No, lane splitting is not legal in Texas. A law passed in 2023 gives police officers the right to fine motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting. Bikers can expect to pay up to $175 if the police accuse them of this behavior.
Texas made lane splitting illegal out of the belief that this behavior can lead to increased accidents. If you sustained injuries in a crash, you can get professional help securing compensation for your losses by reaching out to a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer.
Is Lane Splitting Illegal in Texas?
Lane splitting is not legal in Texas. In 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 4122 into law and made the practice of lane splitting illegal. Due to this law, bikers can face fines if the police catch them engaging in lane splitting.
In some cases, lane splitting allegations could lead to more serious charges. For example, the police could claim that a biker engaged in reckless driving while lane splitting. Texas does not consider lane splitting legal in any circumstances. Motorcyclists cannot engage in this behavior in our state.
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Does Lane Splitting Cause Accidents?
Some motorcycle crashes involve lane splitting. However, studies have shown that, in heavy traffic, lane splitting reduces the odds of a motorcyclist getting struck from behind. Additionally, motorcyclists who engage in lane splitting reduce their chances of suffering torso and head injuries.
Regardless of these findings, lane splitting is illegal in Texas. Despite the potential benefits, motorcyclists can face fines if the police catch them engaging in this practice on the road.
How Are Motorcyclists Legally Allowed to Use the Road in Texas?
According to the legal codes in Texas, motorcyclists can drive on public roads if they:
Use a Full Lane
Motorcyclists have the right to use a spot in a single lane of traffic, with other vehicles respecting their spot in the lane. If another motorist tries to crowd a biker and causes a crash, the other motorist would have to cover the biker’s losses.
Use a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lane
Motorcyclists can legally drive in HOV lanes in Texas, even if they are not carrying a passenger. They do not have to adhere to the same regulations as other motorists when it comes to HOV lane usage.
Share a Lane
While motorcyclists cannot engage in lane splitting, they can share a lane with other bikers. Two motorcyclists can legally drive side-by-side in Texas. However, they cannot impede other traffic while doing so, and they can only engage in this practice if both bikers agree.
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What Happens if You Get into a Lane-Splitting Accident?
While lane splitting can reduce the odds of a motorcycle crash, it isn’t a guarantee that bikers will avoid collisions. If you get into an accident while splitting a lane in Texas, you may face a fine, and the other motorist involved could try to blame you for the crash.
However, just because you engaged in lane splitting does not mean you caused the accident. Another driver could have hit you while driving in a dangerous or reckless way. Therefore, it’s important that you reach out to a lawyer who can investigate what happened and explain your options after a crash.
A lawyer can carefully go over your situation and determine if you qualify to file a claim for compensation. An attorney can also:
- Answer any questions you have about the legal process
- Help you avoid potentially costly mistakes
- Build your personal injury claim and handle negotiations with insurance representatives
- Represent you in court if necessary
In addition to contacting a lawyer after a crash, you should report the incident to the police and seek immediate medical care for any injuries you sustained.
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What Compensation Can You Get After a Lane Splitting Crash?
If someone else caused your lane-splitting accident, you could qualify for money to cover the costs of all of your economic and non-economic damages. The liable party may need to pay for your:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Motorcycle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
A lawyer will need to carefully review your situation to determine how much compensation you should receive.
Learn More About Lane Splitting in Texas From Haque Law
So, is lane splitting legal in Texas? Texas made the practice of lane splitting illegal in 2023. Motorcyclists who try to split a lane can face fines if the police catch them, despite the fact that some studies indicate that lane splitting is a safe practice.
If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash, you can get professional help today from our team at Haque Law. Our founding attorney spent a decade working as a hospital administrator, and he saw firsthand the devastating impact of motorcycle crashes. We know how long the road to recovery can be and how to fight for every dollar you need to move forward.
Our team can review your situation, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance about the steps you should take after a crash. We have over 80 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to take charge of your claim right now.
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