What is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting is the way motorcyclists legally weave back and forth through lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. Whether bikes should be allowed to split lanes like this has been the subject of ongoing debate across the country and in legislative chambers for years. In its most basic sense, lane splitting amounts to nothing more than another vehicle changing lanes.
Sharing the road with cars and trucks through heavy traffic can feel like a dangerous game of chicken. Motorcyclists have to move to their right to get out of the way of heavy traffic that is trying to merge left to get to an exit or move right to avoid a car that has stopped in a lane. This scenario is common in states around the nation during rush hour. Open roads allow motorcyclists to move into the left lane.
State laws on lane splitting vary . Some states allow motorcycle riders to use any available space to their advantage. Other states are stricter and only allow lane splitting when traffic is slowed to a crawl. Still others prohibit motorcyclists from sharing the road with other vehicles of any kind. Most states fall somewhere in between. Motorcycles can share the road in states that allow lane splitting to a point. However, motorcyclists should not obstruct traffic in any way or cause other motorists to become alarmed or worried about their highly-visible presence.
Motorcyclists who lane split frequently report enjoying the benefits of this practice firsthand. In fact, they often describe it as a fun way to avoid traffic. Since motorcyclists are not alone in their desire to share the road, most allege that they often run into other riders who are interested in doing the very same thing.
Iowa Traffic Law and Lane Splitting
Iowa has a statute that specifically prohibits lane splitting. Iowa Code 321.12(3) states: "Markings on pavement; riding on laned roadways. Except where directed otherwise by appropriate signs or marking, no person shall:
The prohibition in 321.12(3) applies, literally, to all drivers. The statute includes all motor vehicles, which then means motorcycles as well. It doesn’t matter if that motorcycle is in motion or is improperly parked, lane splitting is illegal in Iowa.
That said, not all states have such a clear statute. In many states, it is up to the courts to determine whether lane splitting violates existing laws, such as those prohibiting driving on the wrong side of the road or exceeding the speed limit. Iowa’s law is the clearest so far.
Safety Issues and Considerations
While the debate over the legality of lane splitting continues, one point on which both sides seem to agree is concerning the need for further analysis of the safety considerations at play with lane splitting procedures. Potential crashes, and possible injuries sustained in those crashes, are always a primary concern for Iowa motorcycle accident lawyers handling serious motorcycle accident claims. The questions for lawmakers and other stakeholders is whether lane splitting increases the likelihood of such crashes, and whether the injuries sustained by those crashes is a greater concern than the present risk.
Haglund argues, in "the majority of lane-splitting studies show that splitting does not increase injury severity" (P.12). Indeed in California’s landmark 2013 study, lane splitting was found to not contribute to motorcycle crashes, nor increase the severity of those crashes. (PP.6-7). According to the authors, however, there is insufficient evidence to make any conclusions regarding the severity or frequency of lane-splitting crashes in general, especially when only turning movement crashes are taken into consideration. (Id.).
In addition to these recent studies, motorcycle lanes can be hazardous due to poorly maintained pavement in the emergency lane (especially in undivided longstanding highways), and the increased potential for intrusions from the shoulder area. (P.13). An American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety report, citing this hazard, states the following: Moreover, the constant entering and exiting of emergency vehicles is likely to create debris from wear on tires and other parts of these vehicles, which might pose a risk to motorcyclists. (P.78).
Despite the fact that lane splitting is permitted in a number of states, including California where lane-splitting guidelines were proposed in 2013, any consideration of lane-splitting in the future will be informed by further study of the existing data. In the case of poorly maintained highway emergency lanes, poor road conditions are generally not compensated for by better published lane splitting rules. Having clear lane-splitting rules not only facilitates better understanding and compliance with the procedure, but publication of lane-splitting rules may also be accompanied with efforts to improve the condition of emergency lanes. Thus in the remaining states, as in Iowa, addressing the possibility of safer emergency lane conditions for motorcycles remains an important objective of lawmakers.
Lane Splitting in Other States: A Comparison
While the practice of lane splitting is illegal in Iowa, the motorcyclists in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, and California are legally allowed to practice lane splitting. In total, there are only six states where lane splitting is legal.
