Lane splitting – operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic – stirs up strong opinions in Houston and across Texas. Is lane splitting safe? Supporters say it helps motorcyclists avoid getting rear-ended in traffic. Critics argue it’s unsafe and creates new dangers for everyone on the road. In a city like Houston, where traffic jams are a daily headache, understanding lane-splitting rules is essential. But is lane splitting legal in Houston? Knowing the law can help you avoid tickets, accidents, and potential legal trouble.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of traffic, usually between cars moving in the same direction. Instead of staying behind cars in a single lane, the rider moves between vehicles on the dividing line between lanes, often during slow or stopped traffic. Many motorcyclists believe lane splitting reduces the risk of rear-end collisions and eases traffic congestion, especially in cities with heavy traffic like Houston. However, it’s a practice that carries both safety benefits and substantial risks depending on the situation.
It’s vital not to confuse lane splitting with similar riding behaviors. Lane sharing refers to two motorcycles riding side by side in the same lane, which is legal in Texas and many other places. Similarly, lane filtering happens when a rider moves between stopped vehicles, usually at traffic lights, to move to the front of the line.
Finally, shoulder riding – when a motorcyclist uses the road’s shoulder to pass traffic – is generally illegal in Texas. However, Section 545.058 of the Texas Transportation Code allows passing using the shoulder when it’s “necessary and may be done safely,” such as to pass a disabled vehicle on the road.
Is Lane Splitting Legal in Texas?
Lane splitting is not legal in Texas. For many years, Texas had no law that clearly banned it. Riders often found themselves in a legal gray area – not expressly allowed to split lanes but also not always charged for doing so. That changed in 2023 when Texas legislators passed a law that directly addressed the issue and banned lane splitting across the state.
Under Section 545.0605 of the Texas Transportation Code, motorcyclists are entitled to full use of a lane. Other vehicles cannot crowd or push them out of that space. However, the law also makes it clear that riders may not operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. Furthermore, motorcyclists cannot pass a vehicle while sharing the same lane. The law allows two motorcycles to ride side by side in a single lane, but no more than two.
What About Houston Specifically?
Before 2023, Houston police officers had some discretion when deciding whether to cite motorcyclists for lane splitting. Some riders might have received a warning, while others faced tickets under broader laws concerning issues like reckless driving. However, with the new law in place, lane splitting is now clearly and outright banned across the state, including within Houston city limits.
Even if Houston traffic laws allowed lane splitting, the practice is still risky. In heavy traffic, drivers often change lanes without warning, block riders out of frustration, or act aggressively toward motorcyclists. These behaviors create dangerous conditions for riders trying to ride between vehicles. A sudden door opening, a quick swerve, or a distracted driver can easily cause a devastating crash. That’s why understanding the law and practicing safe riding techniques is vital for Houston motorcyclists.
What Happens If You Split Lanes in Texas?
Splitting lanes while riding a motorcycle in Texas can have severe consequences, such as:
- Traffic Tickets and Fines – If police catch you lane splitting, they can issue a traffic ticket under the Texas Transportation Code. Fines vary by jurisdiction but can be expensive.
- Points on Your Driver’s License – A traffic ticket for lane splitting can add points to your driving record. Too many points can lead to surcharges or a license suspension.
- Higher Insurance Rates – Traffic violations often cause insurance companies to raise your premiums. Therefore, a lane-splitting ticket could lead to more expensive coverage.
- Possible Legal Fault for an Accident – If you’re involved in a crash while lane splitting, the other party may blame you. Police reports could suggest you were acting recklessly. Similarly, insurers often argue that lane splitting is inherently dangerous and might try to deny or reduce your compensation after an accident.
It’s worth noting that you can still fight for compensation after a lane-splitting accident if an insurance company denies your claim. Remember: Just because you were lane splitting doesn’t mean you caused the crash.
Under Texas’s fault-based insurance system, you can sue a driver who caused a collision by opening their door in front of you, making an unsafe lane change, or engaging in other careless or unsafe actions. If you and your lawyer can show how the other driver caused the crash, you may still recover compensation. Eyewitness statements, video footage, testimony from accident reconstruction experts, and other evidence can make a big difference in your case.
What Houston Motorcyclists Should Do Instead of Lane Splitting
Because lane splitting is now illegal in Texas and there’s insufficient evidence of how it protects riders, motorcyclists should avoid it. Here’s what to do instead to stay safe:
- Stay in Your Designated Lane – Always ride within a single traffic lane. Avoid weaving between vehicles or riding on the shoulder to pass.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance – Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. This extra distance gives you more time to react to sudden stops or other hazards.
- Use Defensive Riding Techniques – Stay alert for drivers changing lanes without signaling, sudden stops, and distracted drivers. Assume other drivers may not see you.
- Wear Protective Gear – Always wear a helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, and other protective clothing. Good gear can significantly reduce your injuries if a crash happens.
- Stay Visible at All Times – Use reflective gear, bright colors, and your headlights, even during the day, to make sure other drivers can see you.
- Enroll in an Approved Rider Education Course – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approves motorcycle safety courses. Completing one can sharpen your skills and teach strategies to avoid accidents. Your insurance company might also lower your premiums after you finish a safety course.
- Obey All Traffic Laws – Following speed limits, signaling lane changes, and respecting traffic signals keeps you safer and helps avoid unnecessary tickets.
FAQs
Do you have questions about Houston traffic laws and lane splitting? You might find the answers below.
Is lane splitting illegal in Texas in 2025?
Yes, lane splitting is illegal in Texas as of 2025. Due to a law passed in 2023, the Texas Transportation Code says motorcyclists must stay within their designated lane and cannot ride between lanes of traffic.
Can you lane filter in Texas traffic jams?
No, lane filtering is also illegal in Texas. Motorcyclists must stay within a single lane even when nearby traffic is stopped or moving slowly.
What is the fine for lane splitting in Texas?
Fines for lane splitting in Texas vary depending on the city or county. Typically, you can expect to pay between $175 and $250. In addition to the fine, the ticket could add points to your driving record and increase your insurance premiums.
Can I be at fault if I crash while lane splitting?
Yes, you could be liable if you crash while lane splitting. Insurance companies often argue that lane splitting is reckless. However, whether you’re actually at fault depends on the details of the accident. If another driver’s careless behavior played a role in the crash, you may still recover compensation with sufficient evidence.
Has Texas ever tried to legalize lane splitting?
There have been a few attempts to legalize lane splitting in Texas, but they all failed. In 2015, State Sen. Kirk Watson introduced a bill that would have allowed lane splitting in specific circumstances, primarily if motorcyclists were in traffic moving at 20 mph or less. That bill did not pass the Legislature, nor did a similar bill from Watson in 2017.
Involved in a Motorcycle Accident While Lane Splitting? Know Your Rights
Is lane splitting legal in Houston? No, for better or worse. However, don’t assume you can’t recover compensation after a Houston lane splitting accident. The facts of the crash determine whether someone might owe you compensation for your injuries.
For one thing, Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This law means you can still recover money for your injuries as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Even if lane splitting was illegal, the other driver’s actions – like texting, speeding, or unsafe lane changes – might make them primarily responsible.
Every accident has unique facts, and insurance companies often try to blame motorcyclists to avoid paying claims. That’s why it’s critical to hire an experienced lawyer. A skilled attorney can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case showing how the other driver’s negligence caused your injuries.
Contact Our Houston Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Don’t give up your chance at fair compensation for a lane-splitting crash based on unfounded assumptions. The Houston motorcycle accident lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs have been in business for decades and have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our team includes multiple board-certified specialists and understands the nuances that can make or break your case. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
