught lane splitting, you might face:
- A $136 ticket for improper lane use.
- Points on your driving record, which could make your insurance cost more.
- Reckless driving charges in serious cases, with bigger fines or even jail time.
Some riders and lawmakers want to change the law. In 2023, Washington lawmakers discussed House Bill 1063 to allow lane splitting with certain rules, like safe speeds. The bill didn’t pass, so lane splitting is still against the law. For now, it’s safer to avoid it.
Is Lane Splitting Safe for Riders?
Lane splitting has both good and bad sides when it comes to safety. A 2015 study from the University of California, Berkeley found that lane splitting can be safer in some situations. When riders split lanes at speeds under 50 mph, they’re less likely to get hit from behind. Rear-end crashes are a big problem for motorcyclists, especially in stop-and-go traffic on roads like SR-527.
But lane splitting has risks too. Here are some issues:
- Cars might not see you. Motorcycles are smaller, and drivers aren’t always checking for them between lanes.
- You have less time to stop or swerve if a car changes lanes suddenly.
- Drivers in Washington don’t expect lane splitting. They might get confused or upset, which can cause accidents.
Washington bans lane splitting because lawmakers believe the dangers are greater than the benefits. Riders need to be extra careful in heavy traffic, where crashes happen more often.
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What Happens If You Crash While Lane Splitting?
If you’re lane splitting and get into a crash, you could be in trouble. Washington uses a law called comparative negligence. This means if you’re partly to blame for the accident, you might get less money for things like doctor bills or fixing your bike. For example, if a court says you’re 60% at fault for lane splitting, you’d only get 40% of the money you’re owed.
Other problems can happen too:
- Your insurance might not pay your claim. They could say lane splitting was too dangerous.
- You could get a ticket, like the $136 fine for improper lane use.
- Your insurance rates might go up, even if the crash wasn’t all your fault.
Motorcycle crashes are a big deal. In 2013, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission said motorcycles were in 14% of deadly traffic accidents, even though they’re only 3% of vehicles on the road. Lane splitting can make crashes more likely, so it’s important to follow the law.
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How Do Other States Handle Lane Splitting?
Not every state bans lane splitting. Some places have different laws, which can be confusing if you ride across state lines. Here’s how Washington compares:
- California allows lane splitting. A 2016 law says it’s okay if riders go at safe speeds and traffic is slow.
- Utah and Montana allow lane filtering, which means passing stopped cars at intersections, but only at low speeds, like 15 mph or less.
- Arizona has rules for limited lane filtering, but it’s stricter than California.
- Most states, like Washington, don’t allow lane splitting at all.
If you’re riding from Washington to another state, check the laws before you go. What’s allowed in one place might get you a ticket in another.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash?
A motorcycle crash can be frightening, whether you were lane splitting or not. Knowing what to do can help you stay safe and protect your rights. Try these steps:
- Check for injuries and get medical help. Some injuries, like neck pain, might not show up right away.
- Take pictures of the crash. Get shots of your bike, the cars, the road, and any cuts or bruises.
- Talk to witnesses. Ask people who saw the crash for their names and phone numbers.
- Call the police to report the accident. A police report can help later if you need to make a claim.
- Contact a lawyer who knows about motorcycle crashes. They can help you deal with insurance and figure out who’s at fault.
Crashes can lead to big bills for medical care, bike repairs, or missed work. A lawyer can fight to get you the money you deserve, even if lane splitting makes your case more complicated.
Stay Safe and Know Your Rights
Lane splitting might look like an easy way to get through traffic on I-5, but it’s illegal in Washington. The risks are real: you could get a ticket, crash, or lose money in a claim. It’s better to stay in your lane and ride safely. If you’re hurt in a motorcycle crash, don’t wait to get help. At Murphy Trial Law, we understand how hard these accidents can be. Our team will work to get you fair compensation. We only get paid if you win, so there’s no risk to you. Call us at (425) 835-2614 for a free talk about your case. Let us help you move forward.
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