Colorado is another of the states where lane splitting is totally legal. You’re encouraged to be careful and aware of your surroundings if you plan on traversing through Colorado on a motorcycle.
New Mexico is not a state that is actively encouraging motorcyclists to lane split. They don’t require that motorcyclists wear helmets, but simply allow them the option to forego the helmet. However, lane splitting is not illegal in New Mexico, so if you feel the need to do so, you may.
Texas is one of the states that allows and even encourages lane splitting, although they haven’t explicitly defined what is and isn’t allowed. They’ve established reasonable guidelines that provide motorcyclists with a certain level of leeway when it comes to lane splitting.
Utah is another of the states that permit lane splitting. However, much like with other states, their guidelines do not specifically define what is and isn’t acceptable. Much better defined than Texas, however, Utah’s regulations do actually encourage lane splitting. Although lane splitting in Utah is legal , it is worth noting that lane splitting does not provide the same protection against injuries and accidents. As experienced attorneys, we believe that motorcycle riders should avoid lane splitting whenever possible to stay as safe as possible.
Oregon has taken the same approach as states like Utah and Texas that permit lane splitting. Much like those aforementioned states, Oregon has yet to clearly define when lane splitting will be considered acceptable and when it will not. Motorcycles in Oregon are allowed to cross double yellow lines in order to pass a vehicle in a passing zone. The only rule that applies to motorcyclists is that they must yield to vehicular traffic.
California is the last state where lane splitting is considered legal. Or, more specifically, it is "formally" legal in California. These laws are not as strict as they are in the state of Texas. In fact, California is considered to be much more lenient than Texas. Furthermore, they have a set of guidelines for lane splitting that states the following:
However, California’s guidelines do not appear to have much of an impact. Lane splitting is regularly practiced all across the state during traffic congested periods. That said, California has the worst motorcyclist death rates in the entire United States.
Advocacy and Legislative Action
Efforts both for and against the legalization of lane splitting have surfaced in Iowa. Some lawmakers see an opportunity for better road safety and enhanced freedom for motorcyclists, while others argue that legalizing lane splitting could lead to more motorcyclist injuries or fatalities—sending mixed signals to a trauma-savvy public that has worked hard to keep such numbers low.
A group of Iowa legislators has proposed a bill to amend Iowa Code section 321.34 by allowing motorcyclists to split lanes as long as it is done at a speed not exceeding 10 mph and in a safe and reasonable manner.
The legislature also passed a resolution titled "A Resolution to Study Lane Splitting in Iowa." The resolution charges the Iowa DOT to study the feasibility and desirability of establishing a state policy on lane splitting. The resolution also provides that the study shall include additional signage for drivers regarding lane splitting, discussion of when it would be appropriate to be stuck in traffic behind a motorcycle, and exploration of lane splitting as a positive force in reducing traffic congestion.
However, a few small groups rally against allowing lane splitting. For example, a group called the Coalition of Independent Riders has posted a statement on line that laments "lane splitting as a legitimate style of motion, or, as they see it, a realistic way to keep motorcyclists and their motorcycles whole and free."
While there seems to be plenty of opposition to the practice, and the proponents make it sound like the bill will not pass, we hope its consideration leads to continued research and discussion that will be longitudinally studied to allow further opportunity to understand the safety and risks of lane splitting.
Tips for Iowa Motorcyclists
Given the current legal restrictions on lane splitting, it is crucial for motorcyclists in Iowa to stay within their lane at all times. When coming to a stop, motorcyclists should secure their motorcycle and remain with it until they can resume driving. Motorcyclists should also be sure to drive at a safe speed, keeping in mind that the speed limit is the maximum speed, not the minimum speed.
Motorcyclists are always encouraged to wear a DOT-approved helmet when driving. Failure to do so may result in even harsher consequences for drivers who cause accidents.
Although lane splitting is not legal in Iowa , the main highways and interstates are common areas where you may need to pass other vehicles. In doing so, be very careful about moving in the lane next to you, especially around large cars or trucks that cannot see you.
One of the best things motorcyclists can do is stay up to date on current laws regarding motorcycling in Iowa; for that, they can turn to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB), a division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The GTSB publishes many resources to help with keeping you and your loved ones safe on Iowa roads.