Is Lane Splitting Legal in Florida?

Lane splitting happens when a motorcyclist rides between lanes and cars traveling in the same direction. Usually, motorcyclists prefer to do this, where legal, to more easily work their way through slow-moving traffic, like a traffic jam. 

Several states legally allow lane splitting, and some have no laws on it, thus not technically legalizing it but also not making it illegal. In Florida, though, there are specific rules that motorcyclists must abide by, and lane splitting is illegal in Florida.

Riding a motorcycle is a fun activity for many people, and Florida has its fair share of motorcyclists. In fact, it was recently reported that Florida is in the top three states for motorcycle registrations. Still, riding a motorcycle is a very risky thing to do, and if an accident happens, there is an increased risk of catastrophic injuries and death.

If you were in a Florida motorcycle accident, then having legal representation can help improve the chances that you are able to be fully compensated for your losses. Your injuries may have kept you out of work, which prevented you from earning a living; you may have had to have expensive medical treatment and surgery; you may have suffered emotional trauma and incredible pain. It is imperative that your claim accounts for all of your damages and that you are well-positioned to negotiate strongly with the insurance company. The Tampa personal injury lawyers at Fulgencio Law can fight on your behalf to help you win your case.

Lane Splitting is Illegal In Florida

Driving through lanes between cars can be incredibly dangerous, which is why Florida prohibits this behavior. Motorcyclists may startle other drivers, who may then crash into other cars to move out of the way. Or a car making a lane change might not realize that a motorcyclist is driving through the lanes, and the car could clip the motorcyclist. 

Anything can happen when a motorcyclist lane splits. Even though motorcyclists usually reserve lane splitting for slowed or stopped traffic, there are those who will do this when traffic is moving at highway speeds, which is even more dangerous. However, because lane splitting is so risky and illegal, motorcyclists should not engage in this driving behavior in Florida. 

What is legal in Florida is lane sharing. In other words, up to two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same lane. Doing so does not increase the danger for motorcyclists, and it is also lawful.

Call Fulgencio Law Today

Every year, there are thousands of motorcycle accidents in Florida. In fact, not too long ago, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles cited 9,543 motorcycle accidents in the state. There were 629 motorcycle drivers who died in these accidents.

Taking on the claims process alone, especially if you are seriously injured, can be a hard thing to do. Managing the legal burden to get the compensation you need is never an easy task, but with the help of our highly trained attorneys at Fulgencio Law, you will know that things will be done right and that your best interests are being represented. For assistance with a motorcycle accident claim in Florida, please call (813) 463-0123 to discuss your case during a free consultation.