Is it OK for motorcycles in GA 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 Georgia 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 Georgia.

What GA law says about lane splitting

State law, O.C.G.A. § 40-6-312, 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.

Exceptions exist for police officers, where lane splitting and filtering are allowed for law enforcement while on duty.

Enforcement and penalties in Georgia

Motorcycle operators caught violating the law could be at risk of some very serious penalties.

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.

In the 2023 Georgia Traffic Safety Fact Sheet, the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) reveals some frightening statistics.

• There were 196 motorcyclist fatalities that resulting from motor vehicle traffic crashes.
• Motorcycle operators accounted for 6% of all licensed drivers but 12% of all driver fatalities.
• Motorcyclists who did not wear a helmet were 3.28 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury.
• The top contributing factor for crashes was loss of control. 39% of operators lost control of their motorcycle just before the crash.
• Motorcycle traffic-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits in Georgia amounted to $321.8 million.

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.