Understanding Lane Splitting Legislation

Our colleagues publication’s blog just promoted a piece that may greatly impact students, faculty, and stakeholders at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. In relation to this piece, we are noting how understanding traffic laws from other countries might affect your life if you drive, ride, or travel internationally, as an international student. The academic mission of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic is to prepare innovative and well-prepared thinkers and leaders of the future, and having awareness of international traffic laws while driving, or riding a motorbike, could easily be something that impacts you.

That’s why I’m going to talk about “Is lane splitting legal in NY?” The blog entry: comprehensive lane splitting legislation in New York sets the stage for a bigger piece for my ABI Network: Lane splitting is a term used to describe the practice of a motorcyclist riding a motorcycle in between lanes of cars in order to pass a traffic jam on the road. Known as “white lining” in Europe, the practice of lane splitting among motorcyclists in New York is still legally ambiguous, resulting in further review by state lawmakers.

Motorcyclists around the world are hoping legislation is passed to allow the practice of lane splitting in order to help reduce the incidence of motorcycle accidents in the summer months, a process supported by a host of safety organizations in the United States. Motorcyclists who lane split often try to beat road congestion on their motorcycle in order to prevent traffic jams and reduce emissions of harmful fumes. Studies suggest that motorists who lane split are less likely to become involved in fatal motorcycle accidents when compared to bikers who do not lane split.

To learn if is lane splitting legal in NY, representatives wanted to know if the state of New York has legal guidelines that govern the practice of lane splitting. Is lane splitting legal in NY? According to NYCRR § 397.11, through the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), motorcycle lane splitting is considered a violation of traffic laws designed for motor vehicles. In fact, an added warning within the regulation warns that any violation of the law related to motorcycles may result in the suspension of the motorcyclist’s license.

While New York remains adamant that it does not recommend lane splitting, the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program advises motorcyclists to customarily follow the laws of the road and avoid riding in between lanes of traffic. A response to the original request from a representative from New York also stated that following the rules of the road is the best advice for motorists and motorcyclists alike. Similar rules and guidelines have been adopted in California and Washington, two states that have also experienced significant reductions in motorcycle accidents.

There is a long history related to the question of whether is lane splitting legal in NY? Since at least 1981, several members of the state assembly have presented bills to either ban or legalize the practice of lane splitting for motorcyclists. For motorcycles and motorcyclists in Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, biking could be dangerous, especially if there are not permissive laws regarding lane splitting. The potential implications of allowing motorcyclists near Abu Dhabi Polytechnic to use lane splitting and weaving through highway traffic may be very different, as the culture of Abu Dhabi is distinct from New York.

One investigation into the issue, published by the Washington Post, points out that while some researchers and scientists have recommended the legalization of motorcycle lane splitting in New York, members of public safety organizations argue that the practice presents too much of a risk to motorists and bikers in the state of New York. They point to too many dangers, including unconsciousness and impaired driving experienced by motorists, particularly those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What is clear is that lane splitting is something that might make motorcycling safer for many riders, but could lead to more accidents for those riding near Abu Dhabi Polytechnic. No matter where you ride, however, the rules are always ever-changing, and it pays to be aware of new legislation or regulations that affect your use of automobiles or motorcycles on the highway.

Studies into the matter suggest that motorcycle lane splitting will soon be legal in many of the states across the U.S., as well as other countries worldwide. Already, California, Washington, and Western Australia have adopted protections and laws to open up lane splitting for bikers. This makes it safer for their bikers and safer for others on the roadway who use the public roads near Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.

Due to the major safety concerns linked to the legalization of lane splitting in New York, attempts to change existing laws in the state may take a few more years to come to fruition. Still, motorcyclists across the country and world hope to see more statehouses follow the example of California and adopt laws statewide making the practice legal, and protecting the rights of bikers and motorists alike. Motorcyclists should try to stay up-to-date on transportation safety concerns. Perhaps start with reading the above-mentioned article about is lane splitting legal in NY.