Lane Splitting Laws in Kentucky (2024)

FAQs

Does Kentucky allow lane splitting? ›

Lane Sharing. State traffic codes dictates the rules of the road for motorcyclists. Lane splitting, filtering, and sharing are three maneuvers not covered under Kentucky's traffic laws. That means they are neither legal nor illegal.

2022 Revisions Focus on Safe Speed Differentials

In revised 2022 guidelines, the California Highway Patrol updated speed limits again with a continued focus on prudent speed differentials versus surrounding traffic. The maximum speed threshold remains 50 mph for lane splitting.

Where is lane splitting legal in the US? California is the only state that legally allows lane splitting. This means that a motorcyclist can ride between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction at high speeds or at low speeds.

Because many accidents involve motorists who don't see motorcyclists or their bikes, keeping moving in slow-moving traffic is usually a smart idea for the riders. Safety should be every rider's top priority, and lane splitting helps achieve the goal of staying safe, according to research on the topic.

California is the only state where lane splitting is legal. Experts in this state do recommend that motorcyclists only go ten miles per hour above the speed of the surrounding traffic and that they avoid lane splitting over speeds of 30 miles per hour. You also can't lane split near freeway exits or ramps.

If a police officer pulls you over, and you don't have a valid license, they could charge you with a Class B misdemeanor. This means that you could face up to 90 days in jail and a $250 fine, depending on the circ*mstances.

“Lane splitting” refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction. “Filtering”refers to the practice of riding a motorcycle between stopped motor vehicles to the front of the pack, typically at a signalized intersection.

In 2013, a study also found that lane-splitting is practiced by 36% of California Motorcyclists. This proves that not all motorcyclists practice lane-splitting although it is legal. Lane-splitting can also save you 20 hours a year.

Lane Splitting Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Danger increases at higher speed differentials. Danger increases as overall speed increases. It is typically safer to split between the far left lanes than between the other lanes of traffic. Avoid lane splitting next to large vehicles (big rigs, buses, motorhomes, etc.).

It's contended that it allows riders to see farther ahead, actively separate themselves from threats, and strategically place their bikes in pockets of less congestion. Lane splitting has been touted as helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by minimizing the time motorcycles sit in slow or stopped traffic.

Why do states allow lane splitting? ›

Improves Safety. Despite what many drivers think, lane splitting is safer than the alternative, which is driving directly behind cars and trucks within a lane. For example, lane-splitting motorists are less likely to be rear-ended, seriously injured, or killed.

The same UC Berkeley study found that, when accidents happen directly because of lane-splitting, the motorcyclist is more likely to rear-end another vehicle than to be rear-ended. For those that get involved in accidents, which encompassed 2.6 percent of all lane-splitting riders, 34.6 percent struck a side mirror.

Lane splitting can be risky and dangerous for motorcyclists since they can suffer severe injuries. There is often a small space between two vehicles, increasing the risk of motorcyclists colliding with other vehicles. Also, drivers in larger vehicles may not see motorcycles coming up from behind when lane splitting.

Typically, lane-splitting riders will use white lining to avoid stopping in stopped or slow-moving traffic. A study by the University of California Berkeley has found that lane splitting may be safer for motorcyclists than traditionally riding during heavy traffic periods.

Lane Splitting is Illegal

Ohio law prohibits lane splitting. Lane splitting refers to when motorcycles ride in the middle lane, between stalled or slow moving traffic. Ohio views lane splitting as an unsafe and unacceptable practice. A few states, such as California, allow lane splitting.

Are there special rules for permit holders? Instruction permit holders are not allowed to carry passengers and MUST wear a helmet on the roadways regardless of your age. For those under 18 you cannot operate a vehicle of any kind between Midnight and 6 am barring a few exceptions.

The law specifies that texting and driving is prohibited for all drivers while the vehicle is in motion. If a driver is age 18 or older, they may use a device as a GPS or for reading, selecting, or entering a telephone number or name for making a call. A driver over 18 may use their phone for talking.

Depending on posted signs, you may use the carpool lane if you are: Carpooling. In other words, you have someone else in the car. Even if they're tied up in the back seat, it counts.

Kentucky Revised Statute 189.515 is the state law that lays out restrictions for all-terrain vehicles on the state's roads. According to that statute, “a person shall not operate an all-terrain vehicle upon any public highway or roadway or upon the right-of-way of any public highway or roadway.”