Is Lane Splitting Legal in Louisiana?

LOUISIANA - Motorcycle laws vary from state to state, so it's important to know what is and isn't legal not just here in Louisiana. When it comes to lane splitting, is it legal in Louisiana?

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Is Lane Splitting Legal in Louisiana?

Louisiana has unfortunately seen quite a few motorcycle crashes in recent weeks, with many of them being fatal.

Before we get into whether lane splitting is or isn't legal in Louisiana, let's talk about what it is and why someone would even do it in the first place.

La.gov defines lane splitting in Louisiana as "operating a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles."

Lane splitting is sometimes called "white-lining" or "stripe-riding".

Unfortunately far too many people think that lane splitting is simply a way for them to get through traffic faster.

Clearly, this is a risky and dangerous maneuver.

That being said, there is an application where lane splitting can be a good thing for a motorcycle when stopping in traffic.

If a rider splits the lane while stopping to wait for a light to change, they help protect themselves from getting pinned in between two vehicles should a driver rear-end the vehicle in front of them.

Whether a rider is using lane splitting for safety or impatience, is it legal in Louisiana?

The short answer is...nope.

From La.gov -

"A. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This Subsection shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

B. The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

C. No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

D. Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

E. Subsections (B) and (C) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties."

You can read more on Louisiana's motorcycle laws over at La.gov.

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Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott