Is Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Legal in North Carolina?
Are you a motorcyclist in North Carolina? You may frequently find yourself stuck in traffic, longing for a way to navigate more efficiently. Lane-splitting might seem like the solution to your problem, but is it legal in North Carolina? This article looks at the laws, benefits, and risks of this controversial motorcycle-riding technique.
What Is Lane-Splitting?
Lane-splitting – also known as “white-lining” or “filtering” – is a motorcycle-riding technique in which a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Lane-splitting is specifically legal only in California.
Some argue that lane-splitting is a safer way for motorcyclists to navigate heavy traffic, allowing them to avoid getting rear-ended by other vehicles. However, lane-splitting can be highly dangerous and lead to accidents when riders don’t do it properly.
Is Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Legal in North Carolina?
While the law doesn’t specify whether lane-splitting is legal in North Carolina, it is generally discouraged. The North Carolina Motorcyclist Handbook’s section on lane-sharing indicates that “Cars and motorcycles need a full lane to operate safely … Riding between rows of stopped or moving cars in the same lane can leave you vulnerable to the unexpected.” While this refers to lane-sharing, the same concerns apply to lane-splitting.
Pros and Cons of Lane-Splitting
Some of the pros and cons of lane-splitting include the following:
- Pro: Safety – Lane-splitting allows motorcyclists to avoid rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic, which are common causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Pro: Less congestion – When motorcyclists lane-split, they can move through traffic more quickly, which can reduce traffic congestion on the road.
- Pro: Fuel efficiency – Motorcycles get better gas mileage when they travel at consistent speeds instead of idling in traffic.
- Pro: Visibility – Lane-splitting makes motorcycles more visible on the road, which makes it easier for other drivers to see them and prevent collisions.
- Con: Accident risk – Lane-splitting is dangerous in some cases and can lead to accidents if riders lack experience, other drivers don’t check for lane-splitting bikers, or traffic conditions are not ideal.
- Con: Injury risk – If a lane-splitting accident does occur, riders may be more likely to sustain serious injuries from getting crushed between adjacent vehicles.
- Con: Lane-change risks – Lane-splitting makes it harder for motorcyclists and other drivers to change lanes, as motorcyclists can obscure lines of sight.
Consequences of a Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Accident
When motorcyclists decide to lane split in North Carolina, they can sustain serious injuries, such as:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
- Partial or total paralysis
- Abdominal and internal injuries
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Amputation and loss of limb
- Soft tissue strains, sprains, and tears
- Road rash and other burn injuries
Contact Our Experienced North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident or are unsure of your rights as a motorcyclist, Ward Black Law is here to help. We can take the guesswork out of the legal process and help you seek a fair recovery. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation with our experienced attorneys.