Is It Legal For Motorcycles To Split Lanes in Missouri?

Motorcyclists often wonder: Is it legal for motorcycles to split lanes in Missouri? Missouri traffic statutes do not explicitly authorize this maneuver, nor do they explicitly criminalize it. This gray area creates confusion for riders and drivers alike. According to Missouri law, motorcycles must operate within a single lane, but riders can share lanes side-by-side with another motorcycle under certain conditions. However, weaving between vehicles, commonly known as lane splitting, is generally discouraged and can lead to liability if an accident occurs.

At the Montee Law Firm, our St. Joseph motorcycle accident lawyer is committed to helping injured riders understand their rights and navigate these complex cases.

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What Missouri Law Says About Lane Splitting

Under Missouri law, motorcycles are generally expected to follow the same rules as other motor vehicles when using the roadway. According to Missouri Revised Statutes §304.015, vehicles must stay within a single lane and should not move from that lane unless it can be done safely. This language does not explicitly approve of lane splitting.

Although the statute does not explicitly mention riding motorcycles between lanes, it establishes safe lane usage requirements. Courts and insurance companies often interpret this to mean that riding between lanes is outside regular and secure operation. As a result, lane splitting is not considered an accepted traffic maneuver in Missouri, and law enforcement may view it as careless or dangerous.

Lane Splitting vs. Lane Filtering: What’s the Difference?

Lane splitting and lane filtering are often confused, but they are not the same, and understanding the difference is important for Missouri riders.

• Lane Splitting occurs when a motorcyclist rides between two lanes of moving or slow-moving traffic to advance. This is typically done on highways or congested roadways.
• Lane Filtering usually happens when traffic is completely stopped, such as at a red light, allowing the rider to move between vehicles and position at the front of the line before traffic resumes.

Neither practice is explicitly allowed in Missouri law. While lane filtering might seem less hazardous because it occurs at low speeds, it is still risky. Drivers often do not expect motorcycles to pass in tight spaces, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Both actions can complicate liability in the event of an accident, leaving riders vulnerable to arguments that they acted outside normal traffic expectations.

Why Motorcyclists Split Lanes and the Risks Involved

Riders often justify lane splitting to avoid congestion, reduce rear-end collision risk, and keep their bikes cooler in hot weather. Those arguments carry some legal weight in states like California, where the practice is permitted under specific conditions. However, Missouri does not offer the same legal protections.

Lane splitting comes with inherent dangers, including:

• Limited maneuvering space raises the likelihood of hitting mirrors or scraping other vehicles.
• Sudden lane changes by drivers give motorcyclists minimal time to react or avoid collisions.
• Reduced visibility, as drivers rarely anticipate a motorcycle approaching between lanes.

These factors heighten the chance of severe injuries and lead to disputes over who was at fault, even for a minor miscalculation. At the same time, lane splitting can result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death claims.

Can Lane Splitting Affect Your Motorcycle Accident Claim?

Yes, and significantly. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, which means your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault in the crash. This rule applies even if the other driver contributed to the collision. If an insurance company or jury determines that lane splitting was a contributing factor, even partially, your recovery could be reduced by that same percentage of fault.

For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault for splitting lanes, you could only recover $70,000. Opposing insurers almost always argue that lane splitting is unsafe, unpredictable, and negligent. They may also use police reports or witness statements against you to minimize or deny payment. This is why having strong legal representation early in the process is critical to protecting your claim and maximizing your compensation.

When to Contact a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in St. Joseph

Motorcycle accidents involving disputed liability, especially those linked to lane splitting, require immediate legal guidance. Our team at the Montee Law Firm has decades of experience advocating for injured riders across Missouri. We understand how insurance companies handle these cases and what it takes to protect your rights under state law. Reach out at (816) 760-2788 now for a free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our successful case results are a true reflection of the values and virtues we believe in and uphold at the Montee Law Firm.

James Montee

free case consultation call us: (816) 364-1650