You cannot legally engage in lane splitting in Massachusetts. The state forbids this practice, which many motorcyclists use when dealing with heavy traffic. Engaging in lane splitting can result in a ticket, fines, and points on your license.
You can learn more about lane splitting with a Boston motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney can also help if you get in an accident involving lane splitting, resulting in your emotional suffering, pain, injuries, and property damage.
Laws on Lane Splitting in Massachusetts
Massachusetts uses Section 4A in the General Laws to provide regulations on lane splitting. Under this section of the law, motorcyclists must drive in a single lane instead of engaging in lane splitting (or driving on the white line between two lanes).
This section of the legal code also prohibits motorcyclists from riding more than two abreast with another motorcyclist. Additionally, the code states that motorcyclists must pass in single file.
So, is lane splitting legal in MA? No, the state does not legally allow this behavior. Motorcyclists who disobey this regulation can face fines and points on their license.
Will Massachusetts Change Lane Splitting Laws?
The state considered allowing lane splitting in 2017, but the bill related to the approval was not passed. These laws may change in the future. However, motorcyclists cannot currently lane split in Massachusetts.
Do Other States Allow Lane Splitting?
Several states allow lane splitting. California fully legalized lane splitting as long as motorcyclists maintain a certain speed while engaging in the practice, for example. Four other states allow lane splitting in certain conditions. These states include:
- Utah
- Montana
- Arizona
- Hawaii
Some states do not have specific laws regarding lane splitting. Therefore, motorcyclists can perform this action without technically breaking any laws. However, motorcyclists in these states can still face charges for driving recklessly or improperly changing lanes.
Eleven states and Washington D.C. lack laws on lane splitting. The American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) endorses lane splitting due to a study from the University of California and the success of the practice in California.
Several states specifically prohibit lane splitting, including:
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Maine
- Connecticut
Bottom line: Can you lane split in Massachusetts? No. Not under the state’s current laws. However, motorcyclists can engage in this practice in many other states.
Does Lane Splitting Cause Accidents?
Sometimes, motorcyclists engaging in lane splitting cause accidents. They may come too close to another vehicle because they change positions without checking their surroundings.
Other motorcyclists may also strike motorcyclists engaging in lane splitting, especially if the biker rides in their blind spot. Motorcyclists do not automatically hold liability for these collisions, even though lane splitting is illegal in Massachusetts.
A Boston motorcycle accident injuries and damages lawyer can review your situation after a crash involving lane splitting, find the liable party, and help you seek compensation.
What Happens After a Lane Splitting Accident?
Drivers must report the crash and seek appropriate medical attention after a lane-splitting accident. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene and get contact information from all eyewitnesses.
The professionals also recommend reaching out to a personal injury lawyer for help. An attorney can quickly investigate what happened and determine who caused the collision. For example, an attorney may:
- Canvas local businesses to look for surveillance footage showing the crash
- Look for videos from dashcam recorders
- Interview all eyewitnesses to get official statements
- Get a copy of the police report about the crash
Getting legal help right away can help you secure compensation for your losses. Remember that lane splitting is not legal in Massachusetts but does not automatically indicate fault for a collision.
What Compensation do You Get After a Lane Splitting Crash?
After a crash involving lane splitting, you may have a chance to secure compensation to cover the physical pain you experience, especially if it impacts aspects of your daily life, like getting dressed, picking something up off the floor, or cooking your dinner.
An attorney can also help you with money to cover your emotional suffering and the mental anguish caused by the crash. Additional damages you can collect for a motorcycle accident include compensation for your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
You may not have to go to court for a motorcycle accident to secure compensation. Instead, an attorney could help you secure the money you need to recover through a settlement with the insurance company representing the at-fault driver.
You can discuss the best methods available to resolve your claim after a lane-splitting collision by reaching out to a local law firm for help immediately.
Find Out if Lane Splitting Is Legal in Massachusetts
Is lane splitting legal in Massachusetts? The state does not allow motorcyclists to legally engage in lane splitting. Individuals hurt in accidents involving lane splitting may have a chance to secure compensation to cover all of their losses.
You can get fast help from a local law firm when you turn to our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours and take your case seriously as part of our Stone Cold Guarantee®.
Find out more about your next steps by calling or completing our online contact form.
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