Lane Splitting Laws in North Carolina: What Every Motorcyclist Should Know
Lane splitting is illegal in North Carolina. The practice, which involves riding between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic, carries serious legal consequences for riders who attempt it in the Tar Heel State. If you’re caught lane splitting in North Carolina, you may face traffic citations, fines, and potential liability issues if an accident occurs.
At Karney | Clayton, we’ve been representing bikers since 1975. We’re riders ourselves who understand the frustration of sitting in traffic when you could safely navigate through it. But as attorneys who’ve handled countless motorcycle accident cases across the Carolinas, we want every rider to understand North Carolina’s lane splitting laws and how they may affect your rights on the road.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting, also called lane filtering or white-lining, happens when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Riders typically do this when traffic slows or stops on highways and major roads. The motorcycle uses the painted line or space between vehicles as a travel path.
Some riders argue lane splitting reduces traffic congestion and prevents rear-end collisions. Others believe it creates dangerous situations where cars don’t expect motorcycles. Regardless of these debates, North Carolina law is clear: the practice is prohibited.
North Carolina’s Stance on Lane Splitting
North Carolina General Statute § 20-146(e) requires motorcyclists to ride in a single lane and prohibits passing between lanes. The law states that vehicles, including motorcycles, must stay within marked lanes unless completing a safe lane change. This statute effectively bans lane splitting throughout the state.
Law enforcement officers actively cite riders who lane split. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident while lane splitting, insurance companies and opposing attorneys may use your violation to argue you were at fault, even if another driver caused the crash.
How Can Lane Splitting Lead to Accidents?
North Carolina lawmakers have not adopted lane splitting legislation due to safety concerns. Unlike California, which allows lane splitting under certain conditions, most states view the practice as too risky. Lane splitting leaves limited space between vehicles, leaving motorcyclists vulnerable to drivers who don’t check their blind spots. The speed differential between motorcycles and cars is another reason this law stands.
What Happens If You’re in an Accident While Lane Splitting?
If you’re injured in a crash while lane splitting, proving fault becomes more complicated. The other driver’s insurance company may claim you were breaking the law and therefore responsible for the collision, even if the driver merged without looking or opened a door into your path. In these cases, North Carolina follows contributory negligence rules, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault for an accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
However, being cited for lane splitting doesn’t automatically mean you lose your case. Our experienced lawyers examine every detail of the crash, including the other driver’s actions, road conditions, and witness statements. For example, if a driver intentionally swerved into your path or was texting while driving, their negligence may outweigh your traffic violation. With our support and detailed knowledge, you have the best chance of securing compensation for your losses after a motorcycle accident, even if you were lane splitting.
Staying Legal and Safe on North Carolina Roads
The safest approach to riding a motorcycle in North Carolina is to follow state traffic laws and avoid lane splitting altogether. Stay in your lane, even during heavy traffic. Use defensive riding techniques, maintain proper following distance, and always wear appropriate safety gear. When traffic slows, position yourself where drivers can see you in their mirrors and avoid lingering in blind spots.
If you’re frustrated by traffic congestion, remember that taking risks with lane splitting isn’t worth the potential consequences. A traffic citation is the least of your concerns compared to a serious crash.
Reach Out to Karney | Clayton to Fight for Your Rights After a Lane Splitting Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident and the insurance company is using a lane-splitting citation or any other traffic violation against you, don’t accept their denial without a fight. We know how to challenge these tactics and prove what really caused your crash. For over 40 years, Carolinas’ Biker Lawyers has defended riders against insurance companies that try to twist the facts and avoid paying fair compensation.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. As riders who’ve represented the biker community across North and South Carolina since 1975, we understand both the law and the road. Let us level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.