
Is “lane splitting” legal in Washington state?
You've had a long day. You're on your drive home and traffic is stopped. Has there been an accident? Is there construction? I have no idea. But I do know that some idiot on a motorcycle It's coming up behind me riding between the lanes and I'm thinking, “I should open my door right now.”
I don't do it, but you know how I'm feeling, it's just not fair. It's called lane splitting and it's actually legal in some states. According to twistedroad.com,
“Currently, eight states are considering legalizing lane splitting or lane filtering, as it’s been shown that these practices are safer. Also, if you’re about to rent a motorcycle when you travel, it’s best to understand the local lane splitting and lane filtering laws before hitting the road.”
Right now, lane splitting is legal in seven states, including California. It is not legal in Washington state yet but they are considering laws to make it legal in the future. I'm not sure I have the guts to do lane splitting. Even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I'm always afraid somebody's going to try to change lanes into me. When riding a motorcycle, my rule of thumb was always nobody can see me and everybody that can see me wants to run over me.
Currently, eight states are considering making it legal to split lanes.
See the map below.
The thing I find Difficult to believe is that Twistedroad.com claims. “It’s safer. It’s been proven that lane-splitting motorcyclists were injured much less frequently than non-lane splitting riders, and are rear ended less often.”
Just remember, it's not legal in Washington state, yet.
Ride safe and remember, they're all out to get you.
Where It's Legal for Motorcycles to Drive Between Lanes (thefw.com)
Lane Splitting/Lane Filtering is legal in these states (twistedroad.com)
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