Our region is no stranger to traffic jams. One of the advantages of riding a motorcycle is that it can be easy to traverse stopped or slowly moving traffic. It can be done through a process caused by lane-splitting. Broadly speaking, motorcycle lane-splitting occurs when a rider goes between lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles.
Similar to most, but not all states, lane-splitting was long prohibited in Arizona. However, in 2022 the law changes. Lawmakers passed a comprehensive reform package to legalize lane-splitting in certain circumstances. Here, our Gilbert, AZ, motorcycle crash lawyers provide a comprehensive guide to the lane-splitting laws in Arizona.
The Old Law: Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Was Prohibited
Most U.S. states outlaw motorcycle lane-splitting. In fact, it is only permitted in a relatively small share of jurisdictions. California is the most notable that has long allowed motorcyclists to split lanes. Prior to 2022, motorcycle lane splitting was illegal in Arizona. There were no circumstances in which a motorcycle could split lanes lawfully—even if traffic was completely stopped.
2022 Reform: Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Legalized in Arizona
On March 23rd, 2022, Arizona Senate Bill 1273 (SB 1273) was signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey. The law was a comprehensive reform that, among other things, legalized motorcycle lane-splitting. As of now (2024), motorcycle lane-splitting is lawful in our state. However, that does not mean that a motorcycle operator can split lanes whenever they choose to do so. There are specific rules and regulations that motorcyclists must follow to split lanes lawfully.
Know Arizona’s Regulations for Motorcycle Lane-Splitting
In September of 2022, Arizona’s motorcycle lane-splitting legalization officially took effect. The Gilbert Police Department put together a useful infographic that helps to clarify the rules and regulations that a rider must follow when lane-splitting. Here are four key points:
- Only on Roads With a Maximum Speed of 45 MPH or Lower: Motorcycle riders are permitted to split lanes only on roads where the posted speed limit is 45 miles per hour or lower. The rule is designed to ensure that lane splitting is conducted in relatively low-speed environments to enhance safety. Motorcyclists must verify the speed limit before deciding to split lanes to comply with this regulation.
- Only Stopped Traffic (No Splitting Past Slow Moving Vehicles): Lane splitting is strictly allowed only when traffic is completely stopped. Notably, this is a big distinction between our state’s law and California’s lane-splitting law. Motorcyclists are not permitted to split lanes when traffic is moving slowly. They must wait until vehicles have halted. It is a restriction to prevent accidents that may occur from navigating between moving vehicles.
- Only On Roads With Two or More Lanes Going in Same Direction: SB 1273 also restricts lane splitting to only roads that have at least two lanes traveling in the same direction. It is designed to give motorcyclists enough space to maneuver safely between lanes. Motorcyclists should ensure the road meets this criterion before engaging in lane splitting.
- A Maximum Speed of 15 MPH for Motorcycles Splitting Lanes: When splitting lanes, motorcyclists are required to maintain a speed not exceeding 15 miles per hour. It is a relatively low speed limit that helps reduce the risk of collisions during lane splitting. In other words, a motorcyclist who is going 16 MPH or higher cannot lawfully split lanes.
Injured Motorcyclists Need the Maximum Financial Compensation
Hurt in a motorcycle crash in Arizona? You need financial compensation to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including non-economic losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies can make the claims process deeply challenging. They want to pay out as little as possible to injured victims. Our Gilbert motorcycle crash lawyers fight for the absolute maximum compensation for injured victims, including for:
- Motorcycle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical fees;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability;
- Permanent scarring; and
- Wrongful death.
Contact Our Gilbert, AZ Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
At Free Injury Legal Advice, our Gilbert motorcycle crash attorneys are proud to fight for justice for victims and families. A free 10-minute call could increase your compensation by thousands. If you or your loved one was hurt in a lane-splitting crash, we are here to help. Give us a call now or connect with us online for your free initial appointment. With a law office in Gilbert, we handle motorcycle accident cases in Maricopa County and throughout the State of Arizona.