Is it OK for motorcycles in Ohio to ‘lane-split’ in traffic? Here’s what state law says
There might be a lot of temptation for motorcycles to make their own rules when traffic gets gnarly, but Ohio has very clear guidance about it.
When vehicles, typically motorcycles, attempt to “lane split” or “lane filter” they are actually breaking the law. Weaving in between cars, “lane filtering” and riding between lanes of moving or slow traffic, “lane splitting” are both illegal in the state of Ohio.
What Ohio law says about lane splitting
State Ohio Revised Code § 4511.55(B) gives motorcycles the right to their own full lane and prohibits cars from infringing on that, but it also makes lane splitting and filtering explicitly illegal.
This is what the law says about motorcycle operations:
- Cannot overtake or pass another vehicle in the same lane. All passing must occur in a separate lane.
- Operation between lanes or rows of vehicles is prohibited.
- No more than two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in a single lane.
- Headlights must be illuminated at all times during operation.
No exceptions exist for police officers or law enforcement.
Enforcement and penalties in Ohio
Violating the lane splitting or filtering prohibition is considered a minor misdemeanor under ORC § 4511.55(D) and penalties escalate for escalating offenses.
These violations are considered moving offenses and could result in the following:
- Fines ranging from $130 to $400
- Three points added to your license, per violation
- Possible higher insurance rates
- Higher liability if an accident occurs during the practice
- Court fees and other charges
Why the law matters
It may seem like the convenience of lane splitting may outweigh the negative outcomes, but it can lead to dangerous conditions for both the motorcycle operator and other drivers. The 2024 Traffic Safety Bulletin from the Ohio State Highway Patrol reveals some frightening statistics.
Between 2019 and 2023:
- There were 19,544 motorcycle-involved crashes
- 1,045 motorcyclists were killed and 5,770 sustatined serious injuries.
- Motorcycle riders were at fault in 56% of all motorcycle crashes and 64% of fatal crashes
- Approximately 42% of motorcycle crashes involved only the motorcycle, increasing to 46% in fatal crashes
- Franklin County had the highest number of motorcycle fatalities with 116
Despite the amount of motorcycle-involved accidents, deaths attributed specifically to lane splitting or filtering cannot be specifically connected, but road safety was most likely a factor in many of them.
Thoughts on lane splitting/filtering? Big deal or not? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.