Many North Carolina motorcycle riders argue that state law should let them split lanes of traffic to avoid intense traffic, unpredictable weather, and other hazards. However, when it comes to the question of “Is lane splitting legal in North Carolina?” the answer is generally “No.”
So, before you try lane splitting on your motorcycle in North Carolina, make sure you understand what state law says on this subject and how the law can affect your rights and compensation in the event of an accident.
How North Carolina Police Typically Enforce Lane Splitting Laws
North Carolina does not have a statute that explicitly bans lane splitting. That said, North Carolina law requires drivers to keep their vehicles within a single traffic lane and not move from their lane unless they know it’s safe to do so. Lane splitting carries substantial risks, including dooring accidents, sideswipe collisions, and debris-related accidents. As such, motorcyclists should avoid splitting lanes unless it’s absolutely necessary for safety reasons.
How police enforce North Carolina’s lane-splitting laws varies by agency and officer. As a general rule, the police are more likely to give you a ticket for lane splitting if your actions cause an accident or put someone else in danger. However, an especially strict officer might give you a ticket for lane splitting if they’re a stickler for the rules of the road.
Whether you want to risk a ticket or accident by splitting lanes is up to you, but think carefully before deciding.
What’s the Difference Between Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering?
One common source of confusion among North Carolina motorcycle riders is the difference between lane splitting and filtering. Lane splitting involves riding between lanes of moving traffic, whereas lane filtering involves moving between stopped cars to reach the front of the line at an intersection.
This poses the question of whether lane filtering or lane splitting is legal in NC. While North Carolina motorcycle law does not explicitly ban either practice, either action could potentially violate other traffic regulations. Lane splitting and filtering can also increase the likelihood of a crash.
How Lane Splitting Can Affect Motorcycle Accident Claims in NC
One last thing to keep in mind before splitting lanes on your motorcycle is how your actions can affect your rights after an accident. North Carolina’s contributory negligence doctrine states that you cannot recover compensation after a crash if you played any role in it, no matter how small your role. If you were splitting lanes when the collision occurred, the other driver or their insurance company will likely argue that your actions contributed to the crash, meaning you might be blocked from recovering compensation.
However, the fact that you were splitting lanes does not mean you caused the accident. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can gather evidence to show how the other driver is solely responsible for the collision.
Get Help from Our North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today
Whether or not you were lane splitting in North Carolina when the crash occurred, a motorcycle accident can have devastating consequences. At Kornbluth Ginsberg Law Group, P.A., we provide the same level of dedication and customer service we would want if we sustained injuries in a collision.
Let us handle all the legal work while you concentrate on healing. Call us 24/7 at 919-980-9895 complete our contact form for a free initial consultation. Our law firm serves clients in the Triangle and across North Carolina from offices in Durham and Sanford.
